From installer to groundwater specialist

Van Tongeren Watertechniek started in 1949. Now, 75 years later, this company has grown into the national player in water management solutions, well drainage. At the helm are Guido van Tongeren and Robert Barkel.

"We work largely within construction & infra, from small to large. From installation engineering, the company developed into the groundwater specialist we are today." Four years ago came the opportunity to take over Theo Velzen Grondboortechniek and Bronbemaling, and Tjaden Adviesbureau voor Grondmechanica. "We suddenly became almost twice as big," Robert looks back. "Quite a challenge, because we wanted to keep the identity and culture of both companies. We already had five different locations at Henk van Tongeren Water & Techniek, in the north and the east, but were joined by the west of the country." Two years later, the company expanded to include Raaijmakers en Zn. Bronbemaling. "This also gave us feet in the south of the country. We didn't want to change the identity there either."

Enthusiasm for the profession

Early this year, a new opportunity presented itself. "Beemsterboer Boringen Bemalingen en Sonderingen came forward. We had
immediately clicked with the owners and found each other in the same chemistry, knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession." So last summer, these groundwater specialists from West Friesland were added. "The world of pumping is not big, but more important than ever. Although by now we do have a
of being the best and the biggest player in the country, we are happy to work with others."

Ready for the future

For the coming years, Robert sees an expansion of electric equipment in particular. "We want and need to continue to become more sustainable, including by working electrically as much as possible. That is not always possible, think of project locations where there is no electricity available yet. There the part of our diesel pump fleet, of course equipped with the latest technology, is still needed. Nevertheless, in the future we hope to operate more and more on electricity or even hydrogen."

Invisible presence

The name Van Tongeren Watertechniek is associated with several well-known projects. "The construction of the A2 tunnel in Maastricht and the quay wall in the Amaliahaven (second Maasvlakte), the expansion of the A9 Gaasperdammerweg, including a tunnel, or, for example, the ring road south around Groningen." They also continue to perform the smaller assignments with the same passion and commitment. "We drain basements and construction pits or provide dry trenches during the laying of cables and pipes. That variety keeps it interesting and of course challenging for our people.

Back to the beginning: "We prefer to be involved at the front end of all projects. Think construction teams," Robert continues. "Then we can use our knowledge and expertise and prevent some problems rather than solve them! After all, we are invisible, but indispensable. Without us there can be no construction."