'Kijk op Oost Nederland'
“On average, a person breathes about 20,000 times a day, so that air had better be clean, right?” Since Jeroen Roeleven took the director's chair at Kiekens two years ago, his mission has been as clear as anything. “In my opinion, ensuring clean air is a no-brainer. It contributes to the health and well-being of your employees and has a positive impact on the environment. At the same time, there is an economic advantage: machines and materials last longer if you protect them against (fine) dust, smoke and other harmful substances. And you can save considerably on your energy costs. You just have to make sure that you integrate the dust extraction into your work processes in the right way. '
The secret to effective dust extraction
The secret to effective dust extraction therefore lies in customization. Jeroen explains: “We don't sell products, we sell solutions. This means that we always sit down with a customer first to clarify context and question before linking both to a solution. ' This solution is a sophisticated combination of industrial vacuum cleaners, filter cabinets and turbo fans that together form a complete dust extraction system. Systems that find their way into various industrial sectors, such as the food, chemical and aviation industries. Not just in Europe, but worldwide. And even though Kiekens assembles and installs the machines on site, engineering and production always take place in Almelo.
100% Dutch manufacture
After all, quality comes first at Kiekens. The fact that every Kiekens solution consists entirely of Dutch components certainly contributes to this. “In this way, we guarantee the continuity and operational security of each solution,” says Jeroen, proudly adding: “By the way, 90% of it comes from Twente. Our region is full of technically advanced companies and the lines are literally short here. I love doing business with local people. '
Future-proof
Regular clients such as Bolletje, Airbus and Tata Steel also prove that the quality is good. And what about Kiekens' work environment itself? Jeroen responds: “Together, we make the Netherlands healthier and help the world move forward with energy-saving and environmentally-saving solutions. Then you also have to dare to take a critical look at your own workplace. With that in mind, the time is right to leave our current, outdated location. In the last quarter of 2025, we will move to the XL Business ParkTwente on the edge of Almelo, along the A35. There will be a new work environment that is better suited to the high endmachines that we design and produce. This immediately makes the work environment a lot more inspiring, which contributes to the well-being of our colleagues and also helps attract new employees. '
Two marching routes
Looking to the future, Kiekens has two more dots on the horizon. Jeroen: “Product innovation is one of our marching routes for the future. I can't say anything about that yet, but in May 2025, our dust extraction solutions will receive an innovative addition that increases safety, efficiency and sustainability.
Another ambition is to strengthen our presence in existing growth markets, such as defense and the aircraft industry. In both sectors, there is a great need to work cleanly in order to guarantee safety not only during production but also at a later time. You hear it, we may be over 100 years old, but we are still full of plans. Plans that have only one goal: to contribute to a world where a clean, safe and healthy work environment comes naturally. '
FRAMEWORK
From Amsterdam to Almelo
Kiekens was founded in Amsterdam in 1907 and moved to Almelo in 1947. “Wages were lower there than in the capital,” explains Jeroen Roeleven. Kiekens has been working at its current location since 1982, but the location is outdated. Starting next year, the company will therefore move to a modernly equipped and energy-efficient location at the XL Business Park Twente along the A35.
