History

Neele-Vat was founded in 1975 by Ruud Vat. This was the beginning of the now more than 1,200-employee Rotterdam family business. Below are the milestones that have occurred since 1975.

Since its establishment in 1975, Neele-Vat has achieved numerous significant milestones. With its headquarters based in the renowned Port of Rotterdam, it has emerged as one of the prominent logistics service providers in the region. With a rich history spanning a century, this family-owned business has maintained complete control over all logistics activities. Moreover, Neele-Vat proudly embodies the spirit of Rotterdam, deeply rooted in the city’s values and traditions.

100+ years in logistics

1 February 1975
Start of Neele-Vat
Establishment of VAT Logistics is a fact. From an office building on Thorbeckestraat on the Maaskade in Rotterdam, Ruud Vat starts the adventure.
6 January 1982
Moving to a new place
From Thorbeckestraat, VAT Logistics is moving to Van Riemsdijkweg in Rotterdam. The move will see the first 500 m2 of storage for trade goods.

6 January 1982
7 January 1986
Aquisition Delson
The first acquisition is a fact. With the acquisition of Delson.
1 June 1990
New construction Albrandswaard
In 1990, the premises in Albrandswaard are put into use. 7,000 m2 of warehouse comes along the A15 motorway with office space.

1 June 1990
10 January 1994
Rebuilding Albrandswaard
The 7,000 sq m became too small. Next to the then building was another piece of wasteland. Soon an additional 3,000 m2 was added here and in 1996 this became a total of 14,000 m2.
9 January 1998
Aquisition Fabius
Vat acquires Fabius ROTTERDAM (NT) – Rotterdam-based groupage and warehousing company Vat has acquired Amsterdam-based freight forwarder Fabius.

9 January 1998
12 May 2000
Aquisition Hentex en Ribro
Vat Logistics has acquired the company Hentex. Vat Logistics spreads wings globally with Hentex Rotterdam.
1 May 2001
Aquisition Interhollandia
VAT Logistics acquires Interhollandia The Vat Group has acquired shipping company Interhollandia in Ridderkerk.

1 May 2001
13 May 2003
Aquisition Helvetica Expeditie
VAT Logistics acquires Helvetica Expeditie en Overslag B.V., adding this service to its already existing Switzerland service.
3 January 2006
Aquisition MAT
Part MAT continues as VAT VAT Logistics takes over the assets of MAT Transport and MAT Air and Ocean Freight.

3 January 2006
1 January 2007
Aquisition Ibercargo en Waalex
Vat Logistics buys Ibercargo and Waalex Vat Logistics has acquired Ibercargo and Waalex.
7 January 2007
Start of Maasvlakte construction
Neele-Vat builds on Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte, international logistics service provider Neele-Vat Logistics will have access to the largest distribution centre in…

7 January 2007
2 October 2009
Establishment of Gasmeetstation
Gas Measuring Station Netherlands BV offers state-of-the-art facilities for gas measurement and environmentally friendly (de)gassing of containers. At Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte, we have two in-house sites, directly…
12 May 2014
Vat Logistics and Neele Logistics become one
Vat Logistics merges with Neele Logistics and continues under the name Neele-Vat .

12 May 2014
1 December 2015
Maasvlakte expansion
New ADR distribution centre on Maasvlakte for Neele-Vat. Neele-Vat has started construction of a brand new ADR distribution centre on the Maasvlakte.
1 January 2018
Aquisition of Oostvogels Group
Neele-Vat Logistics strengthens market position with acquisition of Oostvogels Group.

1 January 2018
1 January 2019
Aquisition of Mammoet Ferry Transport
Neele-Vat Logistics buys Mammoet Ferry Transport and strengthens position in European road transport.
1 January 2019
Aquisition of Mainport-Rotterdam
Neele-Vat Logistics buys Mainport Warehousing with an eye on intermodal flows and cross-docking.

1 January 2019
12 May 2019
Another warehouse on the Maasvlakte
Neele-Vat Logistics specialises in warehousing dangerous goods in accordance with PGS 15 guidelines.
12 June 2019
Establishment of Rotterdam Blending & Filling
Neele-Vat opens Rotterdam Blending & Filling.

12 June 2019
1 May 2021
X-Dock centre Waalhaven
Neele-Vat and the Port of Rotterdam Authority sign a contract for the development of a distribution centre on the last vacant lot of the City Terminal.
12 May 2021
New construction Meer (BE)
New warehouse in Meer 20,000 m2

12 May 2021
16 June 2021
Acquisition of Steder Group
Neele-Vat buys Steder Group and strengthens its global sea freight position.
1 september 2022
Opening of Port Park Pernis
Neele-Vat opens new 45,000 sqm distribution centre and office in Rotterdam.

1 september 2022

History

100+ years in logistics

1 February 1975

6 January 1982

6 January 1982

7 January 1986

1 June 1990

1 June 1990

10 January 1994

9 January 1998

9 January 1998

12 May 2000

1 May 2001

1 May 2001

13 May 2003

3 January 2006

3 January 2006

1 January 2007

7 January 2007

7 January 2007

2 October 2009

12 May 2014

12 May 2014

1 December 2015

1 January 2018

1 January 2018

1 January 2019

1 January 2019

1 January 2019

12 May 2019

12 June 2019

12 June 2019

1 May 2021

12 May 2021

12 May 2021

16 June 2021

1 september 2022

1 september 2022

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