Specializing in limited space as well as the heavier segment

The Tubex^®pile is a vibration-free, soil displacement concrete pile with permanent steel tube, which is screwed to depth by 'inventor' Verstraeten BV. The steel tube can be installed in parts or completely in the ground and is characterized by a high load-bearing capacity. This makes the pile type eminently suitable for foundations in limited space and/or for the heavier segment: larger and deeper.

"We are not (anymore) the only one with such a pile system in 2021," knows Ton Groeneweg, director of Tubex BV. "Developments have been adopted by many others. So there is quite a bit of competition in the market, but that's not a bad thing. It keeps you sharp and awake. Despite being partly part of a large concern, we have the attitude of a family business. We have a lot in common. Great appreciation for our employees who do their utmost outside, in these extreme times. For example, we also operate on projects in Germany, for which they have to be tested weekly. It's no fun, but they just do it."

Broad scope

CO₂, PFAS, now Covid-19, these are uncertain times. Still, Tubex BV has a high workload. Groeneweg: "The nitrogen crisis has put several large government projects on hold. Last year it also became apparent that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, projects in the events and tourism industry would be cancelled. We see it happening, but it doesn't affect us business-wise yet. Fortunately, beautiful and large infrastructure works are still running in the Netherlands. Most foundation companies are not immediately stuck with an empty portfolio yet and manage to hold their own. The same applies to us. Our scope is therefore quite broad. At the moment, we are closely involved in the large-scale replacement of electricity networks in the Netherlands and Germany, realizing new foundations for pylons. We also benefit from the new guidelines for carrying out foundation work in close proximity to a public environment. Safety is top priority in this. Our machines are characterized by a low center of gravity (foundations without a broker). For projects next to highways or railroad tracks, these 'limited space' machines are therefore often chosen."

Tubex BV has a large customer portfolio. "We are currently quite busy on the Groene Boog in Rotterdam and work a lot for TenneT in the Netherlands and Germany. People also know how to find us for the somewhat smaller(er) projects. Also in Belgium. We still manage to do our thing outside the country and remain healthy. We know our product and know how to carry it out well with specific equipment and experienced employees. That results in satisfied and returning customers."