Logistic service supplier GIST went through the transformation from flower and plant transporter to the logistic service supplier in the food sector a number of years ago on the European mainland. "Three years ago we didn't make a penny turnover from food and now this share is 40%. We are being increasingly recognised in the market," says the Europe director Chris Cooijmans with satisfaction. "As part of a British group we are traditionally strongly present in England and the main cause of our growth is that we have grown with our British food retail customers. This development is in both transport and contract logistics, as well as the existing flower and plant business."
Chris Cooijmans
"We made a choice with our transition to concentrate on a number of markets in Europe. These are the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom and Austria. We have our own locations here - completed with the Czech Republic. The threesome of the Netherlands - France - UK is an important pillar for our company. In Austria we have an intricate distribution network for flowers and plants. The activities in Czech Republic are mainly food related. Altogether we have 3,000 cars, of which most are in the UK and 250 on the mainland in Europe," says Chris.
The main difference between flower and plant transport and the food transport is in the temperature regimes and cases of contamination, according to Chris. "But there are a lot more similarities, in the end it's all temperature controlled transport and this will form our base for the future. At the moment we are bringing a lot of fresh goods from over the Dutch border. The next step is getting more foothold within the Netherlands and to continue to grow with the existing customer base. We are already in countless discussions with our customers about this."
The transformation that GIST has gone through is bearing fruit, according to Chris. "Due to the strategic choices that we have made, we are seeing our flows thicken and can optimally use our fleet. Transport isn't simple and the price will always remain an important component. We always try to find a solution for the customer, but within reason. Sometimes we have to say no. We only want to continue to grow with a profitable business."
This business often goes further than just road transport. "There is increasing demand for warehousing activities and in this combination with the transport we offer a total solution. If you want to make a living with just road transport these days you will have to specialise considerably. For us the challenge is in further specialising added value. We think multimodal for this. We have made investments in trailers that can be put on trains and part of the transport goes to Austria through a combination of road transport and train. In our organisation we also have a separate management branch in which we control the customer flows and use multi modal solutions."
The transformation that GIST has gone through is bearing fruit, according to Chris. "Due to the strategic choices that we have made, we are seeing our flows thicken and can optimally use our fleet. Transport isn't simple and the price will always remain an important component. We always try to find a solution for the customer, but within reason. Sometimes we have to say no. We only want to continue to grow with a profitable business."
This business often goes further than just road transport. "There is increasing demand for warehousing activities and in this combination with the transport we offer a total solution. If you want to make a living with just road transport these days you will have to specialise considerably. For us the challenge is in further specialising added value. We think multimodal for this. We have made investments in trailers that can be put on trains and part of the transport goes to Austria through a combination of road transport and train. In our organisation we also have a separate management branch in which we control the customer flows and use multi modal solutions."
Calais
The problems at Calais aren't passing GIST by. "Although I think the impact for us is less than amongst other transporters because we cross by night with cooling trailers. All in all it is doable, but with each delay the service to the customer is being compromised. This is annoying, even if it isn't within your power to change it, but we are aware of the measures being taken in Calais and so we are close to the developments."
When asked where GIST will be in five years, Chris replies: "I am aiming for at least twice as much turnover, in which the percentage of food will be a lot higher. We are also investing in widening the service package and want to become even more efficient through a digital CMR/bill of lading, among other things."
For more information:
Chris Cooijmans
GIST Nederland
Klappolder 130
2665 LP Bleiswijk
Tel: 0031 (0) 107650101
Chris.cooijmans@gistworld.eu
www.gistworld.com
Chris Cooijmans
GIST Nederland
Klappolder 130
2665 LP Bleiswijk
Tel: 0031 (0) 107650101
Chris.cooijmans@gistworld.eu
www.gistworld.com