Custom Case
Smart business: doing wat you do best
Late last year, Steel & Stockings, the maker of unusual beds, decided to completely change its logistics concept. In 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 do it yourself?
Steel & Stockings designs unusual beds and accessories, local craftsmen make the products and Van de Kamp transports their products to dealers. “Due to the strong growth, we were spending a lot of time arranging transportation in the region, whereas our strength is in inventing and designing special beds and beautiful bedroom accessories.
Late last year, it was time to rethink our logistics. We organized a meeting with Joep van de Kamp and presented our problem to him. Joep put his head together with some colleagues to work out a new logistics concept for us,” Lianne Smits says.
The new way of logistics
“We inventoried where Steel & Stockings’ suppliers are located,” adds Joep van de Kamp. “Based on this, we set up a route where all products ready for shipment are picked up immediately. This allows manufacturers to use their spaces much more efficiently. At our facility in Druten, all products are kept in stock, collected for orders and then delivered to Steel & Stockings’ 200 dealers.”
“In February 2023, we started right away with this new way of working. Now we can occupy ourselves with thinking of beautiful things,” said Lianne Smits.
According to Joep van de Kamp, it took some puzzling how to shape the new way of working, and a lot of time was taken to get to know each other well. After a start-up phase, the concept now stands and both parties are very satisfied with the results. Now that’s smart business.
