Dutch demolition force manifests itself in Asia

Refinery in Singapore falls prey to recycling equipment from Weert

Anyone who thinks the word "International" in Saes International BV is a hollow concept is wrong. The developer and supplier of equipment for the recycling industry has been in the news many times because of the faraway countries where their equipment is used.

Van Vliet Sloopwerken BV is one such loyal client of Saes, which successfully deploys the reliable equipment in the distant future. This includes a mega demolition project that Van Vliet is currently carrying out in Singapore. A salient detail: not only does Saes' equipment find its way to Asia, but the service Saes provides does not care about international borders either. An interview with Erwin Broens (Saes International board member), Carlo Laauwen (CEO Van Vliet Demolition Works) and Saes mechanic John, who provided on-site assistance.

Working on CO₂-reduction

Carlo Laauwen explains the assignment in Singapore: "On behalf of a multinational, Van Vliet is removing a large part of a refinery there. In its place, the client is going to build new refining installations that are many times more environmentally friendly than what was there. This is all part of the CO₂-reduction." The task is vast and complex, a throwback to Van Vliet, who is used to working in countries with different cultures and different climatic conditions.

"Wherever we work, which is currently about seven countries, there the client can enjoy our efficient demolition and recycling process. Our recycling rate is consistently between 96% and 98%. The reason we can achieve this is because of our own expertise and the fact that we use reliable equipment. Then you immediately get the reason why we do this kind of work with equipment from Saes of Weert."

For Van Vliet, the Singapore assignment is one of the largest in the demolition company's history. "There are 30 of us on the job, for which six years have been allocated. Our team includes Dutch people, people from the United Kingdom and a complement consisting of Asian craftsmen."

Modified machines

Another reason to choose Saes: Van Vliet works with modified machines. "Saes is so technically skilled and flexible that they can modify the machines entirely to our wishes and requirements," Carlo continues. "Performing maintenance is also done superbly. And in the unlikely event of calamities, mechanic John comes to us as quickly as is feasible, even if we are in the middle of nowhere."

Added John, "As a technical man at Saes, I am almost always the one sent abroad. What I take with me on trips as standard are my work clothes and a good mood. In Singapore, I helped set up and check the machines, and the final maintenance was done by me. For example, I refilled the air conditioners extra because it was quite hot there. In total, I spent two weeks on site. The necessary tools had already been sent along in containers, with the machines and attachments. Those containers were filled very efficiently; everything was thought of and I never missed a thing. By the way, you have to be born for this work and the home front - in my case a wife and four children - must support the work. You are away from home for whole periods after all."

Impressive lineup

Erwin Broens lists which machines and equipment have been shipped from Weert: "A Hitachi ZX890 and two Hitachi ZX870s, a Liebherr R960 and a Sennebogen 830E (transfer crane) have been delivered, along with LaBounty equipment, namely the MSD4500, MSD 3000 and MSD 2500. In addition, an Epiroc EC140 demolition hammer. All neatly painted in white, as in Van Vliet's new corporate identity." All in all, an impressive lineup of machines and demolition tools. John concludes, "Everything went to Singapore tiptop prepared. Once there, I made a few more adjustments to the controls. There is a difference between what the Dutch, English and Asians are used to. Everyone can now work with the machines familiar, satisfied and fast."