It is now even easier for the Haeger & Schmidt Logistics Belgium (HSLB) team to show off its best side. The reason for this is the new office in Antwerp. There, employees can design their working environment sustainably, individually and comfortably. This includes flexibly bookable workstations via app and a digital reception.
Initially a chocolate factory, the building at Damplein 23 in Antwerp now provides office space with an industrial look. “In addition to the atmosphere, good accessibility was one of the decisive criteria for choosing the location,” reports HSLB Managing Director Muriel Marquet. The new address has good public transport connections, ample bicycle parking and the option of charging e-bikes. Marquet knows from experience: “Mobility is playing an increasingly important role in personnel recruitment.” The office also scores highly in terms of sustainability. Solar panels, a heat pump and water treatment are part of the equipment.
From this location, the 30-strong team aims to further develop HSLB’s activities and diversify its portfolio. Marquet outlines the main business, which consists of forwarding activities for large companies: “We organize high export volumes via the ARA ports, including documentation and customs clearance. We have a high level of expertise in the steel sector.” In addition, there is an increasing import volume of conventional general cargo and containers. Cargo spreading is also gaining in importance.
Marquet is increasingly noticing that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also seeking contact with HSLB: “They need comprehensive advice in the area of import and export, as the specialist knowledge of Incoterms, liner terms and customs is increasingly being lost.” The HSLB team of experienced forwarding agents can compensate for this professionally and provide support in selecting the best transport solution and its processing. The use of artificial intelligence makes everyday work easier for colleagues. For example, it relieves employees of simple auxiliary tasks such as freight document checks for bills of lading.
Two aspects are central to the organization: integrated logistics solutions and green transport. Wherever possible, the Antwerp-based company relies on inland waterway vessels, trains or combined transport. “This is all the more successful because, embedded in the HSL and Felbermayr Group, we can draw on a broad portfolio and our own assets in all hinterland transport across many types of goods. Our aim is to offer customers one-stop shopping solutions,” explains Marquet.
With a view to the port of Antwerp, the HSLB Managing Director welcomes the newly created “NextGen District” – an area for the establishment of innovative companies in the field of the circular economy. “These companies also focus on sustainable inbound and outbound transportation and are therefore an ideal fit for our sustainable logistics services,” says Marquet about the potential win-win prospects. In addition, the nearby PSA Breakbulk terminal, which is also part of the Felbermayr Group, provides good conditions for integrated solutions.
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Infobox: The new address
DAMPLEIN 23
2060 Antwerp
Tel: +32 3 222 42 25
Fax: +32 3 222 42 40