Beyond the office walls: a mentor’s personal tour

We needn’t have worried – in fact it was the exact opposite reaction: “Come on over and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.” I was expecting them to be more critical of our company and I was even a bit nervous, but it was clear that they were proud to support Vanderlande.

They even showed an interest in what we were doing – so much so that they offered to share energy data that they had gathered, thus saving us a job. What struck me was how proud they are of the system, and it feels like the companies have struck up a true partnership.

When our customer was showing us around, it was like I was child again and my father had brought me to work. They had completely turned it around, so it felt as if they were a knowledgeable mentor, teaching me about their logistical process.

The relationship with this DC is strong and open, and they feel that connection with us. It’s humbling that the customer was so cooperative, even after everything that had happened before – and that should teach us a lesson!

Saving energy is interesting for our customers because it directly relates to saving costs. But I believe we are developing a sustainable mindset, and it is amazing what we can achieve when we work closer together with our customers.