Rexel Belgium has 600 employees and 38 sales outlets throughout the country. By working with ERA Group; this distributor of electrical equipment for the residential and industrial sectors is optimising its indirect costs and benefiting from an international network of experienced consultants.
In 2014; when ERA contacted Rexel Belgium to offer 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 peripheral costs of distribution; but we never managed to find the time;" recalls Pierre Benoît; CEO of Rexel Benelux/UK and Ireland. That was without counting on the tenacity and perseverance of ERA's experts. "It was really a matter of feeling; as in any relationship built to last. Together; we chose to work on a dozen topics such as car fleets; energy consumption and office supplies."
ERA has a specialist in each field who can provide information and advice; as was the case for optimising electricity consumption at Rexel Belgium's 38 sites. Among these; the Marquain site (Tournai) is the largest; covering 20;000 m². Thanks to the experience and contacts of its dedicated ERA consultant; Rexel Belgium signed an agreement – which the group would not have been able to obtain on its own – for the installation of; among other things; photovoltaic panels and more efficient lighting and heating; resulting in a 40% reduction in gas and electricity consumption; despite the increase in the center's activity to 24/7.
'Being able to collaborate with people who are experts in each field of activity represents undeniable added value.'
PIERRE BENOÎT; CEO OF REXEL BENELUX/UK AND IRELAND
"Being able to collaborate with people who are experts in each field of activity represents undeniable added value;" emphasises Pierre Benoît. "Not only does the ERA consultant keep an eye on new developments and market trends; but they also challenge suppliers to come up with tailor-made solutions for each customer. And for Rexel; it's a huge advantage to work with a single point of contact who coordinates projects."
A 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 each consultant's expertise in their field; receiving a detailed report every three months is extremely valuable. "This allows us to see whether the expected savings have been achieved and; if necessary; to make adjustments;" says the CEO. "ERA is completely transparent and does not seek to reduce costs at any cost. For cleaning; for example; there was no better solution than the one already used at Rexel."
Today; the collaboration between the two groups is fluid and transparent. “We have been working together for seven years. Our contact at ERA does not have to go through management if he wants to contact the supply chain manager; for example! Our collaboration is based on trust. Without the help of the ERA teams; some of the progress we have made would not have been possible. At every stage; we are in contact with consultants who are specialists in their field. This difference is undeniably bearing fruit.”
The collaboration between Rexel Belgium and ERA has inspired others; as ERA has signed new contracts with other members of the Rexel group; which is present in 15 countries around the world.
