A look at Nijha’s portfolio shows just how diverse exercise is today. There are urban sports concepts, but also the classic basketball hoop on a pole. There are complete solutions for gymnasiums and sports halls, outdoor playgrounds and – unsurprisingly – exercise and adventure solutions for care homes. From young to old, so to speak – and that is precisely Nijha’s mission. “We want the whole of the Netherlands to get moving, but not just here. Our goal is even more ambitious: We want the whole world to get moving through our products and solutions,” says Managing Director Frank Kroeze, who has been with the company for six years. And the goal is not overly ambitious, as more than 3 million people in the Netherlands already play sports, both indoors and outdoors, and exercise with solutions from Lochem in the Achterhoek region every day.

Café with a Merry-Go-Round

The company has been in existence for 102 years now, and movement has always been at the core of its activities. The Nijenhuis brothers ran a café in a small village in the region and built a merry-go-round for the guests’ children to ride and play on. “The idea was so well received that other cafés wanted something similar. This is how it all started,” says Henk van de Steeg, who is responsible for finances, human resources and IT. 

High Demand for Public Spaces

But the big breakthrough only came after the war. There was a huge demand for playgrounds in public spaces. New opportunities opened up for Nijha, and that was the start of the company as we know it today. Swings, slides, gymnastic bars – the playground in the neighbourhood was promoted because children should move around in the protected space of playgrounds. 

Movement Affects Mental Health

But playgrounds and outdoor sports facilities are just one area in which Nijha knows its way around. The company offers complex solutions for gymnasiums and sports halls, schools, retirement and care homes. It’s not just about equipment, but about the entire facility. “Whether indoors or outdoors, whether elaborate play equipment or sports facilities, the public sector and companies must break with boring traditions and allow fun-fuelled movement,” says Frank Kroeze. “Because that’s the point: people need to move, and, unfortunately, we have to realize that most of us move less today than we used to. Just think of the trend to order everything online and have it delivered to your door. In the blink of an eye, we move less every day.” However, less exercise also means that mental health is deteriorating. The healthcare system is coming under pressure as a result, which is why the public sector urgently needs to take countermeasures.

Complete Sports Solutions

But this is only one aspect of Nijha’s sports equipment and sports facilities. Since 1997, for example, playground equipment in the Netherlands has had to be certified and meet the highest safety standards. “Our products are all certified. To ensure that our customers, including municipalities, schools, sports clubs or retirement homes, get the solution that is customized for their needs, we offer everything from advice, planning, including financial planning, to project support, inspection and maintenance,” says Henk van de Steeg. Good contact with customers is important, and new contacts are made by account based management, at trade fairs, but also through the website which attract a large number of potential customers nowadays. “We probably offer the broadest portfolio in the Netherlands. While some competitors only offer solutions for indoors or outdoors, we can do both,” says Frank Kroeze. This is certainly one of the reasons for the continued success of the company, which today employs almost 100 people at its Lochem site and also manufactures products there itself, such as all steel products. “We think along with the market and not only supply the hardware, but also real solutions for movement with relevant partners. This is how we have developed into a strong brand that offers quality and services. We are all very flexible and can develop solutions for indoors and outdoors quickly and efficiently,” emphasizes Frank Kroeze. The managing director is convinced that sports will always be sports and gaming will be gaming. “Children need to be able to give free rein to their imagination when playing outdoors.” “Nevertheless, the world doesn’t stand still,” adds Henk van de Steeg. “Light and sound are definitely elements that can be integrated into our movement solutions and can even ensure greater safety during training sessions or at PE lessons, for example.”

Quality of Products and Services

Sustainability and an informal corporate culture are important aspects for Nijha. “Materials are recycled, our vehicle fleet is gradually being converted to e-mobility and the high quality of the products guarantees a long service life. Quality is also important in terms of our service. As a supplier, we want to do a good job and serve every customer well,” explains Frank Kroeze. This is also guaranteed by employees, who feel comfortable in an informal, pragmatic working environment. “We do what we say. This enables us to serve all customers well, no matter what sector they come from, and offer them the best solution. And we want to keep it that way.” Nijha still has plenty of ideas for the future. Movement seems to be the driving force within the company.