E-Hartog Construction Equipment experiences flying start from new home

Focus is completely focused on sustainable and electric

Den Hartog Bouwmaterieel responds to the trend towards electric with the launch of e-Hartog Bouwmaterieel as the address for emission-free machines for the construction, rental, industrial or green sector. After the commissioning of a new building in Montfoort - at the end of July - a flying start was made and the next milestone is already approaching. On Friday, October 22, the company will take delivery of its hundredth Giant electric articulated loader.

As more and more brands offer a zero-emission alternative to their conventional fuel-engine models, e-Hartog Bouwmaterieel (EHB) is noticing a greater need for independent advice from the market as well. This made Gert and Els den Hartog decide to add an 'electric leg' to the successful company in 2020. e-Hartog Bouwmaterieel - where the addition E refers to electric - is led by their 23-year-old daughter Rosanne, because a new generation of machines also requires a new vision and approach, both in terms of sales or service and in terms of experience and customer loyalty.

Within eighteen months, a new accommodation for EHB has been built on the grounds of Den Hartog Bouwmaterieel. Sustainability and circularity are central to this, so a heat pump and solar panels cannot be missing. The building is largely constructed of glass for a transparent appearance. The first floor functions almost entirely as a showroom and in addition there are two half-open upper floors. Each brand will have its own place here with a specific ambiance. An open character has also been taken into account in terms of furnishings, creating a natural and informal atmosphere.

Increasing interest

Rosanne den Hartog and manager Frank Siteur are visibly proud of the result. And rightly so, because in both word and image EHB fully meets the needs of a growing target group. "For many companies it is still a distant concept, but now that the first 100% electric machines are running satisfactorily in the market, we notice that interest is growing in a broader sense," Frank says. "This is partly because they offer significant advantages over a fossil fuel-powered machine: less noise pollution, no CO₂ or soot particles, lower costs for maintenance plus energy and award advantage in tenders," Rosanne lists.

This makes zero-emission equipment more sustainable and quieter for GWW companies, which, due to stricter regulations in more and more inner cities and near natural areas, are looking for alternatives to carry out the work. e-Hartog Construction Equipment is jumping on this by bringing together the electrical offerings of various suppliers under one roof. Initially, these are brands that are familiar to the Utrecht-based company's customers. Thus, battery-powered models from Giant (wheel loaders), Messersi (track dumpers) and Hamevac (vacuum systems) will shine in the brand new showroom. Machines of which Den Hartog Bouwmaterieel is not an authorized dealer or importer, including electric mini- and midi-excavators, will also be added in the near future.

Wide machine range

Rosanne den Hartog: "Our goal is to inform and guide companies from A to Z in the best possible way in the new world of emission-free work. We do this by presenting the widest possible range of machines from purely A-brands. The market for electrical equipment is in a state of flux. For example, Mikasa is launching a line of battery-powered vibratory plates and rammers. As befits a Japanese manufacturer, all technology must be 100% good first." The decision to become an independent company was prompted by the fact that customers consciously choose electric equipment, each from their own motives.

Potentially it is a huge market, with not only construction, demolition, rental and livestock companies, but also landscapers, riding stables, nurseries, municipalities and so on. "We started a separate company with e-Hartog for emission-free machines, but affiliated with the parent company. This way we hoped to make a flying start by hitching a ride on the good name and success of Den Hartog Bouwmaterieel. We succeeded! In time, EHB should become even more important, because as far as we are concerned, there is no doubt that electric machines are the future."

Raging transition

Rosanne expects that within five years, the ratio of machines with electric or diesel engines in the compact segment could completely change from almost entirely fossil fuel-powered now to 80 to 90 percent electric. "That transition requires major changes, both on the sales side and in terms of service. Electric machines require less aftercare; you don't have to change as many filters, you don't have to change oil, and there are no more emission technologies. For that reason, we choose to set up our own workshop for emission-free models and of course our mechanics have all the necessary training and certifications."

Service is one thing; sales also requires a different approach. "You buy electric machines with an eye on the future, in which sustainability and circularity are central," Frank knows. This is evident at e-Hartog; from a charging station for electric cars to a 'net-zero energy' building with ecological furnishings. A screen even shows the output of the solar panels. Rosanne: "We want to offer a piece of experience that connects with the target group. The showroom is more of an experience center to make various applications visible. And because running with electric machines is new for many users, the demo area allows for trial runs. For those who want to have a quiet chat about technology, financing a machine or the subsidy process, there are several consultation rooms."

More information? Then take a look at the website www.ehartogbouwmaterieel.nl or www.denhartogbouwmaterieel.nl