Large-scale earthmoving with consideration for the environment and nature

Ton Kuijs has been working for Aannemingsbedrijf J. Den Boer since 2005. First as superintendent, then as project manager and now as company manager. "We see an increase in natural-engineering projects and we are happy to work on that," he says.

At contracting company J. Den Boer, everything revolves around large-scale earthmoving. "That is what we are best at. We are able to move large quantities of soil in a short period of time. Think of infrastructural work along highways and provincial roads and nature-technical projects, especially along rivers and on water," Kuijs explains. 

Contributing to the future

For the past year, Kuijs and his colleagues have been busy with a nature engineering project in Groesbeek, Gelderland. "We were asked by the province of Gelderland and Staatsbosbeheer to restore nature reserve de Bruuk. A lot of calcareous seepage water comes into this area from surrounding areas. Because of agricultural use and the old watercourses, the seepage water came to the surface too quickly. By applying clay layers we have ensured that the water remains in the subsoil and the area can recover. A great job for us, because this goes much further than just hauling clay. You are restoring a piece of exclusive nature! This is also how we as a company really contribute to the future of our country."

Kuijs expects to do more nature projects next year. "More and more tenders are being issued by provinces, water boards and the Department of Public Works, for example. Projects around rivers and floodplains are particularly interesting to us. The clay, sand and soil we remove there, we use in other projects. That way we deal with raw materials sustainably. Clay is particularly interesting, for the realization of dike reinforcement projects we are working on." With 2 million cubic meters of clay in our own stock, it's easy to switch gears. "In addition, we also always use our own loading locations, trucks, ships and unloading pontoons."

First steps toward sustainability

As an SME, it is a challenge to invest a lot in sustainability. "This is mainly because we work with large and heavy equipment. Small electric equipment is already available, otherwise it is still limited." But that is no reason for J. Den Boer to do nothing at all. "We recently put a first hybrid bulldozer into service and because it is very well liked, a second one is coming this year. We are very happy to take those first steps in sustainability." 

Kuijs is proud not only of the company's sustainable steps, but also of its way of working. "With our small staff, we can still do large projects because our machinists and drivers are experienced and think along with projects. That is also a nice compliment to get from clients. Our management has practical experience and therefore knows what to look out for. So we can just keep up in the world of larger contractors."