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How we transformed into a trendsetting logistics provider
CEO Foreword
Dear ,
The new construction of our second BREEAM Outstanding distribution center in Veendam is progressing steadily. As we said earlier, Oldenburger|Fritom wants to distinguish itself in both sustainability and innovation. The Lean Six Sigma method helps us achieve this ambition. You can read how we realize our sustainable and innovative objectives by applying the method.
Lean Six Sigma has also been proven to be effective in change management. That is why I consciously chose this method in 2004, when I continued my career at Oldenburger|Fritom. It is now exactly 20 years ago that we were on the eve of our business transformation into a trendsetting logistics provider. Following this milestone, you can read an interview with me in this newsletter.
In our recurring feature “The world around us”, attention is paid to the Red Sea crisis. Since last November, Houthi rebels have been carrying out attacks on cargo ships on the important shipping route between Asia and Europe. Many large shipping companies therefore choose the longer route along the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This leads to a considerable increase in delivery times and additional costs.
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We conclude this newsletter with an article about amateur football club DZOH in the Dutch city of Emmen. Oldenburger|Fritom has been the main sponsor of this football club since 2009. We have recently decided to extend our agreement with DZOH. To ensure continuity, the football club, like Oldenburger|Fritom, encourages an active lifestyle among young people. They allow youth members to enjoy sports and this simultaneously contributes to making new contacts.
I wish you much reading pleasure.
Sincerely,
René Dale |
Lean Six Sigma and our new construction project
A second distribution center is currently being built at Oldenburger|Fritom in Veendam according to the highest sustainability standard: BREEAM Outstanding. In addition to sustainability, our distribution center will also be characterized by innovation with a fully automatic storage and order picking system. To achieve these ambitious goals, we apply the Lean Six Sigma method.
The demand for our logistic solutions increasingly includes an element related to sustainability. Including in the field of warehousing, such as in our new distribution center. By applying Lean Six Sigma, Oldenburger|Fritom can respond to this proactively. Reducing waste is a focus point within the method and also serves as a guideline in our sustainable new construction project.
Although reducing waste does not apply to innovation, Lean Six Sigma still strengthens our ambitions in this regard. This is mainly due to the pursuit of continuous improvement. By applying the DMAIC model (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control), the method offers a structured approach to achieving innovative objectives. The ultimate goal of both the method and our innovation focus in the new distribution center is to create optimal customer satisfaction.
Lean Six Sigma organization
Employees play a crucial role in a Lean Six Sigma organization and therefore also within our new construction project. All Oldenburger|Fritom employees undergo training in the method. These training courses, the 'belt certifications', are mostly provided internally. We have been certified for this according to ISO 13053-1 since last year. As far as we know, we are the only logistics service provider in the Netherlands that is certified according to this internationally recognized standard.
“Every day is different and that fits me like a tailor-made suit”
On March 8, 2024, it was exactly 20 years ago that our CEO René Dale continued his career at Oldenburger|Fritom. This marked the beginning of a far-reaching but necessary transformation process. Our company, at the time still a local transporter, was sinking into the red, making our survival uncertain. Today, two decades later, Oldenburger|Fritom offers logistic solutions all over the world and we are known as a trendsetting logistics provider. In a personal interview we asked our CEO how he shaped our transformation process.
After studying business economics, René started his career at Reining Transport in the Dutch province of Groningen. He started here as the youngest employee and left fourteen years later as Site Director. In 2000 he became Director of Operations at Penske Logistics in the Dutch city of Coevorden. “At Penske I became familiar with the Lean Six Sigma method and I gained a lot of experience in quality management,” says René. “In my opinion, focusing on quality is the way to profile yourself distinctively as a company.”
René's strong desire for entrepreneurship was the main reason for switching to the Fritom Group in 2004. “Together with my colleagues, I was immediately allowed to focus on the transformation process I had in mind.” Since René was born and raised in the Dutch province of Groningen, he already knew our company. “The Oldenburger Brothers turned our company into a solid transporter in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The foundation they laid made me decide to take on the challenge.”
Professionalization
And that challenge was no joke. Our company, taken over by the Fritom Group in 1999, was sinking into the red in 2004. The Fritom board therefore looked for a change-minded leader to ensure continuity and approached René. Our CEO then immediately put rigorous measures in place. This was desperately needed at the time to match our logistic services with the developments at our existing and loyal local customers.
“We also managed to expand our customer portfolio quite quickly with several multinationals. They also needed and need a partner that guarantees them high-quality logistics performance.” By applying the Lean Six Sigma method, in which the customer is always central, René managed to transform our company into a stable organization offering future-proof logistic solutions. “Above all, it is thanks to the knowledge and skills of my colleagues that our organization was professionalized in no time.”
Trendsetter in logistics
When we ask what he would have done differently with what he knows now, René answers: “Of course, things can always be improved, but I am truly happy that I was also allowed to make mistakes. It is precisely these valuable learning experiences that take us further. Together with my colleagues I have embarked on this great logistics journey. I love seeing how they continuously develop over the years.”
René mentions setting up an air freight department at Schiphol Airport, with the associated certifications and IATA membership, as one of the finest moments. In addition, our distribution center, which we had built in 2018 according to the highest sustainability standard, 5-star BREEAM Outstanding. “With the current new construction of another BREEAM Outstanding distribution center we are not only a trendsetter in sustainability but also in innovation. Our new distribution center will have a fully automatic storage and order picking system. At the same time, we are investigating the use of electric trucks and hydrogen-powered trucks to make our transportation more sustainable.”
Never a dull moment
Transport and logistics never stand still and that is what makes the profession so much fun, according to René. “Every day is different and that fits me like a tailor-made suit. We will undoubtedly have to make adjustments again in the future because developments turn out to be slightly different than expected. That is what makes entrepreneurship so interesting, there is never a dull moment.” Last February our CEO celebrated his 60th birthday.
“You're only as old as you feel. My physical and mental condition are excellent, partly due to the tight schedule of my personal trainer and occasional cycling. Furthermore, the Fritom Group is a beautiful and social family-owned company. Therefore, as long as I feel this way, I want to continue here as CEO at least until I retire. After that, I would like to remain involved with Fritom in a more coaching and advisory role. Staying at home is not my cup of tea.”
 The world around us
The Red Sea crisis
The Houthi movement in Yemen has been carrying out attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea since last November. The drone and missile attacks are the result of the Gaza–Israel conflict, in which the Houthis support Hamas in their fight against Israel. That is why many major shipping companies are now avoiding the shortest and cheapest shipping route between Asia and Europe, through the Suez Canal.
This sailing route is preferred precisely because of the fast passage through the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the fact that the vulnerability of this important waterway can have far-reaching consequences. This became clear in the spring of 2021 when the container ship Ever Given ran aground, blocking the Suez Canal. The aftermath of this crisis continued for months.
Container carriers now fear that the disruption will continue until the end of 2024. For the time being, many shipping companies will divert vessels to the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. On average this alternative route will extend delivery times from ten to fifteen days. The advice to companies is therefore to take into account that sailing times are longer and that there are additional costs.
Oldenburger|Fritom is closely monitoring the Red Sea situation. Based on this, we will provide options that best suit your logistics needs.
Oldenburger|Fritom has extended its contract with DZOH
Since 2009, Oldenburger|Fritom has been the main sponsor of amateur football club DZOH in the Dutch city of Emmen. We recently extended our contract with DZOH until June 2029. The reason for this is the attention that the football club pays to its youth members. To ensure continuity, DZOH, like Oldenburger|Fritom, invests in the vitality of young people in the region.
DZOH was founded in 1985. The club colors are yellow and green, and the home base is the sport facility called ‘Zwanenveld’. The football club has approximately 800 members, the majority of whom are youth members. DZOH pays a lot of attention to the youth to ensure the continuity of the club. That is why all young members are trained based on a well-organized youth policy plan. While doing so, DZOH can rely on volunteers and various sponsors. This joint focus has led, among other things, to the fact that several youth members of DZOH have now been scouted by the professional football club FC Emmen.
Ensuring continuity
For the same reason as DZOH, namely to ensure continuity, Oldenburger|Fritom invests in vitality among young people in the region. Enjoying sports and making new contacts are central to this. That is precisely why we have been the main sponsor of DZOH since 2009, but it does not stop here. We want to make an active contribution to the club's youth policy plan and that is why we also sponsor various tournaments. The Oldenburger|Fritom youth tournament, organized annually by DZOH, is an excellent example of this. Hundreds of young football players from the region experience a sportive and fun day during these tournaments.
Under the umbrella of the partnership, we also started the Respect project. The main goal is to teach the youngsters of DZOH to play in a respectful way and to display good behavior on and outside the field. In this way, we create a pleasurable football experience for everyone.
Contract extension
Because DZOH's youth policy fits in seamlessly with our activities, Oldenburger|Fritom has decided to extend the contract with the club until June 2029. To this end, on March 11, we invited DZOH chairman Ginus Gangelhof and sponsorship board member Jan Katoen to the football match between FC Emmen against TOP Oss. The signing of the contract extension took place in the VIP Lounge of the FC Emmen stadium, the Oldenburger|Fritom Lounge. In addition to being a business partner of FC Emmen, Oldenburger|Fritom is also a partner of the FC Emmen Youth Academy.
Left to right: Jan Katoen (sponsorship board member DZOH),
René Dale (CEO Oldenburger|Fritom), Ginus Gangelhof (chairman DZOH)
Oldenburger|Fritom looks forward to continuing the pleasant cooperation with the board of DZOH, the members, volunteers and other sponsors. |
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