Foreword

‘A wonderful company where people enjoy working’
From drafting process diagrams at the drawing board to fully managing projects from engineering to construction: in 75 years, KH Engineering has undergone various developments. We are now preparing for the near future with artificial intelligence. In this anniversary edition, we will speak with two former CEOs about their experiences at KH Engineering. Frans Jansen was appointed CEO in 2008 and fulfilled that role until 2018. Willem Pronk then took over from him and retired in 2023.

Frans Jansen started in electrical engineering and joined KH Engineering in 1978. ‘What immediately struck and appealed to me here was the collegial and familial atmosphere. The company was founded in 1949 around two key clients: Koninklijke Hoogovens in IJmuiden, now Tata Steel Nederland, and Shell Pernis. I find it remarkable that these two ‘early clients’ are still clients in 2024, which says something about our strength.’

Doing what we are good at

Both Frans and Willem saw that KH Engineering was doing very well until an acquisition in the 1990s brought an owner who managed the company differently, focusing on very large investment projects and internationalisation. This not only led to a different corporate culture but also to larger and more risky projects. Frans: ‘Just before the turn of the century, we got a new owner, and together with colleagues, we then devised a plan to get the engineering firm back on track. This effectively meant a return to what we were good at: putting the customer first, setting up framework contracts, and carrying out medium-sized multidisciplinary projects in the local market.’

Customer first

'We adjusted our organisational structure and switched to a business unit structure', Frans continues. 'That suited us and our clients much better.' 'Agreed', says Willem, who started at KH Engineering in 1989 as a mechanical engineer and later worked as Business Unit Manager of the Amsterdam branch. ‘We were able to work much more project-oriented with the customer as the priority. You also noticed that the involvement of our employees increased again, and slowly but surely, the ‘family feeling’ returned. In 2003, we became part of the Ludan Group, which gave us the opportunity to continue this positive trend. To this day, they trust us to build on what we are good at.’

Expansion to Belgium

'Moreover', Frans continues, 'we got the chance to fulfil a long-cherished wish: an expansion to Belgium. Through an acquisition, we have been serving the Belgian market from our Antwerp office since 2007. Alongside our offices in Amsterdam and Schiedam, we are thus present in the three major industrial clusters and can serve all our clients from there.'

Ready for the future

The 75-year-old KH Engineering is in a good position. Both former CEOs believe that KH Engineering is on the right course by focusing on ‘hands-on’ projects on the one hand and innovation and sustainability on the other. ‘An important development includes our activities in the energy and resource transition, where our New Energy & Infrastructure group has been guiding clients for many years. The other two pillars for the future are the framework contracts with our regular clients and providing engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) services.’

Pride

Finally, what achievement are the CEOs most proud of? Frans: ‘For me, besides making the company profitable again, it is the headquarters we developed in Schiedam in 2002. It symbolises a turning point. Not only did we grow again, but we also got a beautiful and modern workspace. I always say: it’s not about the bricks, but the new office building really gave a positive boost to the company.’

Willem: ‘For me, it is the sense of community at KH Engineering. I have always strived for that. I believe our work is truly meaningful, and I have always put my full passion into it. KH Engineering is a wonderful organisation where colleagues enjoy working. I would do it all over again!’