Dutch greenhouse construction heavyweight Aad Voorwinden has decided to take a step back. A few months ago Aad made the decision: It's time to do things differently. For most people this would have meant retirement but that will certainly not apply to Aad. He remains involved with Havecon, but will be less active in the daily management of the company. "Finally I have some time to focus on some other things, now I now have the time for that."
Henk Verbakel, Maik Voorwinden, Kris Voorwinden, Aad Voorwinden
Founding
Almost 11 years ago, Aad Voorwinden and Henk Verbakel started the company Havecon Kassenbouw BV. In November 2006, it started with a few letters from the names of the founders (Henk, Aad, Voorwinden & Verbakel CONstructies), a few highly motivated people and a subcontractor who got started with a new adventure.
Since the founding there have been a number of difficult years in the greenhouse construction, yet Havecon will be passing their 1,000 hectare mark in built greenhouses this year. A milestone and a beautiful performance for Havecon & the Voorwinden Group.
Strong growth
From the moment they decided to get started in 2006 there was never any doubt whether they would succeed. But to be honest, both Aad and Henk in those years did not expect that in the market so much positive confidence would be given to Havecon.
"This is something we are very proud of and also certainly grateful before we succeeded to build the business into a proper international company! With a very positive, motivated team, we succeed in getting the business a step further every day", as Henk Verbakel relates.
"We have been able to build a good customer base over the years. This is because of the inspected and good quality products of Havecon on one end, but also because of the unique combination with the Voorwinden Group. The cooperation that these two companies have is unique in the sector which, in lesser and good times, knew how to strengthened each other enormously."
New generation is ready
"More than 35 years ago I started working as a greenhouse builder," says Aad Voorwinden. "Those were not always the easiest years, though I would not have wanted to miss a single one. But as it should be, the oldest should know when it's time to get out of the way for the younger generation. Havecon has become a beautiful and healthy greenhouse business that can look forward to a good future under the leadership of Henk."
Aad Voorwinden BV was renamed the Voorwinden Group (VWG) a couple of years ago because of the accession of Aad his sons Kris and Maik. Both had been able to gain experience in the company for many years, and that’s why Aad confidently handed over the leadership to the new generation. "It's good for the future to pass on the company to my sons", said Aad.
Strong together
Aad Voorwinden is (just like Henk Verbakel) 50% shareholder of Havecon. There isn’t a generation gap between Aad and Henk, but Aad also likes to take a step back here by transferring part of the shares to Henk, and also some will go to the VWG.
Aad is already looking forward to the coming years. "In the background I keep involved with both companies and I want to thank everyone for the trust they have given us and hope that we may come back for the next phase. Then they will have sufficient work for the next 11 years ... "
Both Havecon and the VWG will continue with their plans to keep growing. A nice warehouse for both parties will be realized in 2018 at the new location in Bleiswijk.
Havecon Kassenbouw B.V.
Marconistraat 32
2665 JE Bleiswijk
Postbus 25
2665 ZG Bleiswijk
Tel. +31(0)10 266 32 70
Fax +31(0)10 266 32 71
info@havecon.com
www.havecon.com