At 54, Christophe Drugmand knows the business inside out: at the head of the family group founded in 1919 by a grandfather, he has been distributing Galland products in the “Rail Infrastructure” range of his catalogue for 10 years. A close collaboration that allows our company to have a good position on the Belgian market. Interview in 5 questions.
What is the history of your company?
Drugmand & Meert SA is a family business, founded in 1919 by my great-grandfather. The DRUGMAND group then expanded with the companies EMAS SA in 1963 and GECOM SA in 1983. The company Drugmand & Meert, which I manage, is ideally located near Brussels airport.
What is your professional background?
After graduating with a degree in Marketing Management, I spent my entire career at Drugmand & Meert. I was fortunate to have my grandfather as a mentor for several years before taking over the reins of the company myself in 1998.
What profiles does your company consist of?
We have three types of profiles within the company: technical sales representatives who represent the foundation of our customer relations, but also manual staff, responsible for the assembly, packaging and shipping of our products. Finally, a few administrative staff complete our staff, which is made up of a total of 14 people.
What is the history of your relationship with Galland?
We have been working together for 10 years, thanks initially to one of our clients who suggested this collaboration. We got to know each other better in Bordeaux, at the premises of the company Galland in September 2013. The products offered by this company fit perfectly into our Rail Infrastructure range. We immediately hit it off… which is important for companies working in the electricity sector!
Since then, we have been in regular contact with the sales department and management.
Galland has an excellent knowledge of the challenges of the railway market. Their R&D expertise, the quality and reliability of their products, are also among their assets.
In Belgium, what are the future markets in the railway sector?
Despite the difficulties linked to the current economic situation, our country maintains its desire to invest in public works, particularly in the railway and tram sectors. The railway sector is mainly a renovation market, but as far as metros and trams are concerned, several projects are underway, such as the Liège tram.
Get to know him better
His hobby
My free time is mainly spent with my family and close friends. But I also enjoy good restaurants and wines, water sports, skiing and I am passionate about vintage cars.
His family
I have a 12-year-old son from a previous relationship and I live with Sandrine, who recently joined our company.
His city
I live in a village in Walloon Brabant, in an isolated house near the woods. A calm and peaceful place where I like to recharge my batteries.
His mantra
“If we have the courage to pursue them, all dreams come true” (Walt Disney)
