Rolling port equipment rental company Dockx Handling Equipment celebrated its 15th anniversary on 12 September 2024. The company transformed part of its premises into a cosy ‘brown pub’ for the occasion. The guests feasted their eyes.
Managing director Kristof Dockx did not take any chances when furnishing his event location. “We worked out the interior of our brown pub ‘Dockx Cafe’ down to the smallest details,” he says. “It’s exactly like the old days: you can order a pint here at a vintage bar, play pool or table football, and there are even hard-boiled eggs on the tables.”
“Soon, of course, we will also have an extensive walking dinner,” he continues. “By the way, this is also how we work with our customers: down to the details and far from generalistic. At Dockx, everything is personal and bespoke.”
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During your speech, did you talk about the big leap you made about 15 years ago?
Kristof Dockx: “From a young age, I dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. I was working at an importer of forklift trucks and when I turned thirty-three, I thought the time was ripe to make the leap to starting my own business. Meanwhile, here we are, fifteen years on. It really is a dream come true. I have both a technical background and knowledge of sales, which makes me feel perfectly what our customers experience and need.”
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You started out very basic?
“Ports and forklifts have always been my passion. I started the business at home in 2009. Two years later, we moved to our current location at Westeind in the port of Antwerp. We also renovated the entire premises in the meantime. In 2020, we acquired a company in Rotterdam, where we now have a second branch. Some 25 permanent staff work in Antwerp. We are fully focused on equipment used within a port area and operate not only in Antwerp and Rotterdam, but also in Ghent and Liège.”
What should I imagine by rolling port equipment?
“Dockx Handling Equipment specialises in the long-term rental of port-related rolling equipment. This can range from a small or large forklift, terminal tractors and empty container handlers to reach stackers, Bobcats and wheel loaders. Not only do we rent out the equipment, we also unburden the customer. For example, we take over a complete technical service from customers, so they can focus on their business while relying on rolling stock that is available 24/7. The port sector is very intensive and machinery often runs continuously. Therefore, it is important that we also station our technical people on site to ensure that maintenance-sensitive machines are always operational in perfect condition. We ensure that the customer does not have to worry about potential machine downtime.”
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What does the future look like for Dockx Handling Equipment?
“We currently have two branches, but we are obviously looking beyond that. Unburdening our customers remains our greatest concern and motivation. That takes precedence. We have proven in recent years that customers can fully count on us. We have been tested for years, so to speak, during our interventions,” he proudly concludes.