Logistics entrepreneur with a passion for technology and innovation
Erik Koudijs has been active for many years as an executive within the (intra) logistics sector. In recent years he has led a large number of mergers and acquisitions within the internal transport sector, from which UniCarriers and ultimately Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Benelux emerged, frontrunners in the field of internal logistics and warehouse solutions. Within the rapid development of these companies, his passion for technology and innovation was born.
Koudijs: “With changing customer needs and new automation possibilities to make warehouses more efficient and effective, I started a new division within Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Benelux, focused on warehouse automation and robotization. After seven successful years in that entrepreneurial role, I decided to use my knowledge and experience in intralogistics at Costo because of the market potential and their growth ambitions.”
Vision of the future
Erik Koudijs has a clear vision of Costo’s future; “These specialist companies have a unique organization with three locations in Tilburg, Gorinchem and Porto (Portugal) – each with its own areas of expertise and innovative solutions. The goal is to enable maximum customer and employee satisfaction by creating a culture of knowledge sharing and realizing synergies between the different companies in the three locations. Within the current trend and process of warehouse automation, the demand for flexibility and quick adaptability has increased so much. With the merger we can respond faster, better to this customer demand, without surprises. The basis for sustainable growth.”
Business growth and organizational development of Costo & Xtend
Alarik Lens van Rijn (former CEO) is pleased with the arrival of Erik Koudijs: “With the knowledge and international experience Erik brings, he is the ideal addition to our organization to realize the envisioned growth plans. With his arrival, I can fully focus on business development to help realize long-term value development for the organization.”