Rexel Belgium has 600 employees and 38 sales outlets in our country. Rexel distributes electrical equipment for the residential and industrial sectors. By working with ERA Group; Rexel Belgium optimises its indirect costs and benefits from an international network of experienced consultants.
When ERA approached Rexel Belgium in 2014 with a proposal to analyze and reduce its indirect costs; it was not the first time the company had been approached by a no-cure; no-pay company. "Internally; we had already wanted to look at the additional costs of our distribution; but we had never really taken the time to do so;" recalls Pierre Benoit; CEO of Rexel Benelux/UK and Ireland. But then they were introduced to the tenacity and perseverance of the ERA experts. "It was really a matter of gut feeling; as in any lasting relationship. Together; we decided to take a closer look at a dozen topics; including fleet management; energy consumption and office supplies."
ERA has a specialist for each theme who can provide information and advice. This was the case for the optimisation of electricity and gas consumption at Rexel Belgium's 38 sites. The largest of these is the Marquain site (Tournai) with its 20;000 m². Thanks to the experience and contacts of the appointed ERA consultant; Rexel Belgium has concluded agreements – which the group would not have been able to conclude on its own – for the installation of photovoltaic panels; more efficient lighting and heating; among other things. As a result; gas and electricity consumption has fallen by 40%; despite the fact that the site is now operational 24/7.
'At every stage; we are in contact with consultants who are specialists in their field. It's definitely worth it.'
PIERRE BENOIT; CEO OF REXEL BENELUX/UK AND IRELAND
'Being able to work with people who know what they are talking about is undeniably an added value;' emphasises Pierre Benoit. 'Every ERA consultant not only keeps an eye on new developments and market trends; but also challenges suppliers to offer tailor-made solutions for each customer. And for Rexel; it is a huge advantage to work with just one contact person who coordinates the various projects.'
Collaboration based on trust
After analyzing; researching; selecting and implementing sustainable solutions for the company; it is time to monitor the actual savings. In addition to the expertise of each consultant in their field; it is extremely valuable to receive a documented report every three months. ‘This makes it possible to see whether the planned savings have been achieved and to make adjustments if necessary;’ says the CEO. ‘ERA is completely transparent and does not try to save costs at any price. For example; there was no better option for the cleaning program than what we were already using.’
Today; the collaboration between the two groups is smooth and transparent. "We have been working together for seven years. Our contact person at ERA does not have to go through management if; for example; he wants to contact the supply chain manager. Our collaboration is based on trust. Without the help of the ERA teams; certain advances would not have been possible. At every stage; we are in contact with consultants who are specialists in their field. It's definitely worth it."
The collaboration between Rexel Belgium and ERA has been replicated; as ERA has signed new contracts with other members of the Rexel Group; which is present in more than 15 countries worldwide.
