Van Wees Waalwijk – more than a century of craftsmanship and innovation
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Van Wees Waalwijk has been making a difference as an innovative special machine builder. Our family business has a rich history, and we are proud of it. We would like to take you back in time — to where it all began.
Our history
Waalwijk is booming business
Around
1900
Around
1900
Around 1900
Langstraat is then the heart of the explosively growing shoe and leather industry in the Netherlands. In that environment, the blacksmith Frans van Wees feels at home. As a mechanic, he started a smithy in 1905 in Waalwijk and repaired countless machines of the large and highly mechanized shoe manufacturers, because 'nothing should disturb the smooth running of the company'.
An indispensable link
Years
'20
Years
'20
Frans van Wees
Frans' workshop is located on the Stationsstraat in the heart of Waalwijk. At this prominent spot the company will continue to establish itself well into the 20th century. Gradually Frans van Wees expands his activities. In the twenties he develops complete machines and devices for the shoe industry and the company becomes an indispensable link in the industrial life of De langstraat.
Strong modernization
Years
'50
Years
'50
Jo van Wees
In the years after World War II, son Jo van Wees rapidly modernizes the company. A large factory hall and an extensive showroom were built. The company grew rapidly: in the 1950s, some fifty people were employed. And that was necessary too, because anyone who walked into a shoe or leather factory in the Netherlands in those years would almost certainly find a quality machine from Van Wees Waalwijk.
The course is shifted
Years
'70-'80
Years
'70-'80
Ad and Jan van Wees
The grandsons Ad and Jan van Wees manage to successfully change the course of the machine factory in the 70s and 80s. Van Wees Waalwijk's machines then also find their way to other branches outside the shoe industry. In the '80s the company moves to the industrial area 'Haven', with a larger production space and better accessibility.
Collaborative thinking and customization
Years
'90
Years
'90
Andries van der Werf
Van Wees Waalwijk focuses on the future as a high-tech machine builder and construction company. Thinking along and customization are the key words, everything is developed to client specifications. When Andries van der Werf takes over the management of the Van Wees family in 1998, this tradition continues. After more than 100 years, the company is alive and kicking and full of ambition.
Our gallery of honor - with employees who have worked here for more than 25 YEARS
