The best of two worlds

Dale began his career as a junior clerk at the Dutch transport company Reining, where he left after 14 years as branch director. He then spent four years as director of Penske Logistics in the Dutch city of Coevorden. Two worlds apart, from which Dale drew the best for his mission in Veendam. "Reining and Oldenburger|Fritom are traditionally typical family businesses from the Dutch province of Groningen with a similar culture," Dale explains. "In any case, but especially during a large-scale reorganization, open communication with employees is crucial. It helps if you speak the same language."

At Penske, Dale was introduced to the Lean Six Sigma method and gained extensive experience in quality management. "In my view, focusing on quality is the only way to distinguish yourself as a company." Dale approached his former colleagues Erik Mekkes and Albert Medendorp, among others, for the operational implementation of the restructuring process. "An innovative strategy looks good on paper, but you need the knowledge and expertise to execute it."

Due to the increasing demand for their logistic solutions, Oldenburger|Fritom decided in 2024 to build a second BREEAM Outstanding distribution center in Veendam. Guided by their motto “Shaping the Future of Logistics” the innovative logistics service provider also upgraded their existing warehouse in Veendam from BREEAM In-Use Excellent to Outstanding. Dale asked Freight Forwarding Manager and management team member Medendorp to lead both projects. Medendorp: "We had to step up our efforts for the new construction compared to 2018. This is because our second distribution center now had to comply with the latest and stricter BREEAM-NL New Construction 2020 guidelines."

The requirements for the BREEAM In-Use Outstanding upgrade of the existing warehouse in Veendam had also been tightened. "Our warehouse was built in the late 1980s," explains Medendorp. "Because we've continuously adapted the building in recent years to incorporate sustainability and the latest technological developments, we were able to upgrade it to the highest BREEAM level."

With this, Oldenburger|Fritom has also achieved something unique. "Our warehouse is now the only one in the Netherlands with a BREEAM certificate according to the In-Use Outstanding standard. Moreover, it now ranks among the world's most sustainable existing logistics buildings according to BREEAM In-Use Outstanding."

On Thursday afternoon, April 3rd, the grand opening of Oldenburger|Fritom's second BREEAM Outstanding distribution center took place in a sun-drenched Veendam. Guests were treated to an exciting program. The prominent guest speaker promised in the invitation turned out to be none other than American connoisseur and political scientist Raymond Mens, who interpreted current affairs in an inspiring manner. Medendorp then had the honor of performing the opening ceremony together with Arnold de Jong, CEO of the Fritom Group.

By pressing a red button together, they initiated an impressive laser show in motion. The company highlights since 1917 were then projected onto the warehouse racks in a spectacular way. The transformation from transport company to innovative logistics service provider was particularly striking. Although they look back on the past 20 years with pride, Dale, Mekkes and Medendorp don't dwell on past successes. "In line with our focus on continuous improvement and optimization, we're already working on the next challenge," concludes Dale with a smile.

Source: kijkophetnoorden.nl (July 2025)