It’s very important to us, knowing that our efforts to grow are encouraged and supported by Indutrade.

Richard Derksen

MD, Tradinco

r.derksen@tradinco.com
8.4
Annual sales EUR M
32
Number of employees
1963
Established
2017
Aquired

Professionals working together

Tradinco, based in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands, is a well-reputed company specialised in calibration and measuring. Its main focus is the Benelux market, but their products are sold all over the world to a wide range of well-renowned customers in many industries (historically particularly processing).

“We develop, manufacture and service high-accuracy test, measurement and calibration products for pressure and temperature,” says Richard Derksen, Managing Director of Tradinco.

“Ever since the start in 1963, we’ve been collaborating with our customers to improve and adapt our high-quality instruments and software aimed at meeting, and often exceeding, the market requirements. We have a workshop, class 4 cleanroom and accredited (ISO17025) calibration laboratory, where we repair, maintain and re-calibrate, both our own and other suppliers’ equipment. We also offer our clients a comprehensive scope custom and standard sensor solutions for OEM and industrial applications”, says Richard.

“At present, our main markets are Benelux and the Middle East. But we’re also investigating opportunities for establishing the business in certain parts of Asia. Other markets are covered by our various sales partners around the world,” says Richard.

Long-term partner

“In order to successfully execute our strategy of becoming the number one company worldwide within our niche markets, we realized that we needed a partner with a long-term investment horizon. We immediately clicked with Indutrade! They understood our market and industry and they had no exit strategy. Also important, their corporate culture matched ours. Tradinco is a company of dedicated, enthusiastic professionals working together as a team. We couldn’t have found a more suitable owner,” says Richard.

Valuable network

“As part of the Indutrade Group, we’ve been able to grow faster than what would have otherwise been possible. Indutrade has continuously encouraged and supported our entrepreneurial pursuits. For example, in 2019, we acquired Technics Trading & Calibration B.V. and although we handled the acquisition ourselves, they supported us throughout the entire acquisition process. We’ve also derived many benefits from being part of Indutrade’s valuable network of subsidiaries. Not only does it facilitate learning and sharing, but also generates business. Recently, for example, a meeting for sharing experiences and identify synergies on how to develop the Middle East market together was initiated,” he says.

As part of the Indutrade Group, we’ve been able to grow faster than what would have otherwise been possible. Indutrade has continuously encouraged and supported our entrepreneurial pursuits.

Focus on sustainability

“There is always focus on sustainability as we grow our business. First and foremost, we make a contribution in that the products we manufacture are used by customers to keep their processes and quality under control, thereby minimizing energy use and waste. Our internal sustainability efforts are highly prioritized as well. For example, we are using biological decomposable detergents. We are also evaluating the possibility of installing 850 sq m. of solar panels on our roof. Another aspect of sustainability is providing a good work environment for our employees. We strive to maintain a good balance between work and leisure. We invest in continuous skill development and education”, says Richard.

“Another area affecting sustainability which we are very excited about is how to use hydrogen in new technology. In fact, we’re sponsoring the Forze Hydrogen Electric Racing Team at TU Delft, who developed a racing car run on hydrogen and they are continuously working on improving efficiency. We envision great opportunities for hydrogen applications in the future,” says Richard.

Adapting for growth

“At present, we are focusing on strengthening our organisation even further by adding new talent, competencies and innovation for further growth. We’re cooperating with other specialist companies to optimise innovation processes aimed at lowering the time-to-market for new products and software. This will enhance our performance and the bottom line significantly. With the acquisition in May 2019, we expanded our scope and created more business within both existing and new markets. More long-term, our ambition is to become the number one company worldwide within our niche markets for test, measurement and calibration solutions. It’s a position and reputation we’ve maintained in the Netherlands for many years already. We are also constantly investigating new collaborations and opportunities for making add-on acquisitions. Our focus will continue to be on profitable growth, achieved through the efforts of our highly motivated team of dedicated professionals working together. It’s very important to us, knowing that our efforts to grow are encouraged and supported by Indutrade,” he concludes.

Richard Derksen

MD, Tradinco

r.derksen@tradinco.com

Hear it from our entrepreneurs

To get the best understanding of how we work and what it means to be a part of Indutrade, you can read these stories of some of the entrepreneurs who have sold their companies to us. What did the acquisition mean for them and how do they perceive Indutrade as an owner?