Durable and flexible safety barriers from A-SAFE at Katoen Natie and Barry Callebaut

More and more companies are opting for innovative solutions to optimally protect their employees, infrastructure and goods. Two Belgian top players - Katoen Natie and Barry Callebaut - show how it can be done differently, thanks to A-SAFE. Their choice for durable, flexible plastic crash protection not only provides more safety, but also better operational efficiency and cost savings.

Founded in 1984 in the UK, A-SAFE has grown to become the world leader in plastic safety barriers. Their solutions are not only rust and corrosion resistant, but also extremely impact resistant thanks to the patented Memaplex polymer. This unique material combines a strong outer layer, an energy-absorbing middle layer and a flexible core, minimizing the risk of damage to floors, vehicles and infrastructure.

The patented coupling technology with three-phase energy absorption is designed to distribute impact energy in a controlled manner - a godsend for any industrial environment. Thanks to strict testing procedures, independent certification by TÜV Nord and a transparent approach, A-SAFE is able to win the trust of major companies worldwide.

Katoen Natie: safety as a strategic choice

At logistics service provider Katoen Natie, safety is key. In 2018, the company went through a tender process looking for the best partner for collision protection, and found it in A-SAFE. After extensive testing, both internally and based on existing A-SAFE data, their solution emerged as the best performing.

About one kilometer of barriers were installed at the Ghent site, including iFlex Single Traffic Barriers, iFlex Pedestrian 3 Rail Barriers and ForkGuard Kerb Barriers. Warehouse 35 in particular - the high-tech automation hub - was equipped with these safety measures. The strategic placement not only provides protection of buildings and equipment from vehicle damage, but also ensures the physical safety of employees by clearly separating pedestrian areas from moving traffic.

The investment paid off quickly. The payback time fluctuates between one and two years - a result of avoided damage, lower maintenance costs and increased efficiency. According to Katoen Natie, thanks to A-SAFE, the site in Ghent is today one of the best protected warehouses in Belgium.

Barry Callebaut: chocolate and safety under one roof

In late 2021, Barry Callebaut opened in Lokeren the largest chocolate warehouse in the world: the "Chocolate Box." Not only impressive in terms of size (with an area of no less than 60,000 square meters), but also in terms of sustainability. Welcome to the first logistics building in the Benelux with "BREEAM Outstanding" certification and fully energy positive.

To protect such exceptional premises, Barry Callebaut knocked on the door of an old friend: A-SAFE. The collaboration between the two companies goes back years, and that bond of trust led to a large-scale installation of security solutions at the Chocolate Box. Among others, iFlex protective posts, eFlex pedestrian barriers, iFlex height limiters, Flexishield column protectors and rack protectors were installed. These solutions were perfectly tailored to the needs of the site with 125,000 pallet spaces.

The challenge was great: the safety measures not only had to be top quality, but also delivered quickly without disrupting daily operations. Working closely with Barry Callebaut's facilities team, a customized package was rolled out that protects workers from collisions as well as contributing to the smooth flow of goods.

The result? A significant reduction in accident risk, protection of people and infrastructure, and a strengthening of Barry Callebaut's reputation as an employer that values safety.

Security as a lever for growth and efficiency

Whether it's advanced logistics at Katoen Natie or a sustainable chocolate world first at Barry Callebaut - in both cases, A-SAFE is proving its worth. With innovative, tested and reliable solutions, A-SAFE makes security a lever for growth, efficiency and peace of mind.