Insight

Next to a wide range of standard fasteners, Stafa Group specialises in hot dip galvanised products, threaded rods and special parts. The company can also provide services such as private labelling, kitting, assembly and its LogiBin^® system.

Stafa’s aim is to take full ownership of the logistics and other services in the field of fasteners, so its customers can focus on their main production processes. “Our ability to provide this service is our committing to keep growing, which has seen us not only expand our warehouse, but also the number of employees,” states Paul van Casteren, marketing & communications advisor.

In order to keep up with the demand of its customers, Stafa has also invested in its intralogistics. “We have added new forklifts and picking-trucks, new kitting machines, renewed our warehouse workspace, expanded our pallet racking, added new multiple vertical Lift Modules/shuttles, as well as a completely new ERP and warehouse management systems,” explains Paul. “These two systems have improved the efficiency within each department in the company. Because of this also the internal traffic and order picking has improved immensely, which has led to lower energy costs and also an improved carbon footprint.”

In addition to improving its digitisation Stafa has invested in sustainability, with multiple improvements made to increase the energy efficiency and lower the energy consumption within the company. “We are also close to launching something unique within the industry, which will not only helps us to improve our sustainability, but also our customers to improve theirs. As far as we know Stafa is the first in the market to deliver this sustainable solution and service – but more on that soon.”

Over the last two years there have been a number of challenges for companies, with a shift in the supply chain and also the role distributors play. “Our role in the supply chain has certainly changed and there are many challenges, but also there are opportunities to secure and expand our place in the sector. However, to do this we need to continue to increase our services, knowledge of product, markets, and applications,” mentions Paul. “For years Stafa has made huge investments to be able to supply its customers as broadly as possible. Our assembly, kitting, sourcing and possibilities for supplying drawing parts and fasteners for special applications are good examples of this. Stafa has always gone for a best-of-class approach to help distinguish itself from others with the highest added value.”

Another topic that has affected Stafa was the anti-dumping duties, although only a small part of the company’s product range was impacted. “Thanks to our membership with NEVIB we were able to shift our focus at a very early stage to seek new sources in countries outside China and expand cooperation with existing manufacturers,” explains Paul. “We also took a critical look at the total supply-chain where there are risks and opportunities for improvement and expansion.”

As one of the first members of NEVIB, Stafa is clear on the benefits of being part of the association. “For us, it is a great platform where knowledge and experience is shared with industry peers. In addition, there are topical issues that everyone is involved with and we are regularly informed about local and global developments in our industry, such as anti-dumping. I am sure that NEVIB will continue to play a crucial role for its members in the future.”