Wilko Fruit’s new building is nearing completion, just over one kilometre away from their current building at the IABC site in Breda, the Netherlands. The move to the new building, which is three times as large as the current building, will take place on 13 May. The new development has a total surface of 8,500 square metres, including a floor of 1,000 square metres for cask storage and repacking activities. AGF.nl was given a first look around the new site.
Wilko and Alejandro van der Zwaard
Alejandro van der Zwaard, son of owner Wilko, guided the construction. “In the past three years, we were just at the end of our capacity at the IABC site. We leased some additional halls, but we could no longer work efficiently because of that. Here, we’ll have all of our business under one roof again. We were also keen to lift our certifications to a higher level, that wasn’t possible in our old building anymore,” says the fourth generation fruit trader.
The new building has a dispatch floor of 2,500 square metres with ten loading docks. The cash&carry department consists of 1,000 square metres, divided over hot and cold store. Besides, the temperatures in the various cold stores can be adjusted separately, and there are cells specifically for grapes and tomatoes, for example, and cells for drying.
Please click here for the photo report
“We managed to make all of the improvements we wished for regarding our old building and the former Zwaardfruit building. We’re proud we can realise this with partners like contractor Willy Naessens, installer TES and Roma for the cooling cells and doors. The fact that the building will probably be completed a month earlier than planned should be complimented,” Alejandro says.
“We’ll need the new building before the summer fruit season starts. Relationships that have lasted for years now combined with new markets have resulted in a good range of products. Our company’s specialism is in European stone fruit, primarily cherries. Wilko Fruit belongs to the best of Europe because we have nearly 100 years of experience. Citrus, apples, grapes, soft fruit and herbs are also part of our core activities,” explains Alejandro, who has been active in the shed since he was 11, although he only started working full time for Wilko Fruit in recent years.
When asked if they’ll manage to fill the building, Alejandro laughs: “You haven’t met my father! If the growth we realised in recent years continues, it won’t be a problem. The focus on retail took flight in recent years, and as a result, Wilko Fruit manages to supply more directly to retail. But even when there aren’t any specific actions, we have a good backup in specialists and wholesalers we supply. Our strategy is to have an extensive clientele. This mix of sales markets ensures a high rate of turnover.”
Please click here for the photo report
For more information:
Wilko van der Zwaard
Wilkofruit b.v
IABC 5212
4814 RA Breda, the Netherlands
Tel: +31 76 52 44 460
[email protected]
www.wilkofruit.com
