For the sole proprietor Ernst Meyer and his authorized representative Willi Nupnau, one of the main reasons for opening this branch was the proliferation of large cellulose shipments for the German cellulose industry, which FMS had to process itself. White sugar was also being shipped in sacks to Königsberg from the Tangermünde sugar refinery, which belonged to FMS's founding family.
Despite the hyperinflation which began in 1923, FMS remained the only carrier in Lübeck not to have to let staff go under the difficult circumstances. That is because, in 1924, the first paper wood shipments handled by FMS Lübeck began. The following year saw the opening of a dedicated shipbroker's department, and clearance also began to be done at Lübeck.
Despite the bombings and military occupation, Lübeck survived the War without significant damage. But orders declined over 1947/48, which presented the firm with another challenge. They quickly recognized the opportunity that lay in the fact that large wood and cellulose shipments would have to begin just as soon as heavily damaged manufacturing plants were repaired. Most of these plants began their repair works in 1948, and big paper wood shipments began as expected in 1951. FMS then began to dominate the forestry products sector again, as it had before the War.
