New general manager for Merford

As of March 1, Robbert-Jan Ter Horst will start as Merford's new general manager. He succeeds Adrienne Vertooren, who as the second generation has led the family business from Gorinchem for the past seven years. With Ter Horst, Merford brings in a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of production and family businesses.

After twelve years of service at Merford, including seven years as general manager, Adrienne Vertooren has decided to take a different path. With the choice of Robbert-Jan Ter Horst, Merford has for the first time a managing director who is not from the family. 'This will take some getting used to for us as a family, but we have gone through a careful selection process and with Robbert-Jan we have found a very experienced successor who is a good fit for Merford,' says outgoing CEO Adrienne Vertooren. As to the reason for her departure, Vertooren is clear: 'the great responsibility and the difficulty I have in putting it down even in my spare time led to my decision. In addition, I have led the company to the next phase of growth, where it is good to have another person with different areas of expertise sitting in this spot. As co-owner and commissioner, I will still remain involved in the company.

Positive contribution to the world
Robbert-Jan Ter Horst, previously employed as managing director at Schoeller Allibert Benelux, enthusiastically takes over from Adrienne Vertooren. 'I have spoken to quite a few people at Merford over the past period and what strikes me is the enormous passion with which they work,' says Ter Horst. 'What further appeals to me is that Merford makes a positive contribution to the world with its solutions; technological and innovative solutions that contribute to people's health and safety.' Ter Horst continues: 'as an engineer, I have a great interest in technology. At Merford, technology plays an important role and I think it would be great to use it to further build Merford's future.' As an experienced executive within family businesses, Ter Horst knows what he has to do. 'There is a clear long-term vision and it is up to me to build on what has been established, to achieve further growth and to continue to innovate. In doing so, it is important to continue to cherish the values of the company and the family.' What will he do first?
'I will get to know the employees and customers and immerse myself in the company: participating in development, production and assembly. In addition, I am going to learn about the markets and the technologies used within Merford and Sonobex.'

Adrienne Vertooren is confident: "full of pride in the people and the company, I hand over the leadership and wish Robbert-Jan every success.