our history
About Maastricht Logistics Services
history of mls, maastricht logistics services
Maastricht, 2017
Born from necessity
The current owners of MLS were previously employed by another company in the region. At the end of August, the company was asked to leave its warehouse at Maastricht airport within two weeks. Immediately, a 1,500m2 commercial space was needed, as work had to continue. The result? Together they decided to set up a new company called Maastricht Logistics Services, or MLS for short. All with the aim of becoming a logistics service provider with a strong focus on air cargo handling. Within two weeks, a location had to be found and needed to be up and running as soon as possible. The small premises were all taken, so the only option was to find something bigger. The team ended up on the Korvetweg in Maastricht. A 6,500 m2 hall, which was way too big for the start. But there were no other options; however, it was there that the foundation was laid for the fastest growing company in South Limburg.
By acting quickly, the necessary customs permits were quickly obtained and the warehouse was TAPA-FSR certified. Combined with the strategic and geographical location, MLS soon became a strong name in the transhipment world. With activities for Maastricht-Aachen Aiport, forward-ers, and cargo airlines the warehouse soon became too small rather than too big. Every day there was a long queue of trucks on the Korvetweg. Even so that local traffic was regularly blocked. In the end, there was only one option: more space, and in the short term. MLS was unleashed, there was no stopping it.
From 6.500m2 to 13.000m2
What was born out of necessity seven years ago soon ran out of space.
Growth was so rapid that more space was needed. Yesterday rather than today.
Soon after the start, things moved quickly. The hall began to fill up quickly. Where people had previously thought the location was far too big, they were now happy with the space available. However, like the rest of the world, the effects of the COVID pandemic were being felt. The negative effects in 2020 slowly gave way to positive developments. During this period, the company was allowed to handle both gloves and test kits, in very large quantities. All of this work created growth, with 2022 being the year of 400% growth, insane! It literally went through the roof.
In parallel, after a good start, the company decided to add trucking to its services in 2023. In doing so, it became a one-stop shop, making life easier for its customers. This was a logical step because, according to MLS, there is more to trucking than just getting from A to B at the cheapest price. Of course, rates are important but keeping appointments, providing the right service, following up on moves, honest updates, and no restrictions on customer requests is what MLS wants to stand for, also called SERVICE.
very day, hundreds of thousands of parcels pass through the warehouse on their way to recipients in the EU. More and more every month. The team has grown from three people to around 60 employees in just seven years. And the square metres of warehouse space were already far too small. At the end of 2023, the decision was made. A lease was signed for a new building on the Engelandlaan in Maastricht. A new MLS facility of 13,000 m2 with 15 docks, fully built to BREEAM sustainability standards at Aviaton Valley, Maastricht Airport. At this new location, MLS can continue to grow and offer more space to loyal and new customers. Let’s see how long this location will last?
In conversation with co-owner Ikbal Guneli
"Everything had to be set up from scratch."
Everyone who works here wants to make something of the MLS, everyone wants to see the next step!
I am co-owner of MLS, together with my other partners we run MLS. Seven years ago we faced a challenge, an urgent need for a 1500m2 warehouse. After days of searching, we only had one 6500m2 warehouse with only four docks available in our immediate area. You had to wear three pairs of rose-coloured glasses to see the possibilities this warehouse offered. After a very short conversion period, the warehouse at Korvetweg 24 was up and running. After the official opening in April 2018, we continued to build on the development of MLS. Everything was new and had to be set up: operations, finance, HR, training, certifications, and customs. We also had to start looking for people to work in the warehouse and office. Slowly new people started to arrive and then we knew for sure: MLS was going to be big!
Everyone who joined wanted to make something of MLS, everyone wanted to see how MLS would take the next step(s). When there was work to be done, everyone was ready to work, and always with laughing and having fun together. After 6 years, the Korvetweg was too small and the development of MLS could not continue. It was time for the next challenge and so we signed a contract for a 13,000 m2 building to be built. And here we are, after 10 months of construction, in a 13,000 m2 building with all the happy employees who have made it possible for MLS to come this far. I am convinced that the new location, together with the team, will be an even greater success!
Ikbal Guneli – Co-owner MLS
