Bonding with the people and the area

Strengthening the dike between Gorinchem and Waardenburg requires a lot of equipment. Sterk Heukelum supplies various ground equipment on demand. From mini excavators to GPS crawler cranes and tractors with dumpers. Arie Sterk: "We do not do hourly billing, but always look at which equipment best suits the customer and the job."

Strong Heukelum is a true family business. Founded in 1964 as a small paving company by Arie's father. Now, almost 60 years later, it is all-round contractor in the GWW and machine rental. Arie Sterk is the second generation; his son Marco, together with his wife, is now also active in the business. "We work for (semi)-governments such as municipalities, water boards and provinces, for companies and for private individuals. Within the GWW sector, we specialize in the contracting and execution of ground, road and hydraulic engineering works as well as in the rental of earthmoving equipment. We rent out our earthmoving equipment with controls. Our range is extensive and modern, from excavators and shovels with 3D GPS machine control to tractors and trucks. Our people are all professionals, we invest in them. Because we believe that having good people is more important than having a lot of people. Because we have a permanent team, we are flexible and can switch quickly. 'No' is not an option for us and we always provide a suitable solution."

Bonding with the region

For Sterk Heukelum, the dike reinforcement is a project in its own backyard. The family business is based in Heukelum, between Gorinchem and Waardenburg. "Almost half of our people also live near the dike," says Arie Sterk. "That has two important advantages. One, we know the people here in the area. Both local residents and other contractors. That comes in handy during the work. You know each other, speak each other's language and can therefore arrange things quickly. Secondly, it makes a huge difference in terms of traffic movements. We get to the site quickly, which reduces CO₂-emissions." And with the latter, the family business is also directly making a sustainable contribution to the project. They also invest in new and cleaner machines, such as those with stage 5 engines or an electric unit. Just recently they purchased two truck dump trucks with the latest Euro 6 B engines.

Eye for the people

What appeals so much to Arie about the dyke reinforcement project is the bond with the people and the area. "You don't do business alone, but together. Both with our customers and with clients and fellow entrepreneurs, we like to build a personal bond. With attention and interest in each other, we make it a lot more human and that works so pleasantly." The guiding principle at Sterk Heukelum in work is, "Make it as you would for yourself. Our people proceed with care. We like to deliver good work, but we are also open and honest if something is not possible or can be done better in another way."