Strategic ambition and sustainable growth
SAG Netherlands aims to establish a strong position as a market leader in aluminum fuel tanks under the brand name Aluminized in new, sustainable markets. The development of applications for, among others, agricultural vehicles, cargo bikes, and hydrogen and battery technology requires a safe, responsible, and future-proof organization of processes.
With the support of Lexerta in the field of HSE and risk management, SAG can achieve this strategic growth with full attention to safety, environment, and laws and regulations. Gerrit Klok, Department Lead QHES at SAG Netherlands, summarizes it succinctly: “We are always well prepared.”
A reliable partner in the market
Anyone who takes to the road today is very likely to come into contact with products from SAG Netherlands. This metalworker, part of the Austrian Salzburger Aluminium Group, is a royal supplier of aluminum fuel tanks to automotive manufacturers such as Scania and DAF. The lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant tanks contribute to lower fuel costs and less maintenance for thousands of transport companies in Europe. The high quality standards and consistent product performance have led SAG to become the market leader in aluminum fuel tanks.
At the same time, this market position forms the basis for further growth under the brand name Aluminized, with new applications in agriculture, mobility, and energy storage. This requires adaptation of production processes, new materials and machines, and a strong assurance of safety, environment, and compliance.
Transition to Sustainable Markets
SAG Netherlands, with approximately 225 employees, is undergoing a strategic transition. “The fossil fuel market is finite,” says Klok. “That’s why, with our new brand name Aluminized, we are increasingly focusing on other markets. Think of supplying aluminum components for agricultural vehicles or cargo bikes, but also providing sheet metal for sustainable fuel cells, electrochemical batteries that, for example, enable hydrogen engines and other sustainable forms of transport. Aluminum remains a valuable product, which is also 100% recyclable, but its application is shifting. It is up to us to adapt.”
This change of course brings changes in production processes, working methods, and machinery, and requires an integrated approach to (occupational) safety, environmental risks, and HSE compliance. At the same time, SAG wants to maintain its focus on innovation and market development, without having a dedicated HSE function in-house.
Lexerta as a Partner in Compliance and Safety
For SAG’s challenges, the team works closely with Lexerta consultants Hans Been (Environment) and Melle Velema (Health & Safety). Klok explains: “We have been working together for years. They know us and we know them. Over the past years, they have helped us comply with all laws and regulations and our ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, but also with improving our production processes. Before we put new materials or machines into use, they ensure a comprehensive Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) is carried out and a clear action plan is in place. Whether it’s purchasing protective equipment, securing machines, or determining the best way to work with chemicals; with their help, we have everything prepared properly and on time. That gives us a lot of peace of mind and certainty. The collaboration is also very pleasant. They are involved, flexible, and honor their commitments. This means we don’t need to employ an HSE advisor, but still always have the right knowledge in-house. This way, they keep us on track, we always respond promptly to changing laws and regulations, and we can seize new opportunities.”
This approach is supported by Pharius, Lexerta’s compliance tool, in which laws and regulations, obligations, and actions are clearly recorded. Combined with the personal guidance of Hans Been and Melle Velema, this ensures that risks are not only identified, but also demonstrably followed up and secured. In this way, SAG remains structurally compliant and the organization can implement changes in a controlled and safe manner.
Safe, compliant, and future-proof
Thanks to this collaboration, SAG now has an HSE structure that supports significant changes. Safety and environmental performance have improved, while innovation and growth continue unabated. Klok explains the results: “The results speak for themselves. We have virtually no incidents, have 2,614 solar panels, use only LED lighting, and have draft-proof doors in our production facility. In addition, with their help, we were able to properly phase out many chemicals.”
Through the combination of expertise, commitment, and a digital tool, HSE and compliance are now fully integrated into daily processes. SAG can now safely implement changes in production and materials, while innovation and sustainable growth continue without interruption. The organization has a robust system that controls risks, ensures safety, and improves environmental performance, so that the strategic ambitions under the Aluminized brand name can be realized with confidence.
‘What once started with mapping out relevant laws and regulations and setting up a register, grew into a years-long collaboration with SAG. It is an interesting place, with approachable people and a lot of mutual trust. As an external advisor, I can add a lot of value here.’
‘Because of my experience at other organizations, I can, for example, identify smart optimizations from other sectors and present them to SAG. Think of more environmentally friendly products or energy-saving measures that fit the company’s ambitions. Because the organization is clear and manageable, these can also be implemented quickly. In this way, we have already taken major steps together and are working together towards a bright future for SAG.’
Hans Been, Environmental Advisor at Lexerta
