Zeeland PortNews had an interesting conversation with Martin Verbrugge, President and CEO at Verbrugge and his son Anton about their family business.
Mr Martin Verbrugge (right) and his son Anton (left).
Verbrugge International has been acting in the port of Vlissingen and Terneuzen for decades. Today, the third generation of the family sits at the helm of the company.
Can you give our readers a short historical overview?
Martin Verbrugge: “In the early years of our company, with my father Anthony in the lead, we profited from the growing industrial activities along the banks of the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. We expanded our road transportation business with port-related logistics. Paper and cellulose were imported mainly from Europe and Canada, and in Terneuzen, Elopak, a producer of cartons for juices and dairy products, became one of our important partners. In the nineties, the importation of cellulose from South America became increasingly important. We had to look for another location to handle the Panamax vessels from that region and we decided to expand within Vlissingen.”
From 2001, Verbrugge has been involved in the handling and storage of cellulose at Scaldiahaven, with launching customers Gearbulk and CMPC from Chile. Throughout the years, this location has become increasingly important for Verbrugge, who also started to handle metals and components for the offshore wind industry at their Scaldia Terminal. Verbrugge also settled in the Quarleshaven.
What was the reason for this?
Martin Verbrugge: “With our plans constantly in mind, we have always been looking for additional storage and quay capacity, and in 2000 there was the possibility of taking over the premises of NV Haven van Vlissingen. That is the location where we started the Verbrugge Zeeland Terminal, specialising in paper, metals and timber. Today we also handle offshore wind components at this terminal.”
Martin Verbrugge started his career at Verbrugge in 1980 and stepped into his father’s shoes as CEO in the mid-nineties. In the ensuing years a lot has happened.
What will be most remembered by you?
Martin Verbrugge: “What has given me a lot of pleasure is the development towards our current leading role in wood pulp. The pioneering visits to South America, joined by representatives of our clients from the European paper industry and often together with representatives of Zeeland Seaports, were always very exciting. In those days, without mobile phones and with very bad internet connections, communication was not as easy as it is today, which made it very challenging from this point of view. The trips made me realise what obstacles my father had to overcome when he visited Scandinavia looking for business when things were even more difficult.”
Eighteen months ago, Anton Verbrugge, the 30-year old son of Martin, entered the firm as the proposed successor of his father.
Was this a predestined step?
Anton Verbrugge: “My family certainly did not force me, or my sisters, to get involved in the Verbrugge company. In fact, my sisters’ paths have taken them in completely different directions. And for me it was no done deal to join Verbrugge. I first studied for a Master’s Degree in International Business in the UK for a few years. Also, I worked for Glencore in the US for three years. To switch to Verbrugge was my own decision and so far I do not regret it. Compared with my job at Glencore, my activities now have a much wider perspective.
Our company is involved in various markets which take care of the storage and handling of a large number of different products. Each commodity has its own culture which makes doing business really fascinating. Also, with Verbrugge being a family-owned company, working with, and taking care of, personnel has become much more important to me.”
Martin Verbrugge: “I intended to keep Anton out of the company a little bit longer. But together we decided to start working as a team sooner than we both expected, giving him the chance to learn, and me the chance to phase out my activities. Of course I am very pleased with the fact that, with Anton on board, the management of the company will stay in our family’s hands.”
When looking at the future, what are the plans for Verbrugge?
Anton Verbrugge: “As a family-owned company, we are always looking ahead, avoiding big risks. Long-term relationships with our partners are profi table for them and for us in many different ways, so we put a lot of effort into this.
In daily business we are also active short-term, observing the market and our competitors, operating fast and fl exibly when required to do so by circumstances. For this reason, it is good to know that, when necessary, the lines of communication with Zeeland Seaports, the municipalities and the Province of Zeeland are short and these institutions are always willing to be helpful and collaborative.”
What commodities will be important for Verbrugge in the upcoming years?
Anton Verbrugge: “Metals and concentrates – products that already have an important share in our portfolio – will increase in importance. In this segment, we are seeing a growing volume in metal concentrates, such as from lead, copper and zinc. At the Scaldiahaven, we recently invested in making one of our warehouses suitable for the storage of these products. Inside the warehouse, we created a situation of negative pressure, required for safe storage. Also, a special, covered conveyor system has been installed for the transportation of these products at our terminal. With these new investments, we are fully prepared for the growth in volume of these types of products.
At the Scaldiahaven Verbrugge invested for the storage and handling of concentrates.
Apart from this, what is the future of Verbrugge’s traditional goods?
Anton Verbrugge: “Our position in the market for forest products, such as paper and cellulose, will remain stable. The same counts for tobacco. Other agricultural products, such as coffee and rapeseed will grow in share.”
What is your opinion about the merger of Zeeland Seaports and the Port of Ghent?
Anton Verbrugge: “This merger shows a lot of progressiveness and broad-mindedness from both port authorities and I feel very positive about it. It will bring the ports and the companies in the port area a lot of good things.”
Martin Verbrugge: “This new port area, with Terneuzen as a junction between Ghent and Vlissingen, will make the region much stronger. Of course, Verbrugge will meet new competition within the port area, but for us this does not make any difference, as there will be always competition, no matter where from. For the port area, this ‘internal’ competition will result in much stronger
clusters of industries.”
What will Verbrugge look like in 2027?
Martin Verbrugge (smiles): “In 2027 I will be 72 years old. More and more people from the generation I am dealing with in business are retiring. So for the company it will be good when, one day, I leave as well. Although it is not my intention to be at Verbrugge in 2027, I will keep an important role within the company for the next couple of years.”
Anton Verbrugge: “It really feels like a privilege to work for our company and it is my goal to keep Verbrugge healthy in many respects. In the next decade, sustainability and safety will become important issues. In storing and handling celluloses and concentrates, we already play a role in the circular economy. The biggest challenge for us lies in acting in a sustainable way ourselves. For this, we are investigating the use of solar and wind energy at our facilities; the use of diesel electric equipment, such as cranes and carriers; and also the possibility of shore power at our quays. We are going to take big steps forward in these areas.
Verbrugge already puts a lot of efforts in safety
Today, we already put a lot of effort into safety because of the rules and requirements. Most important, however, is that safety becomes self-evident for everyone at Verbrugge, not just because of the rules, but because it is part of the job. My decision to join our company was inspired by my grandfather. His passion and care for people and nature really meant a lot to me, and I hope to be able to follow his good example.”
www.verbruggeinternational.com
