Customers and suppliers full of praise at 45th anniversary of Twente window frame manufacturer

After five years of waiting, the time had finally come: HEBO Kozijnen celebrated its 45th anniversary this fall. Whereas the 40th anniversary passed by silently in 2020 due to corona, that shortfall was now more than made up for with a large-scale celebration program for business associates, employees and the local community. An event that underlined not only the strength of the company, but also the appreciation that customers and suppliers have expressed for decades.

The festivities kicked off Thursday afternoon, September 11, with a reception in HEBO's canteen in Hengevelde, Twente. During a two-hour tour, over 330 customers, suppliers and other relations were introduced to the production process of wooden and plastic window frames and the latest developments at close quarters. 

Foundation of craftsmanship

HEBO was founded in 1980 by Marinus Kuipers. What began as a small-scale initiative grew, under the leadership of son Norbert, into a leading player in both wooden and plastic prefabricated window frames. The secret? Quality, innovation and partnership.

During the guest day, that partnership resonated in the many stories of customers and suppliers. JanCor Olie, head of the business office at Bouw- en Aannemingsbedrijf Arend P. van der Knaap in Rotterdam: “I have been in the business for almost twenty-five years and I don't know any better than that we work with HEBO window frames. The complete picture is decisive: glazed, foiled, painted and delivered prefab on site. Wind and watertight, so that we can continue straight away. Moreover, the collaboration is pleasant: nothing is too difficult and they always think along with us.”

Timo Doornkamp, sales advisor commercial at Brummelhuis Bouwcoördinatie in Deventer, also emphasizes the added value: “HEBO has a wonderful prefabricated system. The window frames go to construction complete with set frame. That saves the contractor a lot of handling and speeds up the process. In addition, HEBO is a reliable and healthy company with an excellent name in the market.”

Fair and fast

For companies that work with prefab homes, HEBO fits their vision perfectly. Ruud ten Brinke, deputy director of Aan de Stegge Pre-Solid Home of Enter: “We have been doing business with HEBO for more than forty years. Their prefabricated window frames are an essential part of our prefab houses. The philosophy of our companies fits together perfectly. It's more of a true partnership than a customer/supplier relationship.”

That vision is shared by Menno Schilder, project buyer at Bouwmaatschappij Ufkes of Apeldoorn: “HEBO can take care of the total prefab concept. 

From cavity batten construction to fully glazed and finished façade element: everything ready-to-use in the shell. That's a big advantage over traditional assembly. In addition, they are fine men to work with: honest, fast and with a lot of knowledge.”

Gerard Menger, account manager at MBS Hybrid Casco in Rijssen, also praises that approach: “HEBO understands the language of the contractor. They have grown big by staying normal, but always listening to the customer. Their products are construction-phase resistant, airtight and solid. That minimizes mistakes and fits today's requirements exactly.”

Service makes the difference

Not only the product, also the service is praised. Aalbert van Moorselaar, planner at Nieuwe Bouwers in Nijkerk: “Quality and reliability are decisive for us. But it is the service that makes the difference. There are many companies with a good product, but aftercare is often a weak point. With HEBO, however, this is excellently arranged. They honor agreements and offer a total picture.”

That service also extends to delivery. Harry Diender, director of Geo advies en uitvoering from Apeldoorn: “We provide a large part of the delivery service for HEBO. I have known Norbert for thirty-five years and have enormous respect for him. What he has built up is unprecedented. To me, HEBO is the finest company in the Netherlands!”

Suppliers do not hide their appreciation either. Harold Wisselink, Sales Director Benelux of hardware manufacturer MACO: “HEBO really is a gem for us. Everything they do radiates quality and customer satisfaction. To us, that's a very attractive customer.”

Sales manager Michiel Hofman of lock supplier FUHR adds: “HEBO is a very pleasant company to work with. Solution-oriented, innovative and reliable. What they promise, they do.”

Party performance for the elderly

After welcoming relations on Thursday, Sept. 11, the day ended in the mirror tent on the grounds, where a communal dinner enhanced the meeting and exchange. Later that evening, more than one hundred and thirty construction employees gathered who have helped HEBO grow over the past few years. 

A special event for the local community followed on Friday. In cooperation with healthcare institutions in the region, over six hundred elderly people were welcomed to the marquee. They enjoyed a performance by Dennie Christian in two sessions. Finally, Saturday it was the turn of the staff themselves: five hundred employees, family members and friends celebrated the anniversary with music, food and a festive finale. 

Anyone who witnessed the anniversary celebration up close knows that the window frame manufacturer is also firmly in the saddle for the decades to come.