Marc Daalhuizen - Commercial Manager Sales Benelux, IPP Pooling
They see themselves as the challenger in the pooling market. IPP Pallet Pooling is one of Europe's largest pallet and box pooling companies, and now has its sights set on Belgium. "All signs point to expanding our circular pooling model."
Marc Daalhuizen - commercial manager sales Benelux at IPP Pallet Pooling
Let's be honest. Pallets are not exactly sexy. But that changes when you consider their crucial role in the supply chain. IPP Pallet Pooling provides sustainable and high-quality pooling solutions through their pallet and box rental services.
Just to be clear. What are the benefits of pallet pools?
"On one hand, users don't have to make investments yet are assured of an adequate supply of quality pallets. On the other hand, pallet administration takes less time. But perhaps most importantly, there's a contribution to supply chain sustainability. Through pooling and efficient management, fewer loading units are needed, resulting in fewer transport miles and a greater contribution to a circular economy."
What about your level of ambition?
"We are a profitable organization with the ambition to grow significantly next year. In recent years, the market was already moving forward, but due to limited availability of wood and high prices, we had to hold back a bit. Now we can move forward again. All signs point to expanding our operations. We are particularly focused on the Belgian market. In the Netherlands, with about 15 to 20 percent market share, we are the challenger in the market. In Belgium, our share is smaller, but the growth potential is significant."
You refer to IPP as a challenger in the market? How so?
"We provide balance in a market dominated by a multinational. With a simple concept, quick response time, and a customer-centric approach. It sounds logical, but that's what we do. And it works out well."
What opportunities lie in the Belgian market?
"We already have market share in Belgium, but we believe it can triple. We are ready for it. The data is in place, the budget is there, and the support team is helping sales by scheduling appointments with potential customers. Whoever enters the Belgian market doesn't start from scratch. It's just a matter of shifting to the next gear. In the long term, the Belgian market offers room for a larger team. I am convinced of that."
With which innovations are you making the pooling market more mature?
"Originally, we serve many FMCG companies, ranging from small family businesses to large international food players. However, we continue to innovate, for example with our Smartbox, a standardized box with barcode and RFID to reduce packaging usage. Another innovation is the Connected Display Pallet, which provides real-time location data of pallets."
How does IPP Pallet Pooling maintain its innovative edge in a rapidly evolving market?
“We do this, among other things, with our innovation challenge. Every employee with an idea to improve the organization can officially submit it to the board. The best ideas are pitched, after which the top three are implemented. Smaller ideas and adjustments are immediately coordinated with each other, so they are quickly executed.”
You have been working at IPP Pooling for almost five years. Why did you choose this employer?
“I saw an organization with a strong sustainability strategy and a clear vision for the future, which attracted me. In an ambitious and growing organization, in a growing market, there are many business and career opportunities. If you want to, you can make something of it yourself. In addition, there is a lot of freedom and you can exert a lot of influence. That is a real added value for me.”
How do you encourage the personal growth and development of employees?
“IPP believes it is important for employees to invest in themselves, that's why we have a training platform, but you have to show initiative yourself. I have also taken steps myself. I started as Commercial Manager for the Netherlands and am now responsible for the Benelux market. By the way, growth doesn't have to be just upward, it can be sideways as well, by developing something new, for example. There are so many fun things to do in our team.”
To stay in your own words, how is the team spirit?
“The inside sales team is small, but we have a great drive and ambition. We can brainstorm openly and on an equal level, which means there is room for pushback. The atmosphere is pleasant, informal, and decisions are made quickly. You can truly make an impact here, and that makes the work incredibly enjoyable.”
Ready to take the next step? Then get in touch with us.
[Published: October 2023]
