Van der Ende Group

This interview details Van der Ende Group, a company based in the Netherlands. The interview is with Marcel Boon, Chief HR Officer at Van der Ende Group.

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How did Van der Ende Group start its journey?

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Van der Ende Group's origins trace back to 1985 with the founding by the father of Lex van der Ende. Initially known as Van der Ende Pumpen, the company primarily focused on horticulture, starting modestly with the founder cycling to customers and selling sump pump accessories.

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Over time, Van der Ende Group has significantly expanded its product range to include thousands of items, notably water treatment and frequency systems. Despite its growth and diversification, the company still holds a strong association with its initial offerings, particularly in the Netherlands.

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What challenges and opportunities does Van der Ende Group see in the horticulture industry?

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The most significant challenge and opportunity for Van der Ende Group lies in the evolving climate and environmental regulations, particularly around water usage. Our water systems are environmentally friendly and enable up to 90% water reuse. Another challenge is market consolidation, with fewer but larger customers emerging. This shift poses risks but also opportunities, depending on our market engagement strategies. Staying close to the market and adapting to changes are crucial for our success.

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What sets Van der Ende Group's products apart in the market?

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Van der Ende Group differentiates itself through specialized systems like high-performance reverse osmosis and unique filtration technologies, including ozone and UV ultrafiltration. These systems, particularly our patented high-performance reverse osmosis systems, offer up to 90% water renewability, a significant improvement over standard systems. Our focus on innovative and environmentally conscious solutions sets us apart in the horticulture industry.

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Could you share some key metrics and cultural aspects of Van der Ende Group?

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Van der Ende Group serves approximately 4,000 customers globally, with a mix of large and small clients. Our company culture is deeply rooted in family values, emphasizing care and openness. We maintain an informal yet professional atmosphere, with a flat organizational structure that eliminates barriers between the board and other employees. This approach fosters direct communication and involvement at all operational levels, ensuring we stay connected with our core business and values.

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How does Van der Ende Group's customer base vary across different crops and regions?

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Our client base varies significantly by region, with flowers dominating in the Netherlands and tomatoes and peppers being more prevalent in Canada. However, our primary clients are not the growers themselves but the installers and greenhouse builders. This approach allows us to serve a diverse range of crops and horticulture practices, adapting to the specific needs of each region and type of cultivation.

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What is the company's stance on vertical farming?

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Van der Ende Group is actively involved in the vertical farming sector, though it represents a smaller portion of our business. We focus on providing water filtration and reverse osmosis systems, crucial for maintaining water quality in these environments. While vertical farming is currently a niche within horticulture, we see potential for growth, especially in urban settings. However, the higher costs associated with vertical farming, such as for LED lighting and infrastructure, currently limit its widespread adoption.

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Looking to the future, what are Van der Ende Group's expectations for horticulture and vertical farming?

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We anticipate significant growth in high-tech greenhouses, which we believe are the future of horticulture. These advanced facilities are data-driven and highly efficient in crop production. While vertical farming is still in its early stages, we expect it to expand, particularly in urban areas. However, the balance between different types of cultivation, including open-field and various greenhouse technologies, will continue to evolve based on economic and technological developments.

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For those interested in learning more about Van der Ende Group, where should they look?

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To gain more insight into Van der Ende Group, our sophisticated website is the best resource. It features detailed case studies, our company history, contact information, and even the mobile numbers of our specialists. We encourage anyone interested to explore our website or reach out to us directly for more information.

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