Can you introduce Yusen Logistics?
"Yusen Logistics is the logistics business of the Japanese NYK Group, one of the world's largest shipping and logistics companies. We manage supply chain services such as warehousing, road transport, air freight, sea freight, and customs, mainly in specialised markets. We do not want to be the biggest logistics company. Instead, we want to be the preferred partner for our customers by providing solutions that are tailored to their needs. Our main customers work in the healthcare, industrial high-tech, and automotive sectors. For example, we transport medicines in temperature-controlled conditions and deliver spare parts overnight to car dealerships."
We are in your brand-new office in the Eilandje district. Why did you choose Antwerp instead of staying at Schiphol?
"There were several reasons for choosing Antwerp. First, Antwerp is a major global port, and our sea freight business continues to grow. It also made strategic sense because our colleagues from NYK RORO can now work alongside us here, making it easier to cooperate within the group. Antwerp is also very easy to reach for our expats and international visitors. People can fly to Brussels or Amsterdam, take the train, arrive at the beautiful Antwerp Central Station, and be at the office just ten minutes later. Our office is located in a lively waterfront district with a great atmosphere and plenty to do."
Why did you choose the Eilandje district in particular?
"We contacted several real estate agencies to explore office options in Antwerp. We quickly found this building. It is not a typical office location. The building does not look like a traditional office, and the location is excellent. We are right in the city centre, close to everything our employees and visitors need."
Was it different in Schiphol?
"Very different. In Schiphol, we were close to the airport, but it still took about twenty minutes to get to the office. There was also very little to do nearby. If you wanted to go to a hotel or restaurant in the evening, you usually had to take a taxi and sometimes wait quite a while. Here, it is completely different. You can grab a coffee from a local café in the morning, have lunch at one of the many restaurants, go for a run along the River Scheldt during your lunch break, and enjoy dinner nearby in the evening. There is a supermarket next to the building, and several hotels are within walking distance."
How did you approach the relocation?
"We’ve been very transparent about that. We organized feedback sessions to understand what employees felt was missing at the previous location. Based on that, we’ve set up an entire floor here with meeting rooms, training facilities, and marketing infrastructure. “This way, colleagues from all over Europe can come to Antwerp for training sessions, meetings, and events.”
What impact has the new headquarters had on your employees and recruitment?
"Since we’re now based in Antwerp, attracting talent seems to be getting easier. The cost of living here is lower than in the Netherlands, which is important for our expats. In addition, certain tax benefits for expats in Belgium last for eight years, compared to five years in the Netherlands. That’s also a key factor, of course. As a result, the number of resumes we’ve received has doubled since the move.”
How do you explain this?
"Younger generations especially no longer want to drive to a remote office every day and drive back home in the evening. They want to be able to cycle or use public transport to get to work, exercise during their lunch break, and do something nearby after work. We respond to these needs. We have showers, plenty of terrace space, and a working environment that supports employee well-being. In that sense, Antwerp in general, and the Eilandje district in particular, fit perfectly with our Japanese philosophy of a healthy mind in a healthy body."
Are there any areas that could be improved?
“Yes. Visa applications take a very long time in Belgium these days. That's disappointing for international organizations like ours. Hopefully, that will change soon.”
Do you work with local companies?
"Antwerp is known as a strong logistics hub. We already work with many companies in the region and in the port. At the same time, we believe it is important to build strong local connections. For our opening, we worked with a local caterer. We go to restaurants nearby and buy our company cars from local dealers. In this way, we want to truly become part of Antwerp and this neighbourhood."
What developments do you see in the logistics sector today?
"There has been a major wave of consolidation in the sector for several years, and I believe this will continue. Many smaller companies will be taken over by larger players. Sustainability also remains an important topic. For logistics companies, the geopolitical situation is becoming increasingly important as well. We need to be able to adapt quickly to continue serving customers worldwide.
This is not a stable market. There is really only one constant: everything is changing all the time."
How do you respond to these changes as a company?
"By staying close to the market and making the right decisions. We want to grow, but in a natural and sustainable way. That is why we always start from our strengths. We want to focus on what we do best, with service quality as our main priority."
Is innovation an important theme at Yusen?
"Absolutely. We have an innovation team that constantly exploring which new technologies and AI applications might be relevant to our operations. That is why it is great that Antwerp is also focusing on innovation through The Beacon. We are investing heavily in automation, but in sectors such as healthcare, you always need human support as a backup. You cannot afford for vaccines or other essential products not to be delivered because of a computer problem."
How strong is the Japanese company culture still within Yusen?
"It is still very present. We are a very people-focused organisation. We believe it is important to treat our employees well and make decisions with a long-term perspective. You can also see this in our customer relationships. Partnerships lasting more than thirty years are not unusual for us. Respect is at the centre of everything we do."
What would you say to companies considering moving to Antwerp?
"For logistics companies, Antwerp is an excellent location, especially if, like us, you are active in sea freight, air freight, contract logistics, and road transport. The combination of infrastructure, international connections, and quality of life makes the city very attractive. By establishing our European headquarters here, we benefit from these advantages and can continue to grow our activities."
Bio
- Name: Bruno Jacques
- Age: 51
- Position: CEO of Yusen Logistics Healthcare and Deputy Director General of Yusen Logistics Europe
- Education: Accounting and Computer Science
- What do you do to relax your mind? Walking the dog and watching football matches
- Which entrepreneur inspires you? Steve Jobs, because of his communication skills, his eye for detail, and his ability to recognise talent.
