Van Kaam celebrates 30th anniversary with several firsts

Recognizing problems and offering customized solutions (at lightning speed) is what makes Van Kaam unique to this day. An interview with director Bastiaan van Kaam about a number of new developments in plastics. All of them are outright firsts.

Van Kaam supplies a wide range of HDPE materials from stock, ranging from piping for gas, water, sewer, nitrogen, CO2 and CHP systems. "We also supply a large number of cast iron fittings such as fittings, valves and connecting materials from stock, as well as welding fittings and fittings in diameters ranging from 20 to 1,200 mm. The materials can be picked up directly from us or can be delivered by us on site within 24 hours. This fast service and large stock is experienced as a big plus by our customers," Van Kaam says.

Quick-PIG station

Many customers also know how to find Van Kaam for knowledge and advice. Van Kaam: "We are strong in recognizing and solving problems, often within 24 hours. If standard products cannot be used, we can develop a customized solution in close consultation with our customers. Indeed, in addition to our trading company, we also have a production company, complete with engineering department and production/assembly facilities. In recent years we have had a strong focus on developing products with proven added value, whether or not in cooperation with suppliers. An example of such a new development is the Quick-PIG station for efficient and safe execution of maintenance and cleaning of sewers. This "station" allows just one person to clean a sewer from ground level, also with far fewer operations. Thanks to a bayonet connection (instead of a cover with twelve bolts), the Foam-PIG is inserted, shot away and removed at the receiving station. Quick-PIG saves a gigantic amount of time."

100% circular

Quick-PIG was developed by Van Kaam in cooperation with a German partner. "We are the exclusive distributor for the Netherlands," Van Kaam assures. "Another new development is the Quick-TWIST, a fitting and extension piece in plastic as an alternative to the common ones in steel or cast iron with threaded ends. To remove a valve, you first have to unscrew all the nuts on the fitting and extension one by one. Our plastic alternative is designed so that you only have to loosen the bolts on the valve, after which you can very easily screw in or out the plastic fitting and extension with a wrench. This results in an assembly and disassembly time of a few minutes as opposed to half an hour for the steel or cast iron ones. We are also developing a new plastic water meter pit specifically for allotments. The wells have a diameter of 400 millimeters, are 80 centimeters high, have a lid and are self-ventilating. The great thing is that the sinks are produced from our own residual waste. So they are 100% circular."

Van Kaam is confident in the future of plastics in underground infrastructure. "The circular well is proof that plastics have a long life. In addition to products, we also invested in the purchase of our premises in 2020, in the middle of corona time. A nice crowning achievement," Van Kaam concludes.