Service

About Service Excellence

Interview with Robert Kruijer, CCO & MD of APG Europe


Interviewer: Good afternoon, Robert. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Could you tell us more about APG Europe's service policy?

Robert Kruijer: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure. Our service policy at APG is focused on delivering excellent service to our customers. We continuously invest in training our staff so they can offer the best support and advice. We do this through courses and ongoing training, ensuring that our service quality always remains high.

Interviewer: Interesting! And how do you ensure that this high level of service quality is consistently delivered?

Robert Kruijer: As a distributor, it is essential to continue adding value. We primarily focus on the Benelux and Germany, offering systematic solutions for our customers’ packaging needs. We actively anticipate market developments to strengthen our position. Quality is at the forefront of everything we do, from our products to our services and logistics.

Interviewer: That sounds like a comprehensive approach. How does the recent expansion of your warehouse fit into this?

Robert Kruijer: The expansion is a crucial part of our growth strategy. By adhering to GDP guidelines and expanding our warehouse, we strengthen our position in the European packaging market. 'The new APG' distribution center symbolizes our commitment to quality and innovation.

Interviewer: Can you tell us more about your internal training and how it impacts service quality?

Robert Kruijer: Of course! We offer in-house training that is specifically focused on our products and services. These courses ensure that our staff are always up to date with the latest knowledge and techniques, which directly benefits our customers.

Interviewer: And what about technological integrations such as EDI and E-commerce?

Robert Kruijer: We fully embrace the possibilities of EDI and E-commerce. These technologies provide transparency and efficiency in the ordering and delivery process for both us and our customers.

Interviewer: Is this focus on quality shared across the entire APG team?

Robert Kruijer: Absolutely. All departments within APG Europe are involved in our quality objectives. Our quality team goes even further with external training and courses, helping us respond quickly and effectively to product-related incidents.

Interviewer: Do you also have a customer portal?

Robert Kruijer: Yes, we do. Our customer portal is an integral part of our service. Customers have access to real-time SAP data, can easily place orders, and have insight into their orders. This makes the entire process much smoother.

Interviewer: Finally, could you elaborate on the technical support that APG offers?

Robert Kruijer: Our technical support includes auditing, document management, and IRCA-certified support. This ensures that we not only meet industry standards but also remain a reliable partner for our customers. Additionally, we have certification and document management capabilities, which further reinforces our commitment to quality and reliability.

Interviewer: Thank you, Robert, for this insightful conversation. Your focus on service quality and customer orientation is clearly evident.

Robert Kruijer: It was my pleasure. Thank you for the opportunity to share our dedication to service at APG Europe.

In this interview with Robert Kruijer, the Chief Quality Officer and Chief Social Responsibility Officer of APG Europe, we discuss 'Service Excellence.' Robert highlights how APG Europe places customer focus and innovation at the core of their services, and how this supports the company's long-term vision. We explore the challenges and opportunities in the service industry, with a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and how these principles contribute to improving customer satisfaction and business success.