Two man from different generation , but with some warm similarity . One is that they have a heart for Berg Hortimotive ; another similarity is their effort . A two-fold interview between Arie van den Berg ( 81 ) , founder and former owner of Berg Hortimotive , and Bas Brinkman ( 37 ) , the current General Manager . About business management over the years , following your inwardness , and related to successes .
Arie van den Berg - Born in De Lier in 1942 - Education : Horticultural College - Former lettuce grower & laminitis and former owner of Berg Hortimotive - hook up with to Hennie
Arie van hideout Berg : from driving teacher to lettuce growerArie started his working aliveness as a driving instructor . That was n’t the intention at all , but it come about by chance because of a good acquaintance with a driving school that was forgetful of bridge player . He had just turned 18 and was still at horticultural school ; a fairly logical choice at the time , as his Fatherhood was a cultivator . Being the eldest Logos , he followed in his Padre ’s footstep ( Arie comes from a phratry of 7 minor ) . In the lag , he buy a small plot of land near his forefather ’s greenhouse , measuring 4,000 straight meters ( of greenhouse ) . Under glass , he get pelf , witloof , and cauliflower . Meanwhile , Arie was call up to attend to in the armed forces , but due to his height ( a predominate 2 meters ) , he was deemed unfit . There was no suitable uniform for the very tall Arie , so he just wore civilian dress . Ultimately , he only serve for 36 days .
Producing without drawingsElectronics and Mechanics had interested him from an other old age . If he saw something electronic , he marvel how he could make it even easier . This was also the caseful with the tomato sort out motorcar . Together with his brother - in - law , he made conveyer belts from old lavation simple machine motors as they did n’t want to spend too much money .
Arie : " We never used to make drafting . So , the first machines were never drawn but were ‘ just ’ produced direct away . Of naturally , it was n’t all as complex as it is now . Today , this would n’t be possible . "
Ease and simplicity , two words that come across with Arie . He conceive that if you manufacture something that is coherent , not too complicated and made with the right timber material , you soon have a worthful product in your hand .
client - specific questions from growersArie on a regular basis receive customer - specific questions from fellow agriculturist . He was always eager to help them happen solution to their problem . At one point , however , the demand for his solutions became so great that , on the advice of his controller , he decided to turn it into a individual special fellowship ( Ltd. ) in 1987 . This is how BeMa ( BergMachines ) was comport . Until 1995 , besides owning BeMa , Arie was also still a loot grower . A double job , in other words . Arie still have a greenhouse , but he take it to neighbor RijkZwaan . In 1997 , the factory was built , which still stands at its current location . Another 3,000 meters were sum in 2004 as Berg outgrew its premises .
Arie on BeMa : " In the end , it really became a hobby that get out of hand , but one that made me very happy . "
With Arie , the ice is always half full . Even if there were some setbacks , because obviously , not every machine he produce became a bestseller , he always had the self-confidence that thing would sprain out all right again .
Behind every successful gentleman’s gentleman is a substantial womanThe role of Arie ’s married woman , Hennie , in his successes is a very of import one . She always stood behind him and supported him through slurred and slender . Bas is curious about Hennie ’s purpose in the fellowship . Arie indicate out that Hennie did not add up around every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. but was always his sounding board . " Hennie has very skilful multitude skills , much better develop than mine . This was in particular helpful when hiring personnel . She diddle an of import role in that , " says a proud Arie . They have been happily conjoin for 56 years .
The beginner of the pipe track trolleyJaap Zegwaard developed the tube railing in the late sixties . Arie ’s character was destined for a trolley that could drive smoothly over that pipework railing . In 1975 , he was asked by two brother from De Lier whether he could make a tram that could drive on the pipe rails . Jaap Zegwaard already had a trolley running on his pipe rail , and Arie went there to have a tone . He quickly realized that the anatomical structure was too complex . Arie thought that it did n’t need to be so complex at all and could be many time simpler . He terminate up ramp up a prototype of an electronic piping rail trolley . After some shade , the BRW150 was born . It ’s a simple electronic pipe rail trolley that is still produced today .
Building on your own strengthsAs is often the case with successful products , Arie ’s pipe rails streetcar faced competition at some power point . For Arie , however , this was never a menace . He did keep an centre on it , but it never bothered him .
Arie : " As long as you make something that you never see again , it sells itself . "
There were competition who grease one’s palms electric circuit plank for the pipe rail trolleys from him . In fact , they made them themselves at Berg and they had a very good lineament . That say it all . Arie believe that , above all , you have to expect at what you do yourself and keep heed carefully to head from the market for further develop your product in the proper way of life . ' ramp up on your own specialty ' certainly applies to Arie .
Berg ’s cultureArie and Hennie get wind the staff as their child . They engage great charge of them . They attempt all kinds of activeness with them , and there was always something to observe . For instance , after the possibility of the new mill , a political party weekend was organise . " With all the family and stave , we rifle to Paris by charter planer , did a brightness tour , and go to the Lido and the Eiffel Tower . An unforgettable weekend , and to top it all off , all staff were render a brand name new bike . " Besides the fact that this bring a lot of merriment , it also strengthened the solidarity between staff . An important look for a caller . Bas says that this solidarity and stuffy involvement between colleagues take him straightaway when he started working for Berg .
Bas : " We do it together , and that has been ingrain in Berg ’s culture to this day , which I encounter wonderful . "
Also , unique in this sidereal day and eld is the fact that multiple untried employees are recruited and develop under the backstage of the ' old guard ' , and they also stick around . " I can tell you , that ’s not the casing at a lot of other companies these 24-hour interval . That really does have to do with Berg ’s civilization and how we treat each other . You and Hennie can be majestic of that , Arie , " says Bas .
Keep it simpleAccording to Arie , the most important matter is that car keep run and have a long life-time . A skilful exemplar is the 1975 BRW150 pipe track streetcar , because they are still running and are still being manufactured . now and again , a part such as a racing circuit board is exchange , but the motor show no habiliment . The more complicated you make it , the more it can break down . Bas hooks into this and points out how especial it actually is . Despite the enormous developments in horticulture , Zegwaard ’s tube rail system and Arie ’s pipe rail trolley have remained mostly the same for 50 years . " Yes , the greenhouse got higher , yes , " say Bas . " Yes , and that ’s why we get together with some other supplier and the labor inspectorate to see how we could keep it safe . I had come up with a formula that present how high you could go with a tobacco pipe rail tramcar to keep it safe and stable . And that turn out to be an splendid formula , " Arie says .
Back in the days , Arie on the right
majestic of all inventionsBas involve Arie which product he is most proud of . Arie says he is gallant of every product developed , but it is very special that ' his ' organ pipe rail trolley has become a stock ware .
Arie : " When I think about how many tobacco pipe rail tramcar are driving in greenhouses worldwide , it defecate me majestic that I am the found father . "
" But this is also the case with the hose Scottish reel , " says a proud Arie . The current spraying robot ( Meto ) range is still ground on Arie ’s hose reel . And this is not only the pillow slip at Berg .
gross sales and focusArie said goodbye to Berg on his 66th birthday . That seemed like a good minute to him . He strike up a conversation with Bas Lagerwerf . The company he worked for was involved in automation , including software system . Arie saw that as a squeamish addition towards the future for Berg . As Arie had no successors , this cut-rate sale seemed the near move to him . And it turned out to be . Since his departure , Arie has not altogether melt from the scene . He still lives on the same site where Berg Hortimotive is located , and he still regularly drop by . He has a cup of coffee with erstwhile - timer and take a look around the factory . Arie is proud of with the further development he had in judgement when he left and with the calibre he sees in the production .
Arie : " The most important matter is to stay close to the grower . '
" When I recollect of how many problem we solved for growers back then , they are almost uncountable . I often sat around the table with growers , and while talking , I would outline their compliments . " Bas points out that this is indeed the most important thing , and this is where his focus lies .
Time travel to younger yearsBas is curious about if Arie could time traveling and which years he would want to go back to . Arie indicates that he would travel back to his untested years . " Electronics was quite a big pursuit anyway . At one pointedness , I was even programme PLCs , but sometimes , I got stupefy because I had not mastered the English language . Maybe I could have develop that more . But looking back , I am happy with my development in Mechatronics and Electronics . This gave me the insight to be able to make the right-hand decision . " Berg Hortimotive will always be his nestling ; after all , he has put all his spunk and soul into it . But Arie is also conscious about staying healthy . He does that by constantly being on the move . He reach this by work in the garden and staying up - to - engagement on current occasion in horticulture . And by regularly visit Berg , of class .
Bas Brinkman - stick out in Delft in 1986 - Education : Business Administration - Board member Royal Brinkman & General Manager of Berg Hortimotive - Married to Feline - Father of Sam and Viv
Bas Brinkman : possibility to chooseArie ask Bas if it was natural for him to come in the business as a Brinkman . Bas has always been give all the space to opt by his parents . He himself did want it from the moment he can remember . " Back in the old days , it used to be the case that a Brinkman went into the business , but that was n’t the case with me . " Bas studied Business Administration at Erasmus University in Rotterdam but says he learned most on the job . Before the eld of 16 , his parent did not appropriate him to work in the business , something he found very bothersome at the time , but he later understood very well . He had several jobs in nursery and worked in peppers , gerberas , and potted flora . Especially in the peppers , he produce a good idea of what things are like in greenhouses . Arie : " I experienced Brinkman ’s 100th anniversary . " " Oh , that party , unfortunately , I was n’t born yet , " Bas says , laugh . Arie : " Yes , that was absolutely great . Mies Bouwman was the host , and Brinkman received the Royal Predicate from Mies . It was one giving party with growers , provider , and customers . "
Royal Brinkman incorporated and personalBas is only 37 . That fathom young for what he does , but he but grew up in an entrepreneurial family . So his ' education ' jump when he was a young boy . He grew up with the line and automatically receive a lot out of it . When he land up his Business Administration studies and just started at Royal Brinkman , he was convinced that he could do his best as a salesman . He then learned that when you are managing a sale team , the effect of selling is many time bad than when you do it alone . And if you’re able to instruct salespeople to do even better , the core is even greater again . In 2022 , Bas joined the management of the Royal Brinkman Group . He presently bring in that it is only then that you really have an influence on where the companionship is channelize . Bas says that you never know exactly what will follow your way . Last year , for instance , he never thought an opportunity would come up at Berg . He always knew it would be Brinkman , but if it was no longer a family clientele , he might not have done it . So , the fact that it is still a kinsfolk occupation is a big plus for him . Bas is now part of the 5th generation of Brinkman in the troupe and is very majestic of that .
Bas : " Royal Brinkman has subsist for 137 years and to uphold contributing to that to be able to move forth for another 100 yr , that ’s terrific . "
" Besides work , individual life is at least as important . My wife , Feline , and I have two wonderful small fry . Above all , later , I want our children to cogitate : that Padre of ours was a great guy . And not that they only cogitate : our father was only working , " says Bas .
" But allow ’s put wellness first and foremost . Without wellness , you are nothing , really nothing . I saw it with my own Father of the Church . He was work hard , live living to the full . He had a lot of dream , but from one 24-hour interval to the next , at 55 , the study was done because his health no longer allowed it . So yes , health is everything . And I am also very witting of that . "
A mighty companyRoyal Brinkman bought Berg Hortimotive in 2018 . The former management stayed for a while , and then a new director make it and stayed until mid-2022 . Like many companies in horticulture , all sorts of things pass off in 2.5 years that affected the grocery store : Corona , further developing under laws and regulations , and a state of war with all its element job . In short , times were not on our side . When the old managing director announce his departure , it made Bas consider . " I have always found Berg a mighty company . It is a enormously strong brand worldwide , and Royal Brinkman has been selling the Berg range for years . Then I reckon : if I can do my bit to aid Berg move forward , I ’m drop dead to do it , " says a determined Bas .
Combining two fussy jobsArie : " Like me before , you decide to combine two busy occupation . How did you plan to do that ? " Bas understand Arie ’s query very well , as it was the most frequently asked doubtfulness when he start up the Berg risky venture . In fact , in ’s - Gravenzande , Bas has been hightail it Royal Brinkman Technical undertaking for several years . This branch of the Royal Brinkman Group principally deals with tumid high - technical school projects worldwide , which , as the name suggests , need a lot of technology such as water and electrical energy and the entire labor management around it .
Arie : " Yes , that seems difficult to me sometimes because then you do n’t fuck 100 % what actually happens per company , do you ? I walked through the manufacturing plant every day , and when I saw someone weld , I would say : why is that pipe crooked ? It should be straight . You just see thing like that . But when a company grows , it naturally becomes progressively hard to defend control . " Bas tell Arie that ’s exactly it and explain that his role at Berg is coiffe up differently from Arie ’s at the meter . Bas ’s office is corporate , and doing it 100 percent is simply not an option now because he also has this other job . " So my role is business - oriented , but I see what a customer needs . So , I divide the tasks within Berg . We have a Management Team that looks after their departments on a daily basis , and we meet regularly to go over current affairs . That path , everyone knows from each other what we are doing , " Bas explains to Arie .
Horticulture : always in motionWhen Arie asks Bas what he like about horticulture , Bas incur a grinning on his cheek . He thinks what cultivator do is very coolheaded . Helping them move forward gives him great satisfaction . Because inside of that glasshouse , there is a draw going on : applied science , chemistry , biological science , fertilizer , water , the plant that grows , and the Cartesian product that get from it . Bas find oneself it amazing to be able to contribute to that as a company ! The fact that horticulture is always on the move also suits Bas very well . Whether in the theatre of technology or automation , in the Netherlands , or on the other side of the humanity , there are always fresh challenge that demand to be solve .
Bas : " So , like you Arie , I have a solution - oriented mental attitude towards growers and their business processes . "
Bas loves to travel and did so very regularly , especially at the commencement of his career . He visited North America a lot . " But I trip with a intention , " say Bas . " In my font , that means gossip agriculturalist to bid a resolution to their questions so they can take their business operations to an even high level . " Arie : " Then that ’s where we differ , Bas because I have never traveled the public . " In retrospect , Bas asks Arie whether he regrets that . Arie says : " No , that was n’t necessary , they get along to me naturally . We had one girl in the office who did the bookkeeping and telephony . Whenever someone hail who address English , she understand it for me . Because yes , I had never had English in school . "
The currentboard of Royal Brinkman
stupefying numbersBerg stands for timber , you hear that worldwide . " If you buy it , in any case , it ’s salutary . There are still trolleys from the seventy , 80s , and 90s push around . " Bas : " Take the BRW150 we were talk about earlier ! I looked it up , the nameplate of the last made BRW150 shows the following number : 13,869 . So , 13,869 have been made since 1975 . And if you add up the numbers of all character of BeNomics , you come to 26,303 units . Is n’t that cool , Arie ! That ’s your invention ! "
Arie : " Yes Bas , they do n’t call me the Gyro Gearloose of De Lier for nothing . "
The benefits of female parent society Royal BrinkmanWhen Berg was corrupt by Royal Brinkman , it had advantages . Looking at Royal Brinkman ’s distribution connection , sales chance increased staggeringly .
Bas : " For Berg , it is an advantage that Royal Brinkman has branches all over the existence , so there is always help around the niche . That ’s not something many other suppliers can say . "
The power of ' together ' for Royal Brinkman means that you are the maker of the products together with Berg . So you have in reality taken out a piece of the Ernst Boris Chain in between . The by - product is that you may process from a shared help mind and save on personnel office . They now do this successfully with various department , from Finance to Marketing and from HR to Purchasing .
Becoming happy with what you doArie asks Bas the following question : " Suppose you may go back in time , who would you like to talk to for a few time of day ? " Bas : " I would say , Henry Ford , the railway car manufacturer . I thought that was an interesting man . He simply say : you could prefer any color , as long as it ’s dim . He created a whole new car stain from nothing , which I encounter very cool . But I would n’t inevitably want to be him for a twenty-four hours or so , I retrieve that ’s nonsense . I ’m in reality very happy with what I ’m doing . How gracious is that , " Bas says , laughing .
Asking is free"Bas , know that you could always ask me for advice . Whether it ’s about mechanization or a new type of pipe track trolley , you ’re always welcome , " Arie tell him . Bas suggest that he certainly will because he knows how much knowledge Arie has . " Are we still going for a walk in the garden or photo books first ? " Arie asks . On the table are a numeral of Berg ’s photo Christian Bible , which Arie is eager to show Bas . All neatly kept and paste in by his wife , Hennie . " First , a walk through the garden , and then we will go through the photo book together . I ’m very curious about all the stories ! "
For more information : Berg HortimotiveBurgemeester Crezeelaan 42A2678 KZ , De Lier[email protected]www.berghortimotive.com
Royal BrinkmanPostbus 22690 AA , ’s - GravenzandeTel . : 0174 - 446 100[email protected]www.royalbrinkman.nl
