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Handling systems that make work easier, ergonomically sound, and more efficient. That is the specialism of Elten Logistic Systems. Strong in automatic stacking, loading, unloading, transporting, and buffering of crates, dollies, and roll containers. Habasit makes a major contribution with conveyor belts and timing belts.
Elten Logistic Systems is located in Veenendaal and is led by directors Gerwin Achterberg, Hilbert Achterberg, and Wim van Donselaar. “For the Netherlands to remain the key player in international logistics, the internal logistics are of crucial importance,” says Van Donselaar. “That is why we are constantly developing new products, looking at the latest technological gadgets, and trying to integrate them into our systems.”
The company stands for innovation, directness, customisation, and years of experience. “Our employees know everything about internal logistics, whether it concerns buffering, loading, unloading, stacking, de-stacking, collecting orders, cleaning, or sorting a crate, dolly, or pallet. Guiding wheels, for example, is a profession in itself. A roll container has four casters – two rigid, two swivel. But how do you automate that? How do you get that perfectly under control? The common thread in our solutions is simple simplicity, combined with striking application possibilities. That is why our motto is: Strong in thought-out simplicity!”
Elten has the production of the installations mainly done by permanent partners. “The know-how is with us, thanks to approximately 20,000 hours of engineering per year. So we take care of the specifications, engineering, assembly, and testing. We outsource the actual production of the parts to specialised companies. Thanks to this strategy, an order of 100 of the same machines is no problem, because we can immediately add extra production capacity. Normally we offer market-based delivery times, depending on the project. But if it is really necessary, we can deliver very quickly.”
Elten Logistic Systems works for numerous large, international companies. “These are mainly globally operating system integrators. We also work for private companies, supermarket chains, and emerging internet companies.” The company is doing well. “Even though we are very busy, customers notice that we are flexible and can act quickly. Our principle is that we do not keep customers waiting. We always answer them right away – either with a solution, or with the message that we are going to come up with a solution. The latter can also mean we refer the customer to a fellow company.”
Elten Logistic Systems uses three criteria concerning customer relations: distance, relationship, and degree of difficulty. “For a sustainable collaboration, at least two criteria must be positive.” Remarkably, Elten does not employ any salespersons: “We do not make any acquisitions. Our clientele grows naturally, especially through word of mouth. In fact, our products sell themselves. Our machines have been developed in detail and are of a high quality. Nevertheless, we continue to look for improvements. Our aim is to get 80% standardised and leave 20% for playing, improving, and innovating. We want to unburden customers and always deliver something extra.”
Van Donselaar regards patience an important quality in this branch. “We spend a long time building a relationship with some customers. In one case, it took about 16 years before the first order for two stackers was placed. After that, it went fast. We are currently working on a delivery of 166 combinations for them.” Elten's orders are getting bigger and bigger. “In order to produce on time, we closely cooperate with partners specialised in sheet metal working, milling, turning, and welding constructions. Machine controls are taken care of by our partner Achterberg Besturingstechniek, with whom we share our business premises. They supply professionals during peak times, which ensures great flexibility.”
Habasit is also an important sparring partner for Elten Logistic Systems. “We regularly speak on the phone and discuss certain solutions, like recently about the automatic handling of folding crates. We also extensively discussed the amount of noise during production. Noise pollution is increasing due to the growing capacity and speed of machines. Metal chains make noise, and the speed is limited. Hasabit’s gears have a porous coating and are quieter and faster. This way we keep developing and help each other to a higher level. For us, Habasit is key in the relationship between our customers and the knowledge about the transport of goods.”
Van Donselaar sees a bright future for the company. “Volumes are going up and installations are getting faster and faster. That is exactly what we are good at. Also, e-commerce is developing with the demand for high capacity, maximum efficiency, and short lead times. We can facilitate that perfectly.”
