'We supply an extensive range of tubular steel materials'

Distribution centers, road portals for anwb signs, crash barriers, posts and light poles along highways. Theo Makkenze, business unit manager of the Civil Engineering and Constructions department at P. van Leeuwen Jr's Buizenhandel: "Look around and you see steel pipes everywhere. We supply steel pipes and box sections to customers who use them to build distribution centers, stadiums and offices, for example, but we also supply infrastructure companies that use them to make anchors for quay walls or sheet pile walls that hold tunnels and bridges in place, for example."

Van Leeuwen Buizen has a rich history dating back to the year 1924. Makkenze: "In the Civil Engineering and Constructions department, we supply steel pipes, fittings and flanges to various market segments. To steel construction companies that use them to build distribution centers, station roofs and sports stadiums, for example. To installation companies that use them to make central heating or HVAC installations. We supply steel pipes for the construction and heating of greenhouses, but also for shipbuilding. With a decent stock of 30,000 to 35,000 tons of steel tube products, we have a wide range that is available quickly." 

Piet van Leeuwen is the founder of the company and now the third generation is at the helm. Makkenze: "And also the fourth generation is now on board. We mainly supply carbon steel pipes and duplex and super duplex stainless steel pipes. Besides the steel construction market and infrastructure, we also supply to the oil and gas market, mechanical engineering, transport equipment industry and the automotive industry. In short; we supply worldwide and for a variety of applications." 

When the steel constructor and his client have a deal, Van Leeuwen Buizen comes into the picture. Makkenze: "Then the demand comes to the market and we are often allowed to deliver. But still, we would like to come to the table earlier, because it is precisely then that we can advise on availability, quality and dimensions. We know the steel market well and know everything about price-determining factors such as turnover rate and availability. We like to think and talk with you." 

Sustainability

Makkenze: "We have a worldwide stock of more than 150,000 tons and have good contacts with rolling mills. Our high purchasing volume makes us an important partner for many rolling mills. They are willing to think with us about optimizing the distribution chain to make it as efficient and sustainable as possible. Nor do we do business with every mill. We prefer to do business with European factories in order to keep transport costs as low as possible. We also check whether the factories take measures for sustainability and limiting CO2 emissions. In addition, we only buy from suppliers who meet our specifications and we conduct audits to check this. Because as a tube specialist we know the procurement market so well, we make the options in the jungle of steel suppliers clear for our customers. That is our strength."