Tom van der Mark is our youngest (inter)national truck driver (after working for a while in our warehouses in Oud-Beijerland) and his sister Patricia is in her element at the Customer Servicedesk of VDM. We successfully recruited some new talents; Dennis van der Mespel started as National Planner and Kees Kooij is our experienced general ledger administrator. An extra mechanic to support our fleet is still on our wish list.
VDM is a family business and so is Oegema Transport in Dedemsvaart (near the German border). Simon van der Mark: “We share the same working attitude and customer focus. We have agreed to exchange cargo every now and then to come to route optimisation to the benefit of all.” The two companies together stand for more than 200 years of experience in logistics!
We are looking for an extra mechanic to support our fleet and we want to professionalize our HRM so therefore we created a new function. Help us to find an experienced HR-manager that is in for a new challenge and if you happen to know a great general ledger administrator then we hope you warmly recommend us! You'll find a full description of all three jobs on our website.
VDM has a very active staff association called Het Vijfde Wiel (The Fifth Wheel) and they organised the annual Boutmiddag for our own staff and for everyone who was interested. Free entrance, free food and drinks and nice prices were the right ingredients to attract a lot of visitors this Saturday. The doors opened at 15.00 hours, the wheel of fortune started spinning at 16.00 hours and the doors closed at approximately midnight.
Frank Vester is our copywriter and he is an author of a variety of interesting books. His new novel KAPAF is stored in our warehouse and Simon van der Mark - who is playing a role in this book - received the first copy on 6 December. As soon as there is an English version as well, we inform you with that good news.
Peter Schaap made a carreer switch after 18 years at VDM. We wish him all the best and look forward to welcome Dennis van der Mespel. Dennis is young, dynamic and experienced and he will start here in January as our new National Planner. Untill that time Simon van der Mark supports the planning department.
On June 27th the site of Van Adrichem/Milot Reizen was transformed into a festival area for the traditional Herring Party of all the business clubs in the Hoeksche Waard. Foodtrucks, bar tables, cosy corners, nice people and an overdose of sunshine made it the place to be this Thursday afternoon. There was a live band playing on the stage truck that was sponsored by Van der Mark just as the wheel of fortune that was used for the lottery. Everything to raise money for Hospice Hoeksche Waard. The auction of the first barrel of fish had Simon as the highest bidder, although he was not there in person as he was on holidays, but he did his bid by phone. What we did with the herring? We organised our own herring party at VDM on Friday 12 July. With fresh herring of course!
VDM has strengthened its management team with the coming of Marco Stolk. “This is of great importance for the future plans of VDM,” states Simon van der Mark. “We are growing and professionalising and Marco brings a lot of experience and seniority.” Marco Stolk worked for years as Group Manager Logistics & Quality Management for the PACOMBI GROUP.
Why did you make this career switch? “I want to be an entrepreneur, improve processes and drive our business. That is what I am going to do here in my role as Operational Director. Simon and I are both different characters, but we complement one another and share the same vision; we combine the best of the past with innovative logistic services of today!”
We selected Boltrics 3PL Dynamics as the best fit for VDM. “It is a very user-friendly warehouse management system,” according to one of the enthusiastic key-users. Boltrics works as a shell around Microsoft Dynamics and it supports all modern logistic processes. “It makes use of real-time data and helps us to work very efficiently, especially when we will make use of the full scanning functionality." After months of testing the system has gone live and the first experiences with Boltrics are very promising. "One of the big advantages of this solution is that all the communication about procurement and sales is covered now via IDE. We started a pilot with one of our top three customers and after fine-tuning we will use Boltrics by the end of this year for all our relationships.”
The Hoeksche Pluim sculpture has a prominent place in the entrance hall of VDM since 2010, the year that we achieved the award for the best company in the region. You can only win this prestigious entrepreneur award once, so we are not competing to be this year’s winner. Instead of that we are active as one of the five sponsors, because we want to encourage responsible entrepreneurship. On April 15th the award ceremony will take place at the Ondernemersgala Hoeksche Waard.
Recently the complete fleet of VDM was equipped with the next generation of Trimble board computers. “This is so much more than just a navigation system,” says Simon van der Mark. “Our drivers are able to communicate with the planning department and we can follow and handle a shipment from A to Z. It is a perfect registration tool, efficient and accurate and nowadays you can’t do without it anymore.”
Our new warehouse facilities at the Alexander Flemmingstraat 2 have been officially opened. We combined these festivities with the New Year reception (January 4th) that has been well attended and highly appreciated. Unfortunately Simon van der Mark could not visit the memorable event, because of a fracture in his wrist so he was in the hospital for a serious operation. The good news is that 2019 has just started, so we expect Simon to organise many more parties.
We have something to celebrate. We would like to raise glasses with you in a toast to the new year 2019 and the new warehouse facilities. At 16.00 hours our doors open and we hope that you will be our guest on Friday 4 January.
Bas Derksen was employed at the warehouse facilities in Wijchen. These activities have recently been relocated to Oud-Beijerland and as a result of that Bas has to travel a while every day. Therefore we invested in a good van that can be used for daily commuting and delivery services as well.
On the first of December we officially received the key of the Alexander Flemmingstraat 2. Two weeks later, after redesigning the racking, we managed to ship 1.800 pallets - from all over Holland - to Oud-Beijerland on one Saturday. It was a great team effort and now that everything is centralised at business park De Bosschen - head office and warehouses at the James Wattstraat 2 and the enormous warehouse at the Alexander Flemmingstraat 2 - we will surely be able to work even more efficiently than before.
Delicious confectionery, that is what van Strien in Oud-Beijerland is famous for. For years on end the transport of biscuits and profiteroles was an activity that was organised by van Strien as the company operated its own truck and had a dedicated truck driver on the payroll. Since November 1 2018 VDM has taken care of this part of the business. “We are the distribution partner for van Strien and as part of this deal we acquired the truck and the experienced truck driver Wim Wildeman. This is a win-win situation for all of us,” states Simon van der Mark.
This year’s annual party for all the employees of VDM - including the partners - the warehouse was turned into a real festival area with several food trucks, a DJ Booth in a Volkswagen and so on. The jubilarians Ernst Bon en Nico Zevenbergen were honoured for their 12,5 work anniversaries and Simon had a warm word for three pensionados. “Thanks for your loyalty, thanks for everything and remember, retiring doesn’t mean that we will lose sight, because you are part of this big family and we will surely meet at staff parties in the future.” Simon van der Mark stated once more that VDM is as strong as it is right now particularly because of the committed employees. “So we must support one another. If we join hands like we have been doing for centuries, we can remain the best in our business.” It was a memorable evening and everyone went home with a good feeling and a beautiful bunch of flowers as a mark of appreciation for the long term efforts.
In the month of August 'The TirolTrappers' Simon van der Mark and his brother-in-law Jan Kranendonk cycled from Nieuw-Beijerland to Kirchberg in Tirol. The money collected with this trip - 16.225 euro - has been donated to the Hospice Hoeksche Waard.
Simon van der Mark and his brother-in-law Jan Kranendonk are going to cycle for a good cause. “And also for the fun, although we will surely have saddle sores after a few days,” says Simon with a big smile. “We will combine the pleasure of traveling together, with fundraising for the Hospice Hoeksche Waard.” The two TirolTrappers - with their own Facebooksite - will start on the fifth of August and they will be honoured on the fifteenth of August by the mayor of Kirchberg on the big podium during the flower parade festivities.
Last year was a big success, so again we have our own (beer)booth and we hope to see you at the Port Exhibition 2018 on Wednesday 6th or Thursday 7th of June. This networking event will take place at the former RDM shipyard.ion 2018
We purchased a new D-TEC 5-axle combi-trailer with three steering axles. Simon van der Mark: “You can easily switch the combination from one to two containers. This ‘container-breaker’ makes loading and unloading faster so we are more flexible and this way we improve our operational excellence."
This memorable day Gerrit Oostdijk - one of our international truck drivers - received his DAF Super Space Cab. “This is great, an engine with 480 horsepower. Furthermore it has a lot of modern luxury on board, like a fridge and a stationary air conditioner.” The fleet of VDM has been expanded with three brand new DAF trucks, with lower energy consumption so these three trucks are far more economic and eco-friendlier. The first truck was handed over to René de Baat in February and the third one will be delivered in June to Ies van Driel.
We invested in new equipment, but extra trucks also means that we are looking for extra truck drivers. “Not just somebody, we want dedicated people that want to be part of a winning team and that help us to be even more successful. Send me an email and give your career a new boost.”
Right now we also operate distribution centres in Wijchen and Rotterdam, but from August 2018 on we will have centralised all logistic activities in Oud-Beijerland. We had the opportunity to rent another 11.000 square meters at De Bosschen, where we also have our headquarters and warehouses. “This way we can improve our operational effectiveness,” says Simon van der Mark.
The Scheepvaart- & Transportcollege (STC) in Rotterdam trains the new generation of truck drivers. Despite the growing number of students - more than 260 compared to 180 last year - there still will be a great shortage the coming years, due to the growing economy and the retirement of truckers. Simon: “That’s why I accepted the invitation of the STC to give this guest lecture. I have been driving for many years and I want to tell these youngsters what a great job this is. I am quite sure that there are some talented candidates here that can start straightaway at VDM as soon as they have got their diploma.”
In Holland the bus lane is restricted for busses only. Simon van der Mark pleads for permission to use the asphalt for trucks during the traffic peak periods. To support this plan he invited Alderman Harry van Waveren for a ride in one of his trucks - escorted by a police car - to show the viability and big advantages of this plan. Van Waveren: “This surely can help us to solve the increasing problem of traffic jams. I will ask the municipal council to start a pilot. These initiatives of entrepreneurs like Simon van der Mark are of great importance for the economic development of this region.”
For years Van der Mark Transport has been the reliable logistic partner for Jimmy Products b.v. that produces Jimmy’s®Popcorn and is the market leader for the delivery of popcorn to cinema's in the Benelux countries. Jimmy Products b.v. has selected VDM - after a tendering procedure - as its preferred logistic partner for the coming three years. Simon van der Mark: “We are very pleased that we can continue our logistic services for Jimmy Products. Winning a new client is great, but retaining customers is just as important.” VDM also takes care for the daily supply to wholesalers and for international transports to Switzerland and France.
We have signed an agreement with Toyota for the complete renewal of our internal transport equipment. With effect from January 2018 we have state-of-the-art stackers, pallet pump trucks, reach trucks and fork-lift trucks.
At VDM we help logistic students to grow their skills in practice. At this very moment we have five trainees that combine work and study and this way we give enthusiastic, talented young people the change to make a quick start in logistics.
Simon van der Mark has sold his Dakar trucks. “I have seen it all and it was a once in a lifetime experience that I would not like to have missed, but driving Dakar is a time-consuming and very expensive hobby. There are professional teams that we can never beat, because we also have a business to run. I love to drive this kind of rally’s, but it is difficult to block weeks in a row in the annual agenda so from now on I prefer rally driving in Europe and that does not require these desert proof trucks.”
We ordered new polo shirts, sweaters and trousers for our staff. Our company outfitter for years - DB WorkWear - knows what it is to dress to impress. Refreshingly new, tailor-made yellow and black. the perfect fit for VDM!
At VDM we have truck drivers of all ages. Izaak de Baat recently retired after 30 years of dedication. Some of the older colleagues are about to follow him soon so we have plenty of space for young talented truck drivers. Take the next exit to VDM!
The old submarine production hall of the RDM was the fantastic spot for the Port Exhibtion Rotterdam 2017 on the 11th and 12th of May. This part of Rotterdam is worth visiting after its transformation in the last decade.
Simon: "We had a great event and we needed more beer barrels - because of the good weather and the enourmous number of visitors - than ever before."
We hope that you will be our guest at the Port Exhibition Rotterdam 2017 on Wednesday 11th or Thursday 12th of May. The event will take place at the former RDM shipyard. The unique location, combined with the hospitality of Van der Mark Transport, makes your visit worthwhile.
It was a great evening and everyone enjoyed the singing of Just Franky and the good food of our catering partner Restaurant De Rustburcht. It was the ultimate moment to honor some special colleagues. Michel Sluimer, Hans Beije and Gert van Brakel received an anniversary gratification for celebrating their 12,5- and 25- and 35-year employment. Stage and spotlights were also for Rien van Rij, who retired recently. Bert van Akkeren and Izaak de Baat will follow Rien the coming months. Thanks guys, good work and friends for life!
Since our customer base is constantly growing, we invested in some new trucks and trailers. Furthermore one of our trailers is promoting 'De Hoeksche Waard' as the ultimate region for entrepreneurs to settle because of the good business environment. This is our home base for over a 100 years, so we know what we are talking about.
2016 was a very successful year. As we move on - and also because of the fact that several new clients chose VDM as their logistic partner - we invested in two brand new Schmitz Trailers to meet our customers needs.
Since we are constantly growing, we expanded our warehousing capacity again. From now on we do have our own 4.000 square meters and 10 dockshelters in the Abel Tasmanstraat 11 in Rotterdam Albrandswaard.
We like to welcome you at the three days exhibition Transport & Logistics in Ahoy Rotterdam on the last two days of November or the first day in December. You can contact us for free entrance tickets.
VDM has been selected as the official partner of ITH Complast and Pack-It regarding all logistic activities. The partnership agreement has been ratified on the first of July and will be completely effected in January 2017.
The logistic staff in Wijchen, formerly working for Pack-It, will be on the payroll of VDM from now on. Simon van der Mark: “We will also make use of the warehouse in Wijchen and combine this with our warehouse capacity in Oud-Beijerland. This way we will be able to optimize our logistic services.”
Every household is familiar with the broad range of products of ITH Complast and Pack-It. High-end packaging materials and disposables, like for instance kitchen foil and plastic bin bags.
We have made serious plans to expand our warehouse capacity in Oud-Beijerland with another 3.000 square meters. At the time of writing we are awaiting the positive response on our construction permit. To be continued …
While the people of VDM where doing their daily work, a couple of hundred visitors of the second Herring Event for Entrepreneurs enjoyed this Thursday the traditional raw Dutch treat. The outcome of the public auction was overwhelming; EUR 4.500 for the Hospice Hoeksche Waard and another EUR 4.500 for Tour for Life. Corriena van der Mark was the highest bidder for the special lot; the wooden barrel filled with fresh fish. So the day after the crew of VDM had their own herring event.
For the sixth year in a row VDM is one of the sponsors of ‘De Hippische Dagen Strijen’ that will take place at the illustrious estate along the Broekseweg 8. Our stylish yellow truck is used by the jury during the three day horse-show.
And you can also enjoy all other activities like for instance the great Outdoor Summer fair! We look forward seeing you. Summer starts in June!
We will host the second Hoeksche Waard Herring Event for entrepreneurs. For those who do not like the delicious raw fish we will serve other good (finger) food. Simon van der Mark: "Usually, the entrance is free at VDM, but this special day you will need entrance tickets of 20 euro p.p. We donate your entrance fee to two charities that we adopted this year."
A great networking event (on Thursday, the last day of June) from 17.00 - 20.00 hours where you will meet all entrepreneurs of the region.
Another 5.000 square meters to expand our storage capacity? Simon van der Mark shared these plans with his staff at the yearly company meeting last Saturday. After the official part the party started and 6 employees - Izaak de Baat, Bram Hazelbag, Trevor Green, Nelis van Steensel, Gerrit Oostdijck en Peter Slabbekoorn - were honored since they had their 12,5 years of service. There was music and a traditional Austrian buffet mit Tiroler Gröstel und Wienerschnitzel. And the people enjoyed the enormous picture that showed the complete history and future of VDM.
The yearly company meeting is the ultimate moment to meet and share information. Simon van der Mark: "Our employees' partners also attend these meetings and they are right because they are part of the VDM family ánd part of our success." After that it's party time. Last year we sailed with party ship De Prinsenlander, this time the transformed warehouse of VDM is the place to be where we will also honor several jubilarians.
As we proudly said before, Hoeksche Chips selected us as their prefered logitics partner for the daily distribution. Two of our trucks have been wrapped as rolling chips to attract (potential) customers.
For years we are the international logistics partner for Kogros, one of the most important independent wholesalers/traders of tiles in The Netherlands. Our efforts have been rewarded, from now on we do not only drive to Spain and Italy, but we are also responsible for the daily distribution throughout Holland.
Daily fresh and traditionally produced on the farm; Hoeksche Chips is a very successful brand with a steady growing market share. We at VDM are very pleased ánd proud that we have been selected as the preferred distribution partner for Hoeksche Chips.
For our growing day-to-day transport services in The Benelux we invested in two ‘green' Iveco trucks. Simon van der Mark: “This way we can deliver high quality and high service to our demanding clients, efficient and more environmental friendly than ever before.”
As an Authorised Economic Operator we invested in special secured Customs Warehouses and our customers appreciate this that much that we expanded recently in another extra 2.000 square meters.
