Maple Group Expands Project Logistics Capacity with Fladderak Acquisition in Rotterdam
Maple Group has expanded its project logistics and industrial cargo handling capacity through the acquisition of Fladderak Industriële Verpakkingen, strengthening its ability to manage machinery, production lines and other specialised project cargo for international markets.
The acquisition gives Maple Group more than 40,000 square metres of production, storage and handling capacity, including 25,000 square metres of covered space, lifting capacity of up to 80 tonnes, and a workforce of more than 100 employees. The expanded infrastructure is expected to support growing demand for specialised logistics, export packing and the handling of heavy and out-of-gauge cargo.
The global export of machinery, production lines and other industrial goods requires carefully coordinated project logistics. At the same time, investments in the energy transition are generating new flows of heavy and out-of-gauge cargo, increasing the need for specialist export packing, storage, handling, lashing and logistics preparation for international transportation.
Fladderak brings more than 75 years of experience in industrial packing and logistics services for manufacturers in the Netherlands and international markets. The company is based in Rotterdam’s Eemhaven, where its production and storage facilities have direct access to barge transport.
The acquisition adds dedicated capacity for the handling and logistics preparation of export project cargo and complements Maple Group’s existing Packing, Lashing & Logistics operations. The combined capabilities will allow the group to handle larger export projects while providing additional storage, handling and quayside capacity within the Port of Rotterdam.
“With Fladderak, we are adding not only capacity, but also extensive experience in managing industrial export projects. From packing machinery and production lines to storage, handling and preparing cargo for international transport. This enables us to provide broader support to customers with complex industrial export projects,” said René van der Werff, Managing Director of Maple Group.
Rob Fladderak, former owner and Managing Director of Fladderak Industriële Verpakkingen, said the decision to hand over the company was driven by its long-term interests and its next phase of growth and development. He said he was seeking a company that recognised Fladderak’s potential and had the knowledge, experience and resources to build on its capabilities, adding that he found that company in Maple Group.
Fladderak to Continue Operating under its Own Name
For customers and suppliers, little will change in the short term following the acquisition. Fladderak will continue operating under its existing name and from its current location, while existing contacts and services will remain unchanged.
Maple Group has also committed to retaining Fladderak’s employees, expertise and craftsmanship as the company becomes part of the group’s expanded industrial packaging and project logistics operations.
Read: CIMC 2026 Targets Major Transformation of Sri Lanka’s Maritime Logistics and Shipping Industry
