Mandersloot Transport celebrated its 60th anniversary recently. What began as a small family business transporting chickens and rabbits from the Netherlands to Poland has grown into an international player in the transport and logistics sector. It now has six branches in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. The company specializes in flower, plant, fruit, and vegetable distribution, mainly serving retail customers in Eastern Europe. "We want to keep developing," says Willem van Leuveren. "Entrepreneurship is in our blood, which is why we've become firmly established in the industry over the past decades."
Origin and growth
Teuni and Wuf Mandersloot founded the company in 1964. They began with meat product exports to Germany, but as Poland became increasingly accessible, they saw opportunities to specialize in Eastern Europe. Soon, Mandersloot expanded its network with branches in Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary.
Today, the distribution of flowers, plants, and fresh produce (potatoes, vegetables, and fruit) accounts for some 70 to 80% of its revenue, with a focus on countries like Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. "Our success comes from specialization in complex distribution. We serve 85 stores in two days. That makes us unique in a region with often difficult infrastructure," explains Willem.
Innovating and investing
Mandersloot distinguishes itself by continually investing in innovation. The company, for example, switched to advanced TMS systems six years ago to improve efficiency and transparency. It can now be more proactive and provide better information to customers. "The train keeps chugging along," Willem says, "and we must keep investing." Mandersloot is also working on sustainability, such as switching part of its fleet to LNG and installing solar panels on its buildings. "Increasing sustainability is a necessary but complicated shift."
Challenges and plans
The company faces challenges, though. Drivers are in short supply in places like Poland, where turnover is high. "Keeping drivers is hard, especially given the rising wages. So, we invest in good working conditions, ensure stability, and pay well," Willem points out. Despite these hurdles, Mandersloot remains optimistic. "We're confident about the future. We still have great plans, like expanding our facility in Hungary and further investments in Romania," says Ronald Mandersloot, one of the company's current owners.
Anniversary and family feeling
This 60th anniversary was a time to reflect and look ahead. "It's a milestone. We're still here, thanks to our team's hard work and our ability to always keep innovating," Willem concludes. The company remains a family business, with the third generation now also active in it. That family feel, and short communication remain at the core of Mandersloot, and the company looks to the coming years with confidence.
Voor meer informatie:
Mandersloot's Expeditiebedrijf
't Zwarte Land 10
3925 CK Scherpenzeel
Tel.: +31 33 277644
[email protected]
www.mandersloot.eu