It also used to drive internationally for a while, but that was phased out in the 1980s. Since 2000, Dematra started warehousing. Gradually, this service has grown from a warehouse for 100 pallets to one for 80,000 pallets. Also for distribution, the number of trucks, which used to be simply parked in front of the parental home, has seriously increased to a fleet of 60 distribution trucks, 50 trailers and 20 tractors. Due to its steady growth, the company has had to look for a new location several times over the years. Since 2011, they have moved into a large warehouse with accompanying parking lot and offices in the Nazareth industrial park. Easily accessible and close to the major axes, ideal for a distribution company.
Cedric De Jaeger, grandson of founder Marcel De Jaeger, is Continuous Improvement Manager there. His tasks are very diverse, but the common thread is to make the company better every day and to keep up with all possible new technologies. A broad view of developments is necessary to take the company further into the future. Dematra, which values innovation and progress, did not hesitate to purchase the new Actros. Cedric followed the launch of the vehicle online via "lifestream. Without having seen the vehicle in real life, he proceeded to order 3 units. By the way, Dematra currently has exclusively Mercedes Trucks in its fleet. This is quite unique. The trust in the brand and the good relations with garage Ghistelinck, make that there was no doubt about the quality of the newest Mercedes Truck. However, this is not pure brand love where there is no regard for other truck brands. Competing brands are indeed considered when considering a new purchase. Until now, the brand with the star had enough convincing factors that Mercedes-Benz was still chosen again.
The first vehicle of the three New Actros trucks was actually ordered as a reward for Andy, their top driver with 24 years of service. It became a special edition with all kinds of extras to boost comfort and looks. Andy was greatly looking forward to this updated version of the Actros, but fate decided otherwise. A heart failure, a few months before the delivery of "his" New Actros, ensured that he was never able to see or drive the vehicle. Since this summer, the 3 trucks have been in use. The 3 drivers who were assigned the new vehicles were initially very hesitant. A truck without mirrors does not inspire much confidence. Meanwhile, they are used to it and the wait-and-see attitude has turned into enthusiasm. Only when it comes to estimating the width of the truck do they have to adjust. Cedric, who also has a truck driving license, finds the new interior with digital cockpit particularly impressive. It caught his eye first. It looks futuristic and in line with a passenger car. The operation of the PPC (Predictive Powertrain Control) system, which now also works on national roads, is also enormously interesting and useful on roundabouts, among other things.
Consumption is down, as promised, but the exact difference is difficult to measure since the Actros 5 is not of the same type/version as the MP4s in the fleet. Apples and pears are difficult to compare. Moreover, within distribution, the "consumption" element is not the most decisive factor when buying a new vehicle. People drive short distances, stop and restart a lot, which is very detrimental to consumption anyway. Within a distribution company, the most important thing is proper planning. The idea is that the vehicles leave fully loaded, but also return loaded (albeit with a different load) to the warehouse, in order to provide optimal service.
Finally, Dematra hopes that the new features and safety systems will soon be introduced on the Atego's as well, or that an ecological(er) alternative will soon appear on the market. Their view of the future is already promising. We wish them many safe miles and a very successful business so that this family business may continue to occupy future generations of the De Jaeger family.
