Van Aalsburg | Modern family business ready for the future

With the third generation at the helm, the company has grown into a large and dynamic business that breathes one big family in everything. An interview with Dick van Aalsburg about this family business, its ambitions and business expansion in relation to sustainability and innovation. 

As many as six brothers and many cousins, great-nieces and brothers-in-law work together at all levels. "The passion for the trade, the craft handed down from father to sons combined with modern techniques, is in the DNA of everyone who works with us. But above all it is the involvement, approachability, fun and sincere attention for each other that puts people in their power," says Dick. "That's how beautiful things are created. Not just for, but especially with our customers." Distinguished by this management, where flexibility, a proven long-term policy and customers are central, sustainability also plays a major role.

Sustainable islands with willows

Van Aalsburg has patented the sustainable islands made from willow mats. "Our constructions are unique in the Netherlands. Yet we do not want to offer them only from craft and experience. By forming construction teams with clients, we can design faster, more sustainable, more solid and cheaper. It is evident that people know that you can create a new piece of nature this way. Because this is where the future is," Dick believes. "Shoring, sinkers, jetties ... the willow is central in all constructions. And sustainability," Dick adds.

Sustainability in the broadest sense of the word

"Not only working with sustainable materials, but also in the most sustainable way possible. Like deployment of equipment and the way of construction, we are constantly working on that in an innovative way." The recently completed company expansion is equipped with solar panels and has its own transformer house, totaling more than 800 panels, which in the future can also be used to do something with hydrogen or electrolysis. "Especially for projects in Natura2000 areas where specialized machinery is used, this is ideal. To also ensure the sustainable employability of our employees, we are cleverly investing in robotization that will take over some of the physically demanding work." Dick concludes, "Wherever possible, we are preparing for the future as best we can, because the long term is closer than you think."