Kandt Construction and Foundation Company: specialist in sustainable foundation solutions

Since 1978, Kandt has been known as a contracting and foundation specialist that does not shy away from challenges. What started in a garage with welding and tinkering with machines has grown into a medium-sized player in civil engineering, rail, and infrastructure. Today, Marco Kandt runs the family business, which derives its signature from smart customization, innovative machines, and constructive collaboration.

Modifying and rebuilding machines remains one of Kandt's unique areas of expertise. “This allows us to respond to the specific circumstances of each project. Every job is different in terms of situation, complexity, and challenges. By continuing to innovate and invest in sustainability, we make virtually every project feasible and achievable.” According to him, the strength lies not only in technology and our own machinery, but also in craftsmanship and the way we work together. “Thanks to the expertise of our team, we can contribute ideas at an early stage as a subcontractor, provide technical support during implementation, and propose customized solutions. This only works if you collaborate constructively with all parties involved. This results in projects that are both technically and practically sound.”

Sustainable upshifting

Sustainability is not a side issue here, but a cornerstone. Kandt is investing heavily in emission-free equipment, including a fully electric LeKa drilling machine. “This machine was developed for large-diameter bored piles in confined working spaces,” explains Kandt. “Thanks to the flexible power pack, the drill motor can run entirely on electricity or, where necessary, via a Stage V fuel engine.” In addition, the company has an 80-ton fully electric crawler crane and an electric auxiliary crane that is also used for vibrating sheet piles. “In this way, we are taking concrete steps towards emission-free and vibration-free foundations, with less nuisance for the environment.”

Quality under our own management

Not only is the machinery developing rapidly, but internal capacity is also growing. The company is NEN-EN 1090-2 certified and can carry out welding work up to execution class 4 entirely in-house. To take this step further, Kandt is currently building a new welding hall. “This will increase our independence, quality, and capacity. We are equipping the hall with solar panels and heat pumps, so that we can also make our business operations more sustainable.”

Smart construction in the city: Trekvliet Bridge

A striking example of smart construction is the underpass at the Trekvliet Bridge in The Hague. Instead of six months of disruption, the municipality and Kandt opted for a nine-day closure. Within that short period, asphalt was removed, foundations were laid, concrete was poured, and a 1,000-ton bridge deck was installed. “It was an intensive operation,” says Kandt. “But by working together effectively and focusing our efforts, we limited the disruption and increased safety.”

Complex conditions along the A9

Kandt also delivers professional work on a daily basis in the widening and deepening of the A9 motorway. This involves installing LeKa grout injection piles and (temporary) sheet pile cofferdams. “These types of projects are right up our alley,” says Kandt. “We are geared up to work under difficult conditions, where quality and reliability are crucial.”

Logistical puzzle at Amsterdam Central Station

Kandt also demonstrates its added value on and around the railway. For example, during work on Amsterdam Central Station, all machinery and materials were transported to and from the site by rail. “That required precision and flexibility,” says Kandt. “But it's a good example of how we adapt to the client's requirements and the location.”

International clout in Ghent

Kandt also demonstrates its expertise outside the Netherlands. On the R4 ring road around a large industrial area in Ghent (Belgium), the company is installing sheet piling for several temporary construction pits using four machines simultaneously, partly within height restrictions due to the presence of high-voltage pylons. Kandt: “It is a challenging project with many logistical and technical puzzles. Thanks to the craftsmanship and dedication of our colleagues, we are able to make an important contribution there.”

Stronger together

Whether it concerns bridges, locks, tunnels, or railway projects, Kandt consistently demonstrates its reliability as a partner. “Our added value lies in customization, innovation, and collaboration,” says Kandt, concluding, “We have the people, the knowledge, and the machinery to make complex challenges feasible. After all, great work is achieved through collaboration.”