In 1953, Gijsbert senior took his first steps in the transport business when he bought a horse and cart. By first transporting reeds and rushes, and later important raw materials for the local matting industry, Grandpa Verhoek laid the foundations for the company. When developments in the local carpet industry required extra forms of logistic support, the second generation expanded the company with its own fleet and personnel. Doeke, Jan, Henk and Jaap Verhoek then set up an international network.
Remaining an international service provider
Under the leadership of the four brothers, Verhoek Europe has become a versatile, professional international service provider for groupage transport of long goods with eleven European locations. The head offices have been in the Netherlands since the company was founded. In addition, Verhoek Europe has locations in Germany (7), Belgium (2) and England (1). The focus has mainly been on goods which could be transported as rolls, such as carpet, artificial grass or vinyl. Currently, Verhoek Europe has almost 100,000 m2 of warehousing space, 950 members of staff and there are 450 trucks on the move every day.
Implementing smart innovations
It is now up to the third generation to build on this solid foundation. Gijsbert (35), Claudia (32) and Ferdinand (26) are facing the challenge of adapting to an increasingly fast-moving market using smart innovations. In all of this they will be supported by Michiel Blikman (42). He will be the fourth member of the new board of directors, as Finance Manager. The focus on groupage transport of long goods will remain. Verhoek will keep in close contact with its roots in the carpet industry in this way. In our services, however, we will also focus more strongly on the growth potential of other long goods such as industrial doors, aluminium profiles and awnings.
Offering client-specific total solutions
They will do this, following the philosophy of their predecessors, by entering into long-term partnerships. Verhoek Europe will not just be transporting goods from A to B in order to achieve this. They will continue to realise creative logistics solutions offering client-specific total solutions. Changes in information technology and digitisation play a crucial role in these plans. Transparency in the chain with real-time insights into the movements of your goods as well as paperless transport are two examples.
Contribution to sustainability
Under the leadership of the third generation, Verhoek Europe will also continue to contribute to a more sustainable society. The family company is already doing this by using low CO2 emission trucks, but the new directors want to look for and invest in additional environmentally friendly measures.
Experience and expertise as back up
Where Doeke and Jan took a natural step back from management, this moment has now also arrived for Henk and Jaap. Just as they have been able to rely on the experience and expertise of their brothers, Henk and Jaap will soon also be in the background, supporting the next generation as and when they ask. Gerrit Kolk, the current Finance Director, will be taking on a new role with final responsibility for the Fleet Management and Real Estate departments.
As of September, the proverbial baton will be passed onto the third generation.
