Gheeraert Transport and Eraltrans join forces
On 1 January 2020, Gheeraert Transport from Loppem, specialist in transport with added value, took over the trade fund and employees from Eraltrans (Hendrickx Group) from Sint-Truiden.
“We expect that the transport sector will continue to change in the future. An expansion strategy is needed to continue to innovate and invest in the future. This strategic acquisition fits in with our growth strategy and offers economies of scale for both companies,” testify Peter (43) and Stijn (41) Gheeraert.
‹‹ Our corporate values and culture match seamlessly ››
- FAMILY COMPANY l both companies are 3rd generation family businesses
- CUSTOMER DRIVEN l with attention to quality and customer service
- CONTINUITY l insured for employees and customers of Eraltrans
The active family shareholders of Eraltrans went in search of a party to guarantee the continuity of their company for both employees and customers.
The activities will continue during the first year under the current company name Eraltrans. The 20 office and warehouse employees and 40 trailers are taken over by Gheeraert Transport.
Eric Hendrickx, director of Eraltrans: “We feel comfortable with Gheeraert Transport's vision for the future and are convinced that it is the best party to act in a customer-oriented manner and to guarantee the continued operation of our company. As Head of Sales, I continue to actively contribute to their growth story. My children Pieter and Jonas and my brothers children Michael and Kristina, together with our other partners, continue to guarantee the execution of the transport assignments."
Greater geographical coverage for distribution in Belgium
Jérôme Vandenbussche, distribution & warehouse manager at Gheeraert, can thus offer greater geographic coverage and a higher drop frequency for distribution customers in the Benelux.
“In addition to Loppem and Zwijnaarde, we can use the additional distribution hubs in Sint-Truiden, Vilvoorde and Beernem to reduce mileage / emissions and avoid traffic jams, which is good for the environment. The acquisition offers economies of scale for both companies and enables further expansion and innovation in our distribution operations."
Profitability through automation & digitization
“In the short term, we want to invest fairly quickly in digitization at Eraltrans. Our renewed my.gheeraert.be customer portal is ready to be implemented so that all distribution customers can place their orders online, ask questions via a chat box and track the goods via track and trace, ”explains Peter Gheeraert.
In 2016, Gheeraert also took over transport colleague Transport De Sauter in Bruges. Digitization and integration quickly paid off. Under the name "Innovation Drives Service", a renewed IT infrastructure is currently being drawn up for the entire Gheeraert Group.
”The companies are supplementary in terms of transport services, which is positive for staff, customers and suppliers. We want to receive them with open arms in our Gheeraert family, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction, safety and quality, ”adds Stijn Gheeraert.
Moving Forward Together
“I feel a lot of enthusiasm among the employees of both companies. We combine pleasure at work with the satisfaction of serving our customers flawlessly. ”
For more info, contact
Jérôme Vandenbussche | CEO Eraltrans