Customer case
Steel & Stockings
At the end of last year, Steel & Stockings, the maker of unique beds, decided to completely revamp its logistics concept. A conversation with Lianne Smits, co-owner of Steel & Stockings, and Joep van de Kamp, co-owner of International Transport Company Van de Kamp.
Logistics: Outsource or handle in-house?
Steel & Stockings designs unique beds and accessories, local craftsmen create the products, and Van de Kamp transports them to the dealers. "Due to rapid growth, we were spending a lot of time organizing regional transport, while our real strength lies in designing special beds and beautiful bedroom accessories.
At the end of last year, it was time to rethink our logistics. We arranged a meeting with Joep van de Kamp and presented our challenge to him. Joep and a few colleagues put their heads together to develop a new logistics concept for us," explains Lianne Smits.
The new way of logistics
"We mapped out where the suppliers of Steel & Stockings are located," adds Joep van de Kamp. "Based on this, we created a route where all products ready for shipment are picked up immediately. This allows manufacturers to use their space much more efficiently. All products are stored at our facility in Druten, consolidated for orders, and then delivered to Steel & Stockings’ 200 dealers."
"In February 2023, we immediately started with this new approach. Now we can focus on creating beautiful things," says Lianne Smits. According to Joep van de Kamp, it took some time to figure out how to implement the new method, and both parties invested a lot of time in getting to know each other well. After an initial phase, the concept is now in place, and both parties are very satisfied with the result. Now that’s smart business.
