Holland International Distribution Council (NDL/HIDC) is now a substantial contributor to the Dutch logistics industry

Strongest growth in 2012 came from America

Promotional and networking activities in 2012 led 63 foreign firms to launch operations in the Netherlands. The overwhelming majority (50 contracts) was outsourced to Dutch logistic service providers, yielding logistic contracts totaling approximately € 17 million. This amounts to a commercial value of about € 175 million for the Netherlands.

Together with the 13 foreign firms that set up their own branches in the Netherlands in 2012, the operations have generated a total of 447 ftes in direct logistic employment and € 13 million in direct investments for the Netherlands.

Non-logistics contracts

In addition to the purely logistic contracts, NDL/HIDC mediated 12 contracts with other service providers and 13 contracts that involve setting up foreign head offices.

Market recovery

Managing Director Dirk ‘t Hooft: “With respect to 2011, these figures reflect a modest decline: 63 foreign logistics contracts, compared with 73 contracts in 2011. This arises from the economic uncertainty in Europe and the extended project time frames. The market does appear to be recovering. In the second half of 2012 the number of firms opting for the Netherlands was back on the rise.”

Strongest growth comes from America

The American market accounts for the strongest growth. Clearly, this market is starting to come out of the recession and is focusing on Europe again. In addition, NDL/HIDC is now seeing the results of boosting its capacity in America. The association is now able to convince more American companies of the logistic benefits that the Netherlands offers.

The Asian market is recovering as well. By reinforcing its network there, NDL/HIDC has registered a rise in new projects from this region.

Restructurings and relocations of firms within Europe are considerably less numerous.

Gradual increase in investments from abroad

In the second half of 2012, NDL/HIDC noted a rise in the number of new projects, especially compared with 2011. NDL/HIDC expects this trend to continue in 2013. Remarkably, approximately 30% more throughput time is needed for the projects landed in 2012 than for the ones landed in 2011. Companies are taking more time to make decisions.

Holland International Distribution Council (NDL/HIDC)

Holland International Distribution Council (www.hidc.nl) is a private, non-profit organization representing a network of companies and organizations in the Dutch logistics industry in the Netherlands. Based on over 25 years of experience and in-depth knowledge of European logistics, HIDC supplies tailor-made advice and match-making services to foreign companies that are entering the European market for the first time, or that are expanding or re-engineering their European supply chain structures. All advisory services are free of charge, totally confidential and without any obligation.

Source: NDL/HIDC

March 1, 2013