Although at first glance the business of this company may seem diverse, the products it offers all support a single process: distribution.
“Vanderlande Industries is dedicated to improving its customers’ business processes and competitive position by providing automated material handling systems. Our systems enable fast, reliable and labor-saving handling of goods in distribution centers, facilities sorting of urgent packages and the manufacturing industry, as well as baggage handling at airports”. (1)
DHL recently opened a distribution center in Leipzig where VanderLande has been chosen as supplier of the distribution equipment. “This system that’s housed in a room the size of about 11 football fields. It processes 100,000 packages per run and when they come off the conveyor after seven minutes, they’re sorted into 550 destinations.” (source: financial het dagblad)
For airport applications, the company is one of the leaders in so-called destination code vehicle (DCV) systems. Imagine that when you leave your luggage at the flight operator’s counter. What you see is the belt with your luggage that disappears when you check-in. You only see the black box, but behind it is a whole system of small vehicles that transport bags and packages.
The interesting thing about this company is its approach. When comparing with one of its competitors, a striking difference emerges. The French company Alstef not only offers baggage handling systems, but also warehouse solutions with cranes. This is a completely different process. One is distribution, warehouse solutions are concentrated around the storage process.
The company website is simple and focused. Further inside there is a lot of jargon, the many abbreviations are not explained directly (DCV, IR). It is also interesting that the website is offered in many languages, including continental English and American English; the company operates in both Europe and the US.
Because the company’s product is dedicated to a specific distribution process, they are often not the only solution providers. This means that it operates in an environment with many stakeholders and where system integration is required. On the website we learn about some of the partners, such as Philips, SAP, CAPGEMINI, TYCO, etc. Most companies like DHL (Deutsche Post), where logistics are involved, rely not only on (sorting) equipment, but also on information systems; that explains partners like SAP and integrators like CAPGEMINI.
The company was founded in 1949, the current CEO and Chairman is Peter Gerretse and Mr. Maris is Chairman of the Board (of Supervisors).
Siemens is not among the partners, but that’s no coincidence: “Siemens is a world leader in providing integrated airport solutions…offers the full range of innovative products and solutions for all aspects of airport ground traffic handling. airport, including aviation ground lighting, power management, baggage and cargo handling systems, communication systems, security systems, and building management solutions…(2)
Most of the players in this domain (Glidepath, Alstef, Alstec) are not publicly traded apart from Siemens and the Japanese company Okura. This is a highly competitive (global) domain where Vanderlande is one of the leaders. Interesting when you know that this company is located somewhere in the south of the Netherlands.
(1) – [http://www.vanderlande.us/en-us/Company/Pages/Default.aspx]
(two) – [http://w1.siemens.com/press/en/pr_cc/2005/06_jun/la0501053_](Beijing)_1275598.htm
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