Wellbemaling.com grows into national player

The familiar names in the world of dewatering - Beemsterboer, Van Velzen, Raaijmakers & zn., Tjaden Adviesbureau voor Grondmechanica and Henk van Tongeren Water & Techniek - together form a new force in the world of dewatering and groundwater technology. From 2027, the companies will continue under one flag: Bronbemaling.com. This will create a national organization with nine branches, a uniform appearance and a common vision for the future.

The first step in that journey was taken in July, when the staff was officially informed. Not with a standard e-mail, but with a personal touch: everyone received a box with a tape measure, some goodies and a few beers - a symbolic beginning of a new joint phase.

One face, one system

“The reason is clear,” says Paul Wijdenes, director of Beemsterboer. “We want to move toward a common look and more uniformity on all fronts. This applies not only to the outside, but also to our internal processes. There will be one common ERP package, more digitization and further automation. We are growing into one strong group in which we centralize things and strengthen each other.” Henk van Tongeren Water & Techniek has been leading in this process, according to managing director Roel Dibbelink. “In recent years, several acquisitions have been made with a clear ambition: to grow into a major national player. Not only in terms of name, but also in our way of working, dealing with personnel and utilizing modern techniques.”

Regional strength, national clout

The transition to one ‘brand’ does not mean that regional involvement will disappear, Wijdenes emphasizes. “Our branches will continue to do what they are good at, in their own working area and, for the time being, with their own identity. So clients will continue to see the familiar face, but with the strength of a national organization behind them. Thanks to a solid staff department, we can make better use of each other's personnel, equipment, knowledge and expertise. In this way we remain well positioned and can continue to grow sustainably.”

Leading the way in innovation and sustainability

The sector is changing rapidly. “One example is the European Water Framework Directive,” says Dibbelink: “We have to guarantee water quality. That means you can no longer just extract or discharge groundwater anywhere. In more and more places, water has to be returned to the soil, purified and can only be drained with well-founded plans. To do all that well, scale is crucial.” The organization is also making strides in terms of equipment. “We have been working with electric pumps for years,” says Wijdenes. “Where we can, we offer our services electrically. We expect diesel equipment will still be needed in the medium term, but we make sure everything meets the latest emission requirements. As soon as the market makes the switch, we will be ready.”

Craftsmanship and pride

With about 3,000 projects a year, ranging from small urban drainage to large infrastructure projects such as the N211 at Wippolder Avenue, the organization remains visible throughout the country. “We are proud to be able to execute such projects as a contractor with 200 wells and up to 800 m3 of infiltration force,” says Dibbelink. “But the small work is just as important - it keeps us on our toes and close to our customers.” And we intend to further expand our expertise in geotechnical and soil energy in the future, Wijdenes adds. Dibbelink concludes, “We train our people internally, offer growth opportunities and see that many colleagues stay for years. That says a lot about the atmosphere and pride within our profession. Together we are building one strong brand Bronbemaling.com, the largest well drilling company in the Netherlands and the best boy in the class.”