It’s not every year that you get to blow out 55 candles. The third generation, who is now at the helm of the family business, is looking forward to the promising future. But at the same time, they are also grateful for the strong foundation laid down by the previous generations.
This month Levaco celebrates its 55th anniversary. “To mark the occasion, we’ve ordered a specially decorated cake and we’ll enjoy it with the team at the office”, says Alycia Huysmans, Team Lead Import. “In January, we’ll have a bigger party, in our new recreation area, to ring in the new year and celebrate this milestone with our partners”.
“Typically, the third generation are considered the problem generation”, says Christopher Huysmans, General Director. “But we are proud of our history and are determined to add at least another 55 years”.
Strong foundations
“We owe our legacy to the previous generations”, says Christopher. “Today, Levaco is a stable, well-known company with a good reputation. Occasionally, I still get emails addressed to the original founder. We’re lucky to be able to rely on a broad network of trustworthy partners. This, in turn, provides a sense of stability and trust for and from our customers.”
Flexible and reliable
After all these years, Levaco has succeeded in maintaining its structure as an independent family-run enterprise. “The fact that we’re a family business is a big advantage, because it creates a bond with our customers, many of whom are also SMEs. Some customers have been working with us since Luc Huysmans took over the company in 2000.”, says Christopher.
Levaco is a relatively small but stable firm, with great flexibility and a personal service. As an AEO-certified company, customers have the guarantee that both Levaco as well as their partners are reliable and financially stable. “We’re known to provide quick and efficient solutions. Our customers know that we take their business to heart and that we respond as quickly as possible. Both our agents and clients know that they can always reach us, even at night or during weekends, to send or request updates, quotations, status reports on issues, … “, Christopher adds.
A different world
Over the past 55 years, the world of forwarding has undergone dramatic changes. The first containers were only put into use two years before Levaco was founded, so in the early days bulk was still the standard. In those days, the chief mariner on the quay had to note down the destination of the shipment, and the Bill of Lading was still printed out on paper. Now everything is done electronically. E-mail didn’t exist, let alone the software we now rely on. Automation is on the rise and will become the standard in the years to come. That is why Levaco is investing in new software, to offer their clients the most efficient and up to date services.
In addition to the job itself, working conditions have also changed a lot. “We invest more in building a personal relationship with our team”, says Alycia. “We organise regular team building activities, we give a personalised birthday card and offer a unique year-end gift”.
“We also work with students and interns more frequently than before. We invest in their training and consider them part of the team. Many of our interns stay on afterwards or come back to us after a couple of years”, says Alycia.
The greatest challenge
Covid-19 has been one of the most challenging periods in the history of international shipping. Even though there were many issues on a worldwide scale, we were lucky to have dedicated employees who were able to work diligently and remotely from home to keep the business running as normal.
Aspirations
“Now that international travel has resumed, we want to invest more in our international network again. We have been a member of some of these networks for many years. The personal relationships we have with agents, make it easier to solve problems and better serve our clients”, says Christopher.
“I want to see Levaco become a well-known company, both in terms of its reliability and also for the fun and enjoyable office culture”, says Alycia. “As for me, I would love to see Levaco double in size by the time I retire, but that won’t be for another while”, she says laughingly.
