‘Our partnership is a good basis for a sustainable future’

What started with demand for logistics space has led to a sustainable partnership. Since 2020, Oldenburger|Fritom takes care of the logistics processes of BASF 3D Printing Solutions in Emmen. This allows them to focus on their core business: developing and manufacturing sustainable and innovative 3D printing materials, so-called filaments for 3D printers. We recently asked Bonne Posthuma, Director of Operations at BASF 3DPS, how he experiences our cooperation.

Our first contact took place at the end of 2019. You contacted us because you were looking for more logistics space. Not long after that, you chose to outsource your logistics processes, i.e., transport, warehousing and value added services, to us. What played a decisive role in this choice?

“In my previous position (Supply Chain Manager at BASF in the northern Dutch city of Heerenveen, eds.) I was already familiar with the Fritom Logistic Solutions Group. This experience taught me that agreements are kept and that a suitable solution is found for most of the challenges. This previous positive experience was confirmed at Oldenburger|Fritom.

In addition, our cooperation is characterized by mutual trust and integrity. This is of great importance to BASF 3DPS. With value added services, for example, you make adjustments to our finished products. If this is not done properly, it will not reflect well on our company. Your focus on quality has, therefore, certainly played a decisive role in our choice. We are satisfied with the logistic solutions of Oldenburger|Fritom.”

BASF's mission statement is “We create chemistry for a sustainable future”. Sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation are also anchored in the Oldenburger|Fritom strategy. Does our strategy fit well with yours?

“The core values of Oldenburger|Fritom are very similar to those of BASF 3DPS. Indeed, the high degree of innovation and we both consider sustainability to be of paramount importance. Just like BASF 3DPS, you also invest heavily in your employees. This ensures, among other things, that employees are strongly involved in both our organizations.”

What are your expectations for the future with regard to our partnership?

“Due to the strong growth of BASF 3DPS and our focus on professionalization, we made a conscious choice to outsource our logistics processes to you. As mentioned earlier, we are satisfied with your logistic solutions. BASF 3DPS operates in a market that is relatively young and dynamic. That is why we attach great value to a logistics partner who thinks along with us and supports us in this. This makes our partnership a good basis for a sustainable future.”

About BASF
Founded in 1865, BASF is one of the world's leading chemical companies and is headquartered in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, in the southwest of Germany. Within the BASF Group, approximately 111,000 employees in more than 90 countries work on innovative products for a sustainable future. BASF wants to contribute to solving global challenges, such as climate change, scarcity of raw materials and food availability.

BASF has several branches in the Netherlands, including BASF 3D Printing Solutions in Emmen, which was acquired from Innofil3D in 2017. BASF 3DPS is located at the industry park GETEC.PARK EMMEN and is part of BASF Forward AM, with headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. In Emmen, BASF 3DPS develops and manufactures filaments that are branded “Ultrafuse” under the BASF brand Forward AM.