Farm Trans & Sustainability: Interview with Stephan Does – Manager Warehouse

That’s why Farm Trans established a brand-new warehouse location in Lommel, Belgium, further strengthening its position. Stephan Does was instrumental in developing our own cross-dock facility. The result: a more efficient and sustainable operation. It’s an important step towards a future where chain integration is central.

What are the biggest challenges in setting up a warehouse location?

“It’s a process in which you never encounter what you expected. That’s what makes the work so enjoyable, no two days are the same. In Belgium, the labour regulations differ significantly from those in the Netherlands. I had to figure out how everything works and then build something entirely new within Farm Trans. This really brought out my entrepreneurial spirit. I worked closely with our CEO Adriaan, who gave me the freedom and trust I needed to succeed.”

Which milestones are you most proud of?

“I’m proud of how we made this process as efficient as possible. I spent six months in a nearby hotel with Beau, my right-hand man. In the beginning, certain processes didn’t run as smoothly as we wanted. Because we were so close, we could visit the warehouse at any moment to see what was happening firsthand. I’m also pleased with our ability to monitor the temperature of food products

in real-time. With my background in pharmaceuticals, I’m accustomed to having control over the entire supply chain. That’s why we implemented an in-and-out temperature control system. By logging this data, we can perform quality control across the entire chain and provide feedback to our clients, offering comprehensive support.”

What steps did you take to ensure sustainability at the new location?

“I evaluated the investments we’re making now that will pay for themselves in time. For example, the spaces we use are equipped with solar panels. We also purchased a new warehouse management system that performs well in cold conditions. Although it costs more initially, it has a longer lifespan and is better for the environment. One feature I’m particularly proud of is the ability to power refrigerated trailer compartments with electricity instead of diesel. This even applies to entire sea containers, which can now simply be plugged in!”

What do you envision for the future of this new facility?

“We’re aiming for IFS certification. Once we achieve that, we can start handling open products, further expanding our offerings to clients. I’m also exploring the use of more electric equipment. For example, we have a terminal tractor that currently runs on AdBlue, but it could eventually be electric. Additionally, I’m looking into the possibility of a charging station. These are just a few exciting developments that will ensure our clients and drivers can perform their jobs without worry.”