In 1993, Nico followed a warehouse employee training at Noorderpoort, a large education center in the northern Netherlands for secondary vocational education. In that same year, we met him as part of a work-study program. Nico went to school one day a week and worked four days at our company.

What was your first impression of our family business?

“The atmosphere felt good and familiar,” says Nico, who grew up in the northern Dutch city of Veendam, where Oldenburger|Fritom is headquartered. “That was also due to the nice colleagues. They immediately welcomed me into the team.” At the time, road transportation was our company's most important logistics service. “That is why I took the driver training course after completing the warehouse employee training.”

Over the past 30 years, you have witnessed the various developments in warehousing up close. In your opinion, what was one of the most important developments?

“Without a doubt, the introduction of handheld scanners. In the very beginning, we only worked with stacks of paper. Not only in the warehouses, but throughout the entire company. Handheld scanners ensure that we all work much more efficiently. Moreover, the risk of error is much lower.”

Today, Oldenburger|Fritom applies the Lean Six Sigma method. You yourself are a certified Yellow Belt. What do you think of the method, also looking towards the future?

“Customer satisfaction is central to Oldenburger|Fritom, and this aligns very well with Lean Six Sigma. We are constantly working on improving and innovating our services. That sets us apart now, but I believe it will also do so in the future. Our personal leadership trainings also contribute to this. Especially because we all participate in these training sessions together, from management to the shop floor.”