08.08.2007

Change at Sarens NL

Martin Verzijl has retired as general manager of Sarens Nederland, effective August first, he is replaced by Rutger Kouwenhoven. He will though retain links with the company as a consultant and advisor.

Kouwenhoven has been groomed to take over from Verzijl over an 18 month transition period and assumes the general management of the crane rental division, Sarens concrete erecting, Sarens Steel Erectors, Sarens Wind and Sarens Project Forwarding.
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(L-R) Martin Verzijl and Rutger Kouwenhoven

The construction firm Van Geest Betontechniek the producer of concrete constructions using tunnel formwork, which joined the Sarens group in January, will continue to be managed by Theo van der Meer.

Verzijl has led Sarens Nederland for more than 17 years, during which time it has grown into a leading specialist for the horizontal and vertical transport and handling of heavy loads.

On his retirement he said: "I am convinced Sarens Nederland can develop further with a fresh manager, Rutger Kouwenhoven is more capable than I am to improve our organisation and corporate image in such a way that we can optimally profit from the growth potential we still have in various areas.”

“ I am proud that I was able to enlarge our company from 13 to 120 cranes. We are now the largest crane rental company in the Netherlands and orders have been placed for a further 40 cranes. We have also developed other areas of expertise over the years, so that we can offer our clients balanced solutions for the transport and handling of heavy loads, installation of windmills and assembly of steel and concrete structures.”

“Knowing that Rutger is fully capable of leading 350 motivated and experienced employees allows me to take a step back in good faith. Not completely, for I will still remain involved as an advisor and in special projects."

Kouwenhoven said: "With regard to organisation, safety, image and profit I want to bring Sarens to a higher level. Thanks to the entrepreneurship and passion of Martin Verzijl we are now one of the leaders in the market when it comes to size.

“In order to evolve further and build an international reputation I will concentrate on the organisation. The recruiting, training and education of employees are important factors for the future success of Sarens."

"Sarens will also play a more important role overseas. Together with our headquarters in Wolvertem, Belgium, we are able to execute large 'turn key' projects with all our own equipment.”

“Sarens is also becoming a serious partner to the petrochemical industry in and around the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
At the same time the complete installation and assembly of windmills is another of our specialities and in this we see the world as our market."