In conversation with: Edwin Keizer

You have a long career in electrical engineering wholesale behind. How did you join DTC Electrical ended up?
After years of working in this industry, I ended up at DTC Elektro. I already knew the people at DTC and it felt right to take on this challenge. DTC is a real family business, with short lines of communication and committed people. Since 2022 we have been part of the Rensa Family and that gives us the opportunity to continue to grow and to position ourselves even more strongly in the market.

What does this move to the Rensa Family mean for DTC?
It means combining the strength of a family business with the clout of an international organization. The Rensa Family is active in the Netherlands, Germany and Romania and consists of specialized technical wholesalers who all occupy top positions in their markets. It is our ambition to achieve the same: we want to grow to a top 3 position in the electrotechnical wholesale sector in the coming years.”

That sounds ambitious. How are you going to achieve it?
The first year was dominated by integration. Systems, processes, logistics all had to fit together. Now that that foundation is in place, we are looking ahead. We want to grow by focusing on service, reliability and knowledge. As we say: ‘First be the best, then you will automatically become the biggest.’ That mentality helps us get closer to that top 3 step by step.

“Our people are the heart of DTC electro”

What do you think makes DTC special within the Rensa Family?
Our people. They are the heart of DTC Elektro. Proud, involved and with a great sense of responsibility. That culture fits seamlessly with the DNA of the Rensa Family and makes it possible for us
to really make a difference for our customers.

Sustainability is a major theme at Rensa. How is DTC dealing with it?
The distribution center in Doetinchem was built completely sustainably. With no gas connection, solar panels, heat pumps, underfloor heating and LED lighting. That fits in perfectly with our sustainable course: trucks that run on biofuel from used cooking oil, warehouses that are heated with biogas and continuous investments in CO₂ reduction. It is no coincidence that we are now on the highest rung of the CO₂ performance ladder.

Can you tell something about future plans?
One of the biggest projects is Project A18. We have a 15-hectare site where we are going to build a state-of-the-art logistics center. It will include Europe’s largest loading plaza, its own energy generation and a training center. Safety and efficiency are key: pedestrians, cyclists, cars and trucks will each have their own routes, and many logistic
processes will be highly automated. We are thus preparing for the future and actively contributing to the energy transition.

What do you see as the main challenge in the market?
The line between E and W installations is becoming increasingly blurred. Products are getting smarter. That requires a lot of knowledge, both from us and from our customers. There is an opportunity for us there: we want to relieve customers of their worries with advice, smart prefab solutions and concepts that contribute to sustainability and the reduction of failure costs.

“We want to be in the top 3 of the market“

Finally, where will DTC Elektro be in a few years?
Our ambition is clear: we want to be in the top 3 in the market. Just as many other members of the Rensa Family already are in their segment. With the strength of our people, the support of Rensa and our focus on sustainability and innovation, I am convinced that we will achieve that.

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