Full commitment to preventive maintenance of asphalt roads

With the acquisition of the German company Middendorp, ESHA Infra Solutions is taking a clear step toward the future of infrastructure maintenance. This move not only strengthens the company’s position in Germany but, above all, demonstrates where the future of the civil engineering sector lies. Preventive maintenance of asphalt is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Pressure on infrastructure has been mounting for years. Maintenance backlogs are growing rapidly—reaching €20.5 billion in the Netherlands and as much as €215.7 billion at the municipal level in Germany. At the same time, the approach often remains the same: only taking action once damage becomes visible. According to ESHA Director Jan Fokko Nijdam, that model is no longer sustainable. “We’ve known for a long time that there’s a better way. Every day of delay costs money and accelerates deterioration. Prevention is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.”

Smarter maintenance, lower CO2 emissions

The solution lies in maintenance that extends the service life: maintaining infrastructure earlier and more intelligently. By treating asphalt in a timely manner, its lifespan can be significantly extended, and costly major maintenance can be postponed. It is precisely in this approach that ESHA sees the future of the civil engineering sector. This approach not only offers financial benefits but also directly contributes to sustainability goals. By extending the lifespan of road pavements, less extensive renovations are needed and material use decreases. In this way, Rijkswaterstaat can achieve its target of a 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from road pavements by 2030 through this type of maintenance.

Three pillars, one clear direction

The acquisition of Middendorp aligns with ESHA’s strategic direction, which is based on three pillars: growth, innovation, and providing customers with a hassle-free experience. Growth is reflected in the expansion into Germany. According to Nijdam, there is significant potential outside the Netherlands to scale up preventive maintenance. The Emsbüren-based company is a well-established name in Germany for wear layers and adhesive layers, with a strong combination of in-house production and implementation. By adding this knowledge and capacity, ESHA can respond more quickly and effectively to the growing demand for preventive maintenance. At the same time, Middendorp will continue to operate independently, retaining its own identity and customer relationships. “With Middendorp, we’re bringing in exactly the expertise needed to accelerate this development,” says Nijdam. Innovation is reflected in solutions such as the Pentack system, which rejuvenates asphalt in a timely manner. By intervening at the right moment, the surface layer remains in good condition longer and major maintenance is postponed. Taking the burden off clients means they increasingly need total solutions. Not just a product, but an approach that works—from advice to implementation. “In addition, we also want to be an innovative partner for our customers. We work with the latest techniques and dare to think differently.”

A Look Across the Border

The Netherlands remains, as Nijdam puts it, ‘the cradle of innovation,’ but it is precisely in countries like Germany where the scale exists to make a real impact. The acquisition of Middendorp therefore feels like a logical next step: more capacity, more knowledge, and above all, greater momentum in the shift toward preventive maintenance. Or, as Nijdam sums it up: “It’s a major step forward in a market in need. What was taken for granted yesterday no longer works today. As an industry, we need to move forward. Don’t wait until things break down; make sure they stay in good working order.”