A YEAR OF ALFALOC IN THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL
This week we went to talk to Fábio dos Santos, Director of the Alfaloc business unit operating in Famalicão, Guimarães, Trofa, Santo Tirso, Braga and Barcelos.
Let’s try to understand what challenges arose from an investment started in a critical period of confinement, how the market response is being and what the prospects are for the near future.
Good afternoon Fábio, a year of Famalicão! What are you most passionate about about this region?
Fábio dos Santos: It’s true, how time flies! We’ve been here for 1 year now. I know it’s a cliché, but what I like the most are the people we contact: the friendliness with which they welcome us, the sincerity when they tell us “I don’t know this service yet”, the ease to give us a chance and to work together on something different and better, the way we share moments of the lives of all of us.
But as far as we know, isn’t Fábio a true “man of the north”?
Fábio dos Santos: No and yes. I am actually from a parish in Leiria, with a very curious name – Love. But I have developed much of my professional activity in the North. An incredible region, with a lot of industrial strength, excellent gastronomy and green landscapes that I love.
When Alfaloc decided to invest in this region, how did you think you could help these companies?
Fábio dos Santos: We are an agent of transport solutions for companies. We are focused on the area of dedicated and shared international and national vans and also on express mail, also covering many more areas such as courier-on-board, charters, air cargo or customs clearance. I often say that companies should look at us as their transport department: we are here to help, clarify and provide solutions adapted to each one.
Investing in the middle of a pandemic is only for true entrepreneurs. Wasn’t it too risky?
Fábio dos Santos: There will always be fears about investing, whether in a pandemic or at another time, because when we don’t have the spirit to act, we find problems in every situation. The point here was to find opportunities. With 26 years in the market, we already have enough know-how to know this and understand that we can bring added value to our customers. Despite being a pandemic, many companies have not stopped exporting (and importing) and need a reliable partner to help them. That partner is us.
Is it already possible to make a first assessment? Now that 12 months have passed.
Fábio dos Santos: A positive balance, no doubt. At first, there were few customers in the region who knew us, many due to the dedicated van services we do nationwide. We brought a different attitude to the market, of cooperation and mutual help with customers, of good disposition in the relationship.
This is one of the brand images of the Alfaloc team.
Fábio dos Santos: Yes. To work at Alfaloc, you have to have a good mood and good humor, I can’t do without that in my team! Today we know that alfaloc is beginning to become a well-known brand in the region, including customers who recommend us to others, which I thank to all those who spread the word and help us to go further.
And what can we expect for the next 12?
Fábio dos Santos: First I hope that we all recover from 2 very complicated years in terms of a pandemic and now from a war in Europe. It is important to hope for a better world and to do so. Having this, I expect continued and sustainable growth, with more companies getting to know us and with an even greater use of services such as Rocket, Sharing, SONYC or Courier-on-board.
Alfaloc continues to innovate with the launch of services such as SONYC. What distinguishes it from other services?
Fábio dos Santos: The important word here is “innovation”: we wanted to bring something new to the market for loads over 150 kg and SONYC is that breath of fresh air. Basically, SONYC combines the speed of the aircraft with the safety and flexibility of the dedicated van and distinguishes itself from other services for this reason: we can deliver 2 pallets with 300 kg each in the center of Europe in less than 24 hours after collection, or we can do it with vehicles that have the integrity of the load or the necessary flexibility in delivery schedules. But better than explaining, it’s really consulting us to understand how we can help (laughs).
What will Alfaloc be like in 5 years, especially here in the north of Portugal?
Fábio dos Santos: I see it as a regular business partner for exporting and importing companies, for companies for whom time and urgency are critical, for whom trust is essential. I see it as a company where employees feel that their work is challenging and recognized, externally and internally. I believe that our suppliers will also see us as an important and reliable customer.
This reference to partners is also curious.
Fábio dos Santos: It’s not curious, it’s part of us. Alfaloc is just that, it is this communion, this balance between all parties.
Well…. And finally, I want to believe that the North region where we are today sees us as one of the companies that it is proud to have in its territory.
