Festive opening of new production location in Drachten      

'We have all aspects of our work logistics optimized even better than before'

On Monday, October 9, the festive opening of Montapanel's new production location took place. The northern Dutch specialist in ceramic, composite and natural stone worktops received at least 400 interested parties. Director Tim de Graaf looks back with great satisfaction. "Now that we are permanently located in Drachten, we have laid a good foundation for future growth."

The push on the button -with the proverbial fireworks as well as the cheerful confetti- was reserved for two employees of the first hour, namely Eddie van Wijk and Gert Grijpstra, who thus officially inaugurated the new building. 

Building as a business card

In his speech, Tim looked back on the move and the set-up of the production lines. "Everyone also enjoyed themselves at the previous location," he said, "but of course we had to look to the future. We want to grow, we want more efficiency, and ultimately -and this is not unimportant- you also want to have a good image as an employer. Because, I am also convinced that this beautiful new building also tells a story to the labor market. Yes, it is also a challenge for us to find good personnel. However, I do see a positive turnaround in this in recent months. We are doing better in terms of recruitment and I think that the image we now have with this building has contributed to that. The spacious new factory, offices, showroom, canteen and the new machinery make Montapanel's new factory a fine working environment where worktops can be produced even more optimally than before."

People's Work

According to owner Klaas Vermeulen, who also addressed the 400 attendees, the new production location is certainly something to be "incredibly proud" of. "But ... still I say that our people are actually more important than new machines or a beautiful building. They are the ones who have to do it every day. No matter how modern we are: at the end of the day, we are a company that is all about people."

Festive opening

Partly for this reason, Montapanel had gone all out to offer not only all employees a nice party, but also customers, suppliers, colleagues from sister companies, and other stakeholders. "Moreover, it was good to see that the Municipality of Smallingerland (Drachten) was also well represented at the opening. We were able to show everyone what we do and how we do it. During the day/evening we were able to show our guests around extensively. This insight into the work floor was much appreciated. Next to the factory we put up a large tent where the catering was working overtime from a large food truck. Several Montapanel suppliers had built a booth to show their work." In addition, the company displayed some beautiful new materials that will be included in the 2024 collection. A DJ added to the mood and so did singer Mike Peterson who performed.

"So I'm a satisfied man," Tim says in conclusion. "It was the right choice to take this step. At the Tolbert plant we were at our max and further expansion possibilities would have been minimal. At this new location we have been able to make all the optimizations necessary for the future. Every reason to celebrate this move in a big way."