Bumpy German roads ominous for economy

Frankfurt

For SMS Siemag AG, a pothole isn't just a pothole.

The maker of metal-processing plants, which ships products around the world, says damaged bridges make getting them from its headquarters in Hilchenbach, Germany, to harbours such as Hamburg or Antwerp the hardest part. Transport of parts that weigh between 50 tonnes and 300 tonnes takes four times longer than it did in 2010 and has become five times more expensive.