100 years Van Leeuwen
Interview with the Management Board of Van Leeuwen
The meaning of Van Leeuwen’s designation ‘Royal’
On the occasion of its 100-year anniversary in 2024, Van Leeuwen has been granted the designation ‘Royal’. What does it mean if a company is granted this special title? The Management Board of Van Leeuwen, Chairman Peter Rietberg and CEO Joop Sassen, sheds some light on this.
100 years of Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen celebrates it 100-year anniversary this year. Piet van Leeuwen started trading in steel pipes and iron in 1924 in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.A century later, Van Leeuwen has grown into a globally operating trading company. The first foreign branch was founded in 1947 in Belgium, after which the European network was expanded. In the 1970s and 1980s, global expansion followed with branches in North America, Asia and Australia. In the present century, organic growth and strategic acquisitions have led to new branches and expansions in the Middle East, China and Central Europe. The 2019 acquisition of Benteler Distribution, which doubled the size of the company, provided Van Leeuwen with access to important new markets in Europe.
Van Leeuwen celebrates it 100-year anniversary this year. Piet van Leeuwen started trading in steel pipes and iron in 1924 in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.A century later, Van Leeuwen has grown into a globally operating trading company. The first foreign branch was founded in 1947 in Belgium, after which the European network was expanded. In the 1970s and 1980s, global expansion followed with branches in North America, Asia and Australia. In the present century, organic growth and strategic acquisitions have led to new branches and expansions in the Middle East, China and Central Europe. The 2019 acquisition of Benteler Distribution, which doubled the size of the company, provided Van Leeuwen with access to important new markets in Europe.
Good reputation
To celebrate hundred years of Van Leeuwen, the company held a festive anniversary event on 26 September 2024, at its own location in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. Highlight of this evening was a ceremony in which the King's Commissioner of the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the Royal award to the Management Board.
Having existed for at least a hundred years, is not reason enough to obtain the designation ‘Royal’. Peter Rietberg: “As a company, you must have built up a good reputation during that period. The Royal designation is only awarded to companies with prestige in terms of their nature, size and reliability. The company should occupy a leading position in its field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation.”
To celebrate hundred years of Van Leeuwen, the company held a festive anniversary event on 26 September 2024, at its own location in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. Highlight of this evening was a ceremony in which the King's Commissioner of the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the Royal award to the Management Board.
Having existed for at least a hundred years, is not reason enough to obtain the designation ‘Royal’. Peter Rietberg: “As a company, you must have built up a good reputation during that period. The Royal designation is only awarded to companies with prestige in terms of their nature, size and reliability. The company should occupy a leading position in its field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation.”
Innovative entrepreneurship
Van Leeuwen, now called the Royal Van Leeuwen, has grown into a globally active company with seventy, mostly stock-keeping locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. With an extensive portfolio of steel pipe and tube products and services, it supplies a diverse group of customers in various market segments. Joop Sassen: “Innovative entrepreneurship is one of our core values. This has been of great importance for our growth, together with our knowledge and expertise as built up over decades. We owe this Royal designation to our international team of 2,400 people, but also to our loyal customers and suppliers.”
Crowning achievement
Van Leeuwen has evolved from a one-man business to an international company, leading in its field. Peter Rietberg, grandson of founder Piet van Leeuwen: “As a family business, we attach great value to continuity. Our long-term vision is more important than short-term gain. It is a great honor to carry the Royal designation, as crowning achievement of what has been built up in the past hundred years. Our logo has been redesigned to symbolize our new, Royal status.”
Reliable partner
Not all countries across the globe are familiar with ‘Royal’ companies. What does it signify, is it of any benefit for Van Leeuwen’s customer and suppliers? Joop Sassen: “The Royal designation underlines Van Leeuwen's stability and strength. When you do business with Van Leeuwen, you know you are dealing with a leading company that earned its good reputation by being a reliable partner. We are a company connected with loyal customers and suppliers, and partnerships sometimes already lasting for decades.”
Van Leeuwen, now called the Royal Van Leeuwen, has grown into a globally active company with seventy, mostly stock-keeping locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. With an extensive portfolio of steel pipe and tube products and services, it supplies a diverse group of customers in various market segments. Joop Sassen: “Innovative entrepreneurship is one of our core values. This has been of great importance for our growth, together with our knowledge and expertise as built up over decades. We owe this Royal designation to our international team of 2,400 people, but also to our loyal customers and suppliers.”
Crowning achievement
Van Leeuwen has evolved from a one-man business to an international company, leading in its field. Peter Rietberg, grandson of founder Piet van Leeuwen: “As a family business, we attach great value to continuity. Our long-term vision is more important than short-term gain. It is a great honor to carry the Royal designation, as crowning achievement of what has been built up in the past hundred years. Our logo has been redesigned to symbolize our new, Royal status.”
Reliable partner
Not all countries across the globe are familiar with ‘Royal’ companies. What does it signify, is it of any benefit for Van Leeuwen’s customer and suppliers? Joop Sassen: “The Royal designation underlines Van Leeuwen's stability and strength. When you do business with Van Leeuwen, you know you are dealing with a leading company that earned its good reputation by being a reliable partner. We are a company connected with loyal customers and suppliers, and partnerships sometimes already lasting for decades.”
How to become Royal
‘Royal’ is not a designation that a company automatically receives upon reaching its 100-year milestone. There is a lengthy procedure, involving a bid book with several documents, before the King of the Netherlands, His Royal Majesty King Willem-Alexander, grants this designation.As a rule, the monarch will award only one royal title per branch of business. It is only awarded to companies:
· on the occasion of a special anniversary
· that must have existed for at least a hundred years
· that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability
· that occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands
· preferably with an international reputation
· that have built up a good reputation during that period
· with management that is beyond reproach; the company, and its directors and
The designation is strictly by name and means that the organization may add the designation Royal to its name and may incorporate the Royal Crown in its logo.
‘Royal’ is not a designation that a company automatically receives upon reaching its 100-year milestone. There is a lengthy procedure, involving a bid book with several documents, before the King of the Netherlands, His Royal Majesty King Willem-Alexander, grants this designation.As a rule, the monarch will award only one royal title per branch of business. It is only awarded to companies:
· on the occasion of a special anniversary
· that must have existed for at least a hundred years
· that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability
· that occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands
· preferably with an international reputation
· that have built up a good reputation during that period
· with management that is beyond reproach; the company, and its directors and
The designation is strictly by name and means that the organization may add the designation Royal to its name and may incorporate the Royal Crown in its logo.
commissioners, must be of good repute and unblemished conduct.
World Tube Center
Since the end of June a transparent glass World Tube Center has become the calling card of the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group in Zwijndrecht. This special and brand-new expertise center of our internationally operating trading company serves as a reception, meeting and presentation area, and provides employees and visitors with a unique view of the imposing warehouse, where a 315-meter long automated monorail transport and sorting system will facilitate the efficient and safe loading of outgoing transport flows in the near future.
On Tuesday, June 25, the informal opening of the WTC took place in the presence of employees of Van Leeuwen and various parties that made a contribution to the realization of this hub. The people present were given the opportunity of exploring the experience center at their own pace.
Following this initial opening, the WTC has officially been made accessible to all. Since then, multiple groups have had the opportunity to utilize and enjoy this space.
Following this initial opening, the WTC has officially been made accessible to all. Since then, multiple groups have had the opportunity to utilize and enjoy this space.
Night of a Century
On September 26, the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, has granted the company the designation ‘Royal’. The award ceremony took place during an anniversary celebration, held by the international steel pipe and tube distributor at its own location in Zwijndrecht, with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. The King's Commissioner in the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the award to the Management Board. The Royal designation is only awarded on the occasion of a special anniversary of companies that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability and occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation. The company must have existed for at least a hundred years and have built up a good reputation during that period.
Win our anniversary book - A Century of Van Leeuwen
We are proud to our special anniversary book. This book offers a detailed insight into 100 years of Van Leeuwen’s history, and what has made us the company we are today.
We would like to raffle 10 books.
We would like to raffle 10 books.
Please answer the simple question:
What is the official foundation year of Van Leeuwen?
Please write your answer with your name* and postal address to:
The first 10 correct answers will receive our anniversary book in the next days.
The first 10 correct answers will receive our anniversary book in the next days.
impact@vanleeuwen.com
*Participation in the quiz is organized by Van Leeuwen. The duration of the quiz is limited to the first 10 winners. Only one submitted answers per participant will be entered into the competition. Participation in the quiz is free of charge. Natural persons over the age of 14 are eligible to participate.
Not eligible to participate in the quiz are all Van Leeuwen employees as well as their family members.
Participation in the quiz requires the provision of personal data. By submitting a response to the quiz, you also consent with the use of this personal data for the sending of the prize. The data are not used for any further activities beside of the quiz. Data will not be passed on to third parties.
Not eligible to participate in the quiz are all Van Leeuwen employees as well as their family members.
Participation in the quiz requires the provision of personal data. By submitting a response to the quiz, you also consent with the use of this personal data for the sending of the prize. The data are not used for any further activities beside of the quiz. Data will not be passed on to third parties.
*Participation in the quiz is organized by Van Leeuwen. The duration of the quiz is limited to the first 10 winners. Only one submitted answers per participant will be entered into the competition. Participation in the quiz is free of charge. Natural persons over the age of 14 are eligible to participate.
Not eligible to participate in the quiz are all Van Leeuwen employees as well as their family members.
Participation in the quiz requires the provision of personal data. By submitting a response to the quiz, you also consent with the use of this personal data for the sending of the prize. The data are not used for any further activities beside of the quiz. Data will not be passed on to third parties.
Not eligible to participate in the quiz are all Van Leeuwen employees as well as their family members.
Participation in the quiz requires the provision of personal data. By submitting a response to the quiz, you also consent with the use of this personal data for the sending of the prize. The data are not used for any further activities beside of the quiz. Data will not be passed on to third parties.
impact@vanleeuwen.com
Please write your answer with your name* and postal address to:
The first 10 correct answers will receive our anniversary book in the next days.
The first 10 correct answers will receive our anniversary book in the next days.
What is the official foundation year of Van Leeuwen?
Please answer the simple question:
We are proud to our special anniversary book. This book offers a detailed insight into 100 years of Van Leeuwen’s history, and what has made us the company we are today.
We would like to raffle 10 books.
We would like to raffle 10 books.
Win our anniversary book - A Century of Van Leeuwen
On September 26, the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2024. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands, has granted the company the designation ‘Royal’. The award ceremony took place during an anniversary celebration, held by the international steel pipe and tube distributor at its own location in Zwijndrecht, with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. The King's Commissioner in the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the award to the Management Board. The Royal designation is only awarded on the occasion of a special anniversary of companies that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability and occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation. The company must have existed for at least a hundred years and have built up a good reputation during that period.
Night of a Century
On Tuesday, June 25, the informal opening of the WTC took place in the presence of employees of Van Leeuwen and various parties that made a contribution to the realization of this hub. The people present were given the opportunity of exploring the experience center at their own pace.
Following this initial opening, the WTC has officially been made accessible to all. Since then, multiple groups have had the opportunity to utilize and enjoy this space.
Following this initial opening, the WTC has officially been made accessible to all. Since then, multiple groups have had the opportunity to utilize and enjoy this space.
Since the end of June a transparent glass World Tube Center has become the calling card of the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group in Zwijndrecht. This special and brand-new expertise center of our internationally operating trading company serves as a reception, meeting and presentation area, and provides employees and visitors with a unique view of the imposing warehouse, where a 315-meter long automated monorail transport and sorting system will facilitate the efficient and safe loading of outgoing transport flows in the near future.
World Tube Center
How to become Royal
‘Royal’ is not a designation that a company automatically receives upon reaching its 100-year milestone. There is a lengthy procedure, involving a bid book with several documents, before the King of the Netherlands, His Royal Majesty King Willem-Alexander, grants this designation.As a rule, the monarch will award only one royal title per branch of business. It is only awarded to companies:
· on the occasion of a special anniversary
· that must have existed for at least a hundred years
· that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability
· that occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands
· preferably with an international reputation
· that have built up a good reputation during that period
· with management that is beyond reproach; the company, and its directors and commissioners, must be of good repute and unblemished conduct.
The designation is strictly by name and means that the organization may add the designation Royal to its name and may incorporate the Royal Crown in its logo.
‘Royal’ is not a designation that a company automatically receives upon reaching its 100-year milestone. There is a lengthy procedure, involving a bid book with several documents, before the King of the Netherlands, His Royal Majesty King Willem-Alexander, grants this designation.As a rule, the monarch will award only one royal title per branch of business. It is only awarded to companies:
· on the occasion of a special anniversary
· that must have existed for at least a hundred years
· that have prestige in terms of nature, size and reliability
· that occupy a leading or very prominent position in their field in the Netherlands
· preferably with an international reputation
· that have built up a good reputation during that period
· with management that is beyond reproach; the company, and its directors and commissioners, must be of good repute and unblemished conduct.
The designation is strictly by name and means that the organization may add the designation Royal to its name and may incorporate the Royal Crown in its logo.
Innovative entrepreneurship
Van Leeuwen, now called the Royal Van Leeuwen, has grown into a globally active company with seventy, mostly stock-keeping locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. With an extensive portfolio of steel pipe and tube products and services, it supplies a diverse group of customers in various market segments. Joop Sassen: “Innovative entrepreneurship is one of our core values. This has been of great importance for our growth, together with our knowledge and expertise as built up over decades. We owe this Royal designation to our international team of 2,400 people, but also to our loyal customers and suppliers.”
Crowning achievement
Van Leeuwen has evolved from a one-man business to an international company, leading in its field. Peter Rietberg, grandson of founder Piet van Leeuwen: “As a family business, we attach great value to continuity. Our long-term vision is more important than short-term gain. It is a great honor to carry the Royal designation, as crowning achievement of what has been built up in the past hundred years. Our logo has been redesigned to symbolize our new, Royal status.”
Reliable partner
Not all countries across the globe are familiar with ‘Royal’ companies. What does it signify, is it of any benefit for Van Leeuwen’s customer and suppliers? Joop Sassen: “The Royal designation underlines Van Leeuwen's stability and strength. When you do business with Van Leeuwen, you know you are dealing with a leading company that earned its good reputation by being a reliable partner. We are a company connected with loyal customers and suppliers, and partnerships sometimes already lasting for decades.”
Van Leeuwen, now called the Royal Van Leeuwen, has grown into a globally active company with seventy, mostly stock-keeping locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. With an extensive portfolio of steel pipe and tube products and services, it supplies a diverse group of customers in various market segments. Joop Sassen: “Innovative entrepreneurship is one of our core values. This has been of great importance for our growth, together with our knowledge and expertise as built up over decades. We owe this Royal designation to our international team of 2,400 people, but also to our loyal customers and suppliers.”
Crowning achievement
Van Leeuwen has evolved from a one-man business to an international company, leading in its field. Peter Rietberg, grandson of founder Piet van Leeuwen: “As a family business, we attach great value to continuity. Our long-term vision is more important than short-term gain. It is a great honor to carry the Royal designation, as crowning achievement of what has been built up in the past hundred years. Our logo has been redesigned to symbolize our new, Royal status.”
Reliable partner
Not all countries across the globe are familiar with ‘Royal’ companies. What does it signify, is it of any benefit for Van Leeuwen’s customer and suppliers? Joop Sassen: “The Royal designation underlines Van Leeuwen's stability and strength. When you do business with Van Leeuwen, you know you are dealing with a leading company that earned its good reputation by being a reliable partner. We are a company connected with loyal customers and suppliers, and partnerships sometimes already lasting for decades.”
Good reputation
To celebrate hundred years of Van Leeuwen, the company held a festive anniversary event on 26 September 2024, at its own location in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. Highlight of this evening was a ceremony in which the King's Commissioner of the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the Royal award to the Management Board.
Having existed for at least a hundred years, is not reason enough to obtain the designation ‘Royal’. Peter Rietberg: “As a company, you must have built up a good reputation during that period. The Royal designation is only awarded to companies with prestige in terms of their nature, size and reliability. The company should occupy a leading position in its field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation.”
To celebrate hundred years of Van Leeuwen, the company held a festive anniversary event on 26 September 2024, at its own location in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands with 300 guests from the Netherlands and abroad. Highlight of this evening was a ceremony in which the King's Commissioner of the province of Zuid-Holland Wouter Kolff presented the Royal award to the Management Board.
Having existed for at least a hundred years, is not reason enough to obtain the designation ‘Royal’. Peter Rietberg: “As a company, you must have built up a good reputation during that period. The Royal designation is only awarded to companies with prestige in terms of their nature, size and reliability. The company should occupy a leading position in its field in the Netherlands, preferably with an international reputation.”
100 years of Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen celebrates it 100-year anniversary this year.Piet van Leeuwen started trading in steel pipes and iron in 1924 in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.A century later, Van Leeuwen has grown into a globally operating trading company. The first foreign branch was founded in 1947 in Belgium, after which the European network was expanded. In the 1970s and 1980s, global expansion followed with branches in North America, Asia and Australia. In the present century, organic growth and strategic acquisitions have led to new branches and expansions in the Middle East, China and Central Europe. The 2019 acquisition of Benteler Distribution, which doubled the size of the company, provided Van Leeuwen with access to important new markets in Europe.
Van Leeuwen celebrates it 100-year anniversary this year.Piet van Leeuwen started trading in steel pipes and iron in 1924 in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands.A century later, Van Leeuwen has grown into a globally operating trading company. The first foreign branch was founded in 1947 in Belgium, after which the European network was expanded. In the 1970s and 1980s, global expansion followed with branches in North America, Asia and Australia. In the present century, organic growth and strategic acquisitions have led to new branches and expansions in the Middle East, China and Central Europe. The 2019 acquisition of Benteler Distribution, which doubled the size of the company, provided Van Leeuwen with access to important new markets in Europe.
On the occasion of its 100-year anniversary in 2024, Van Leeuwen has been granted the designation ‘Royal’. What does it mean if a company is granted this special title? The Management Board of Van Leeuwen, Chairman Peter Rietberg and CEO Joop Sassen, sheds some light on this.
The meaning of Van Leeuwen’s designation ‘Royal’
Interview with the Management Board of Van Leeuwen
100 years Van Leeuwen
