Sasma: “For the first time, we own and operate our own storage and blending infrastructure”
Gpi Tanks supplies 26 stainless steel tanks for Sasma’s new facility in Halsteren
Sasma is an independent bulk alcohol and spirits supplier, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Zoetermeer. The company sources, stores, blends and supplies bulk alcohol to customers in more than 70 countries, serving the food and beverage, spirits, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial sectors. With its new facility in Halsteren, Sasma now has its own storage and blending location for the first time. Gpi supplied and installed 26 stainless steel tanks for this facility, with a total capacity of more than one million litres.
Hans van der Kloot, President & Sales USA at Sasma, explains how the project came about: “Until now, we did not own any storage or blending capacity ourselves. Our customers expect us to confirm stock quickly and deliver products that match their exact specifications. With the new facility in Halsteren, we wanted to bring storage, blending and dilution in house and take full control over quality and turnaround times. For that, we needed a complete tank park.”
Choosing Gpi
Sasma first contacted Gpi about the project in 2024. The company asked its engineering partner Uticon to recommend tank manufacturers in the EU, and Gpi was one of them. “We invited several manufacturers from the Netherlands and abroad to submit an offer,” says Hans. “After comparing the offers and the quality of work, we chose Gpi.”
"After comparing the offers and the quality of the work, we chose Gpi"
About the project
Gpi supplied and installed 26 stainless steel tanks for the Halsteren facility, with a combined capacity of more than one million litres:
- 20 storage tanks of 35,000 litres each
- 1 storage tank of 100,000 litres
- 2 mixing tanks of 35,000 litres each
- 2 mixing tanks of 100,000 litres each
- 1 reverse osmosis (RO) water tank of 5,000 litres
The tanks are used to store, blend and dilute alcohol in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial grades. “The tanks with agitators allow us to blend and dilute to the exact ABV our customers specify,” Hans explains. “The RO water tank supplies water of controlled quality for the dilution process.”
Sasma looks back positively on the engineering phase. “The Gpi engineers were very responsive. It was a pleasant and professional relationship from the start.”
Production, transport and installation
The tanks were built at Gpi’s production facility in Lopik, the Netherlands. Before delivery, Sasma visited the factory in Lopik for a factory acceptance test (FAT). Once approved, the tanks were transported by truck to Halsteren.
On site, Gpi installed the tanks together with a crane company. The tanks were lifted into the building through an opening in the roof. “That was impressive to see,” says Hans. “We were very pleased with the quality of work and the professional way the tanks were brought in.”
"Gpi technicians came over quickly and brought the tank back to KIWA specifications"
Gpi also stood by Sasma after delivery. When one of the tanks was dented in an incident, Gpi technicians were on site quickly. They assessed the situation and used air pressure to restore the tank to KIWA specifications. Gpi also replaced defective manholes in good time. “We really appreciated the after sales service,” says Hans. “Gpi took responsibility and solved it quickly.”
The result
For Sasma, the Halsteren facility marks a turning point. “The tank installation has been transformative for us,” says Hans. “For the first time in our history, we own and operate our own storage and blending infrastructure. That gives us direct control over product quality, availability and turnaround times.”
With more than one million litres of capacity on site, Sasma can now confirm stock immediately, blend to customer specification in house and ship different products in a single consolidated order. “It has fundamentally shifted Sasma from a pure trading company to a full production and logistics partner.”
"Excellent cooperation and excellent service. Delivered on time and on budget!"
Sasma is also positive about the collaboration with Gpi. Hans: “The cooperation was excellent, and so was the service. Gpi took responsibility when something needed fixing, and the project was delivered on time and on budget.”
