It's 1983 when Frits Kolmer signs with the Chamber of Commerce. The establishment of Technical Trading Company Kolmer BV is a fact! From Industrieweg 13 in Putten, electric motors are sold based on core values of customer focus, short lines, and fast delivery. Frits quickly begins to expand the team. Our eldest employee, Chris Huijgens, is one of the first staff members and is still with us today. Chris Huijgens: "The small company of that time cannot be compared to the professional organization that exists now. I have seen various colleagues and directors come and go, but Kolmer has always been a good and pleasant employer."
The Elektrim motors we sell are imported from Poland, at that time still a communist country behind the Iron Curtain. Motors are transported in parts and assembled in Putten. Kolmer grows and in 1993 is acquired by the GGB group. Location, staff, and strategy remain the same, with Frits becoming an advisor within the GGB group and Heinz Lieven taking on the role of general manager. When Frits retires in 2000, Kolmer continues to evolve under Heinz's leadership. The product range expands, and growth in technical expertise takes center stage. "A tremendous amount of knowledge about our product," that's the goal. Training programs are established for staff, and as the icing on the cake, a wonderful anniversary trip to Poland is organized for a group of twenty staff members and their partners.
Elektrim is now in Italian hands, and in 2006, we decide to change the brand name of our motors following suit: Elektrim becomes Cantoni. The brand name is successfully launched at the Aandrijftechniek trade fair in Utrecht. Also in 2006: the sale of the millionth electric motor to Vector Aandrijftechniek/SEW in Rotterdam! These are successful years during which, as the exclusive supplier of Cantoni motors in the Netherlands, we steadily increase our market share.
In 2007, colleagues Heinz, Jerry, and Jaco choose to buy the company back from the GGB Group. Kolmer is once again fully independent! The workshop is expanded, and staff are trained to perform all modifications necessary for the special motors. Putting the customer first remains our goal. Custom solutions are a great addition to our existing range. The further development of the internal organization cannot be neglected. The sales department, commercial colleagues, and a business office, organizational charts, and department heads: Kolmer undergoes a phase of professionalization.
In the following years, we realize numerous exciting projects and continue to build a diverse and loyal customer base. Colleagues regularly provide (product) training sessions or lectures, and we welcome students and interns. In 2016, we establish the Kolmer Knowledge Center, coordinating all these activities. With the arrival of engineer Jacco Looijen in 2014, 3D modeling takes off. It's a super-efficient way to visualize (custom) solutions for our customers.
In 2019, we take another step forward. The appointment of Martijn Stoffelsen as general manager allows Jaco and Jerry to focus on areas where their interests and strengths lie. The three men form a close-knit team and remain focused: Kolmer offers customized technical quality products and is a company that stays close to its customers. Besides our customers, the employees of Kolmer are central, and on our website, you can get to know everyone. Important traditions where everyone enjoys themselves are the sports marathon and the European Beach Pulling Championship at Nulde Beach. In 2014, we participate for the first time in 'the week of technology'. Students visit our company, and we join the technology platform. The connection between education and companies in the region is so important! Jerry Spanhaak: "What happens behind those big gray doors? It's super fun for students to take a look inside a company. When they discover how many electric motors can be found in their own homes, their enthusiasm grows even more."
And now we've arrived in the present! We continue to energetically serve our customers. We work hard to realize product and process innovations. Everything based on the needs of our customers. Are you looking for a solution? We strive to surpass your expectations!
We look confidently towards the future. Together, we continue to build our wonderful company, each colleague in their own way.
