The Belgian company, DSR Logistics, recently acquired the logistics service provider, Eurosun. "Francis Rodriquez wanted someone to take over the company. He wants to retire in a few years. That was a huge opportunity for us. It means we now have a branch in the fruit and vegetable sector," says DSR Logistics' Robin Desoete. "The fruit and vegetable world was unfamiliar territory for us. We do deal with other perishables like meat, bread, and fish. With this acquisition, we can give our clients a total offer."
"We drive to the Benelux, France, and Germany. We have a direct line to Rungis and the Ruhr area too. We want to specialize in these lines. So, for now, we'll only be driving to those countries. Not much will change in the company's daily operations, despite the takeover. There will, however, be more cross-docking."
"We're growing considerably. That means more cross-docking in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. But, also soon at our head office in Lokeren. There we're in a strategically strong position, close to highways. That location is perfect for export products to southern Europe," says Robin. Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Lokeren are both in Belgium.
The logistics sector's biggest challenge is attracting good, skilled staff. That's according to Desoete. "We do so by working with good materials and listening to our employees. DSR Logistics is a true family business. The Desoete and Roelandt families started it. The Roelandts are from the industrial bakery, Roelandt. We also do all this bakery's logistics. We distinguish ourselves from the competition by our excellent service and 24/7 availability."
"We're now investing in new data and certification. We work with NaviTrans and Transics. These are linked. So, we can monitor our trucks and their temperatures at all times," explains Robin. "We can also store goods. We currently have a warehouse in Lokeren. It has a freezer with space for 6,000 pallets. We want to build different rooms to store fruit and vegetables."
"The presence of Eastern European companies on the market in one of the largest threats. These businesses offer transport at rock-bottom prices. But, we've seen shifts in the market in recent months. Since the corona crisis hit, clients are moving back to service. Price seems to have become less important. That offers us a chance to show companies that service is vital in this sector," concludes Robin.
For more information:
Robin Desoete
DSR Logistics
9 Moortel Street
B-9160, Lokeren, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 932 68 118
Mob: +32 (0) 472 484 642
Email: robin.desoete@dsrlogistics.be
Website: www.dsrlogistics.be