Platform on production and process automation
In the industry, it is important to have a clear long-term vision. It comes down to making the right choices, even if this causes major changes. For example, Frederik Gevaert of Electro-Flandria decided some forty years ago to stop distributing electrical cables and wires - the only right choice in the long run. Today, the company from Eke is one of the market leaders in the distribution of electrical components from various Western European manufacturers and continues to grow steadily and expand its range.
Frederik Gevaert started a trading company in 1960, specializing in the import of electrotechnical components, cables and wires. Electro-Flandria initially operated out of Ghent, but moved to its current location in Eke in 1977. "In the late 1970s, my father made a decision that would be strategically important for the further expansion of the company," states Frederik Gevaert Jr. who has continued his father's life's work since early 2006. "At that time, there was an oversupply of cables and wires on the market due to the petroleum crisis. He decided to stop offering those products, even though they accounted for half of our sales at the time. A lot of other distributors, who did participate in the price war, ended up going overboard. My father then took a courageous and above all wise decision, because in a short period of time we were able to recover the loss of sales and we did not have to shed any staff either."
Today Electro-Flandria distributes industrial electrical installation material as well as industrial and architectural lighting fixtures from different Western European manufacturers. "We import products from the brands Bernstein, icotek, Pfannenberg, Uriarte Safybox, Wöhner, ETA, MPGAMMA, Kopp, Mersen, Lovato Electric, E-Klips, Velda, Schnabl, Sammode and Maréchal Electric and continue to expand the range in a targeted way," the manager says. "Our main customers are machine builders who make their own control boxes and electrical installers who make electrical boards for a variety of applications. We act as a consultative importer for them and guarantee flexible and fast delivery from one central warehouse."
