For the animals, for the environment
Interview with Wouter Bronkhorst, Managing Director of Gedizo Trading International B.V.
Gedizo Trading International B.V. stands for innovative feed, sustainable growth, and a strong family culture. Managing Director Wouter Bronkhorst and his team focus on CO2-neutral production, customized blends, and high quality. A company that wants to become not bigger, but better - while keeping an eye on both animals and the environment.
"Animals should not really have to manage without us," states Wouter Bronkhorst about his claim. The business has seven employees but operates almost fully automated. The expansion into Germany, especially with products for calf rearing and hobby sheep farming, is a growth area. About 40% of revenue is now generated abroad. The company strongly focuses on customer proximity and recommendations. "Most new customers are acquired through word-of-mouth," says Wouter Bronkhorst. Personal advice and the customization of feed mixes for specific customer requirements are integral parts of the company philosophy. Gedizo also explores new avenues in product variety: briquettes made from alfalfa, chopped straw, corn, and wheat complement the portfolio – especially for small animals and horse owners. This specialization in smaller target groups is part of the future strategy.
Lived Sustainability
Gedizo thinks of animal feed not only from the perspective of the animals but also from that of future generations. "Our production is completely CO2-neutral," emphasizes Wouter Bronkhorst. Currently, 1,100 solar panels and a power storage unit ensure sustainable energy supply. A new hall with an additional 2,100 m2 is under construction – it will also be fully equipped with photovoltaics. Excess energy will be stored as hot water in the future and used for drying processes. Corporate culture is also highly valued: "We do not want to become too large, but we aim to continue growing – in quality, not in personnel," says the managing director. "I don’t think so much about money. I want to run a beautiful company where my two sons would also like to work." A long-term goal is to expand into a CO2-neutral dryer for premium hay. "We do not compete on price, but on quality," Wouter Bronkhorst sums it up.
What began as a small family business has developed over almost three decades into a company specialized in high-quality animal feed and bedding: Gedizo Trading International B.V., based in Uddel, now produces mixed feed (based on roughage) and bedding for calves, sheep, goats, horses, and small animals – and exports worldwide. Founded in 1996 by managing director Wouter Bronkhorst and his wife Tjarda, Gedizo has focused on high-quality niche products from the start. Initially, small quantities of maize silage were packaged as high-quality roughage for calves – today, it is around 800 tons of roughage, straw, and special mixes per week, some under its own brand and some using private label processes.