Board View - Maarten van der Tas

Director logistics, Maarten van der Tas , looks back on the year 2024, his first year at Neele-Vat . He also tells us what he believes the future will hold for our warehousing department.

Maarten, could you please introduce yourself to our followers who don't know you?

Yes, of course! My name is Maarten van der Tas. I started in February 2024 as Director Logistics at this beautiful family company. In short that means that I oversee warehouse operations at Neele-Vat. ???

You can certainly say I’m a logistics enthusiast. My first job as a student was working in the warehouse as an order picker and I have never taken on a job outside of logistics since! I’m happy and proud to be part of the Neele-Vat organization as it’s a great place to work with fantastic people, clients and facilities. Furthermore, there is a strong drive to grow the business and continuously optimize our logistics operations.

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Can you tell us about the growth which Neele-Vat has seen in the past couple of years?

Neele-Vat has seen an enormous growth in the past years. The company started with road transport 50 years ago but today we are proud to be able to assist our clients with a full range of logistic services every step of the way. ?

We offer the following supply chain services: freight forwarding by road, air and sea, storing and handling products and complementary logistic solutions such as Rotterdam Blending & Filling (RBF), custom clearance, fiscal representation and container gas detections. ?

What are the key factors for this growth?

For me, there are four key factors for this growth: The full-service logistics solutions we offer, our employees, our global presence, and our financial position as a company.

1. Starting with the first, we can support our clients across the entire logistics chain. This makes us an attractive partner since our clients can address all their logistics challenges with us under one roof.
2. Secondly, our employees are key to support our growth. As a dedicated family business, we highly value our employees. In return, these employees are motivated and skilled to overcome any logistical challenges we face along the way. Next to that, at Neele-Vat we encourage entrepreneurship at all levels in our organization.
3. The third is our global presence which enables us to serve our clients worldwide. I suspect many are aware of our vast presence in the Rotterdam harbor. However, Neele-Vat is also present in other countries in Europe, such as Germany, Spain, Ireland, Scotland and Finland. Furthermore, we are also present in other continents such as North & South America and APAC.
4. Last but not least, our strong financial position. This enables us to continuously invest in the development of our people, as well as in innovative solutions to support the growth of our clients.

How has Neele-Vat adapted to the rapidly changing logistics market?

We are an accessible organization with an open and informal culture. We value direct communication, encourage collaboration, and ensure that everyone feels welcome and heard. Our structure is flexible, making it easy for employees, customers, and partners to engage with us. Additionally, we have many loyal employees with in-depth expertise in their respective fields.

"Where warehouses once primarily served as storage facilities, they are now a strategic component in the global supply chain where the key differentiator lies in adding value to our clients’ products or their supply chain."

Maarten, you've now been working at Neele-Vat as Director of Logistics for a year. In this role you're responsible for several of Neele-Vat's warehouses. What challenges and opportunities do you currently see for Neele-Vat and in warehousing?

The biggest challenge is the rapid increase of costs in the logistics chain and the ongoing challenge of finding and retaining skilled personnel.

In terms of opportunities, I see adding value for our clients in the logistics chain as a key focus. We do this by offering Value Added Services such as sampling in clean rooms, handling and storage of Dangerous Goods, relabeling products and (re-)filling chemicals. I firmly believe that the key to a successful partnership with our clients lie in adding value in their supply chain.

Additionally, there are opportunities to further mechanize logistics processes. We use data-driven insights to identify opportunities to mechanize certain warehouse process. This enables us to provide a competitive service in the present and future while also contributing to a more sustainable world.

What are the most significant developments in warehousing at the moment?

The most notable development in the entire logistics industry is the need to become more sustainable. In particular, for warehousing, this means implementing a range of environmentally friendly practices and technologies to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and lower carbon emissions.

One key aspect of sustainable warehousing is the adoption of energy-efficient infrastructure. This includes the use of LED lighting, solar panels, and smart energy management systems to optimize electricity usage. Additionally, warehouses are increasingly being designed with better insulation and natural lighting solutions to reduce reliance on artificial climate control.

At Neele-Vat, we are committed to contribute to sustainable warehouse developments. A perfect example of this contribution is our recently opened warehouse named ‘City Terminal’ which is located at the Eemhaven in the Rotterdam harbor.

Our new location at the City Terminal in Rotterdam spans 27,000 square meters, featuring 40 docks for truck loading and unloading, and over 1,000 square meters of office space.

The cross-docking center will be fully electrically powered, supported by a solar panel park generating 2.6 GWh of energy annually. Additionally, the site will include a charging station for electric trucks and has been awarded a GPR 8.0 certification, highlighting our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

"Thanks to advancements in AI, we can now implement these improvements more quickly and effectively."

How do you see the role of warehousing in the logistics chain in general?

Warehousing remains crucial for the future. However, its role has evolved significantly. Where warehouses once primarily served as storage facilities, they are now a strategic component in the global supply chain where the key differentiator lies in adding value to our clients’ products or their supply chain.

Which trends and innovations do you believe will play a significant role in warehousing in the coming years?

There is an abundance of data in the logistics chain that we can utilize more effectively. Practical examples include using data to better forecast client demand, enabling better staffing and higher utilization rates. Another area is the application of mechanization and automation. Thanks to advancements in AI, we can now implement these improvements more quickly and effectively.

Also, another trend is that we are rapidly transitioning from a traditional EDI integration to more advanced API-driven, AI-enhanced, and blockchain-secured integrations which will enable better and more accurate data exchange, driving efficiency and better alignment between the client’s supply chain needs and the service providers’ ability to accommodate those needs.

Finally, I anticipate a rise in “made-to-order” logistics, where service providers are increasingly tasked with adding value for clients, ensuring fast and flexible deliveries.

"Neele-Vat has an excellent foundation to tackle these challenges: a full-service logistics provider with four strong business lines, financial stability, a flat organization, and an excellent team with extensive expertise."

How is Neele-Vat preparing for future changes and challenges in the logistics sector?

I believe the key lies in anticipating and responding effectively to these changes. I believe it’s very difficult to predict future changes and the impact of those changes. Therefore, the key lies in anticipating and responding effectively to these changes. It’s about being flexible and responsive to adapt to future developments. I believe Neele-Vat has an excellent foundation to tackle these challenges.

As mentioned earlier, we are a full-service logistics provider with four strong business lines, financial stability, an entrepreneurial spirit and an excellent team with extensive expertise to face any challenges that come our way.

Maarten van der Tas, about the past and the future of our Warehousing department. For more information about our warehousing services, please visit our website, via this link:

Neele-Vat | Warehousing in The Netherlands and over the world.

Or, for our Value Added Services, use this link:

Neele-Vat | Providing Value Added Logistics in the world.