Steady course on the hunt for further success

For 35 years of innovation and growth

It was exactly 35 years ago that Frans and Marcel Geens introduced the Rollmops at the request of a local paving contractor. Ten years later, the Knikmops followed in response to the need for a larger and more powerful machine. Since then, Gebroeders Geens from Hoogstraten, Belgium, has grown into a renowned manufacturer of compact and multifunctional articulated loaders.

This special milestone was celebrated extensively on October 12 during a grand open house. The 35th anniversary was a unique opportunity to take a stroll through the production halls, see many machines or attachments in action, and of course there were also some novelties. Over the years, the Rollmops and certainly the Knikmops have become household names in many sectors. Seemingly "simple" machines, capable of heavy work. 

How it once began

In 1989, Frans and Marcel Geens launched an innovative transport machine with the Rollmops, which, because of its maneuverability, has become indispensable in Belgian street works. It marks the beginning of Gebroeders Geens. In 1997, the need for a larger and more powerful machine arises, leading to the development of the Knikmops. This multifunctional articulated loader attracts the attention not only of pavers, but also of construction companies, farmers, gardeners and municipal workers.

The Kempen family business continues to grow. From two brothers, the company develops into a production company with over sixty employees. The second generation is now also actively involved in day-to-day operations, from development to sales. Together, the two generations set the course for the future, aiming at a production of one thousand wheel loaders per year. In addition to the Belgian and Dutch markets, Gebroeders Geens also exports to Poland, France, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the US, among others.

Made in Belgium

Gebroeders Geens remains true to its Belgian roots. In Hoogstraten, the plates are delivered to one side of the gate and the finished machines leave the premises on the other side. The family business carries out as much work as possible itself. From cutting and welding to assembling components, everything is done under one roof. In the near future, Gebroeders Geens plans to expand the production hall. At the end of this year, they hope to put the first spade in the ground for this.

Gebroeders Geens only develops and produces reliable and versatile models that are easy to operate or maintain. Innovation and improvement are central to this. The many attachments, options and extras with which customers can fully equip their Knikmops according to their wishes are all conceived and made ready for production at Hinnenboomstraat. The R&D department is located close to production, enabling direct follow-up of special customer wishes.

Sustainable future

Its mission has remained unchanged in 35 years: to deliver reliable and user-friendly machines that stand out for their quality, robustness, strength and maneuverability. In terms of demolition force and lifting capacity, the Knikmops still sets the standard in the market. In recent years, the range has been further expanded with more attachments to meet specific needs.

Meanwhile, the second generation has also entered the company. With Frans' children Joos, Bert and Marleen, and Nicole, Marcel's daughter, there is a solid foundation in place to further expand the family business. Moving towards a sustainable future, Gebroeders Geens has also been supplying electric versions since 2020. After the KM140E, KM180E, KM180E Tele and Rollmops RM50E, the KM100E was on display for the first time during the open house. 

New dealer network

Knikmops has enjoyed unprecedented popularity in the Netherlands since its early beginnings. In fact, the compact wheel loader even emerged from the demand of Dutch customers. For just over a year now, the Dutch dealer network has been realigned in the North and South regions. For sales, rental, maintenance or repair, customers can now turn to Veluwenkamp in Hattem (a loyal dealer for many years) and the Nederlandse Machine Maatschappij in Waardenburg, which operate jointly under the name Knikmops Nederland.