By building a new, multifunctional processing center, Plantion will be able to offer more facilities to customers and also organize its logistic flows more efficiently. The new building will be connected to the existing building and requires an investment of € 7.7 million. The planned completion date is July 2023.
At the members' meeting on 8 June, the Plantion members voted overwhelmingly (94.1 percent) in favor of the investment, which means that an important project from the 2022-2025 policy plan will be realized. Chairman René Willemsen and Managing Director André van Kruijssen said they were pleased that the vision and policy of the board and management were shared and that they had the confidence, even in these uncertain times, to take this important step towards further growth.
Additional services
The 6,250 m2 processing center includes seven additional supply docks and a large dispatch area. There will also be flexible box and cold storage areas to which tenants will have access 24/7. According to Facility and Logistics Manager Gerco van de Hoef, expansion of rentable capacity is necessary; all current box and office spaces have been rented out.
In the new processing center, Plantion wants to offer more services to customers who are increasingly buying online as well as physically. Van Kruijssen: "Offering added value requires additional services such as repackaging, stickering, and climate-controlled storage. With the new building, Plantion is also anticipating a more efficient organization of logistic flows, which will also include looking at the mechanization of distribution.
Annual figures 2021
The members discharged the board and management of the policy conducted in 2021. In the 'Covid year,' Plantion's turnover rose to a record of €114.5 million (+7.8 percent), with positive contributions from all divisions. The more than 80 percent increase in turnover from online sales was striking. The positive result came to €78 thousand.
In 2021, the management and board wrote the 2022-2025 policy plan 'Renew, Connect, Inspire.' Last year, important innovations included KOA live streaming, a LED screen in the sales room, a cooperation agreement with the purchasing organization for garden centers GRS, and an acquisition plan. Regional meetings were organized for suppliers, and a Council of the Future was installed. Also, refinancing was arranged at a favorable interest rate.
State of affairs 2022
In 2022, Plantion will have moved from a demand- to a supply-driven market due to the current circumstances. Apart from the new building, there are a few more innovations in the pipeline this year. Just as with De Kas, customers will soon be able to gain physical inspiration in Groencentrum Plantion and buy products online: on the spot with QR codes and 24/7 in the webshop. Apps will be available that provide real-time information on product location (track & trace) and sales status. To compensate for the impending departure of experienced staff, Plantion has recruited new people.
source: Plantion