Verduyn’s automated warehouse is the first of its kind and unique in the industry. The facility was specifically designed for carrots, turnips, and other fresh vegetables. Alexander Verduyn heads the family business in Kortemark, Belgium, where he became CEO two years ago. “I want to be a leader within my product group,” says Alexander. “Of course, our system will be copied, but by then we’ll already be on our way to the next step.” Due to the innovative nature of the project, the Flemish government awarded one million euros in innovation funding. “If you want to be a leader in innovation, you won’t find inspiration from the competition,” according to Alexander. He focused his attention not on developments in his own industry, but in the high-tech sector.

To arrive at the final design, he spent three years conducting preliminary research and holding discussions with technology partners. In the system, vegetables are delivered directly from the field to the warehouse, where they emerge sorted, washed, cut to size, processed, and fully packaged.

Does this automation mean that a group of employees will become redundant?

“We’re not going to lay off anyone; instead, we’ll be reassigning them to different roles. The plan is to grow and start operating multiple shifts, including on weekends. Automation gives us greater capacity, which actually means we’ll need more people in other areas. We also intend to expand our product line, so new job openings will be created there as well. A key reason we designed the warehouse is that these days we can find very few people who want to work in the factory. Sustainability means respecting nature, but it also means ensuring that employees want to continue working for you.”

You talk a lot about sustainability. What does sustainability mean to you?

“We are farmers. Respect for nature is in our blood, but it is also partly imposed on us by the government. We have to adapt to this if we want to survive. For example, when we peel carrots, we’re left with peels: this is a waste stream. Right now, we have to pay to dispose of our waste streams, but in the future, we’re going to process them into products. We’ll then be doing business sustainably and still come out ahead. For example, we’re currently installing more solar panels to generate energy. That’s good for the environment and also cheaper for us. That’s what doing business is all about.”

What kinds of products are you going to create from waste streams?

“We’re going to tap into new markets. Soon, we’ll be using broken carrots that can’t be sold to make juices. These will be beverages that combine vegetable and fruit juices. Fresh, with no additives. If you want to do business sustainably, you have to go all the way. We’re also going to make fresh soups and related products. Wouldn’t it be great to get your entire daily vegetable intake in a single bottle? We’re constantly working on ideas like this.”

Where do you want to be in ten years?

“My goal, of course, is to expand our existing operations. But looking ahead, the focus will mainly be on creating new markets. You have to dare to look beyond the present. My family and I have a background in horticulture, and I will never forget my roots. My goal is to have created something entirely new in ten years’ time, while remaining true to my roots.”