Polymer-modified Bitumen (PMB) for Special Cases
Interview with Nick Brouwer, Director of Ooms Producten B.V.
Bitumen is a versatile material that is indispensable in many areas. Depending on the application, different requirements are placed on the product. To ensure optimal product properties for the respective application, Ooms Producten B.V. supplies a variety of binders that are precisely tailored to the intended use of the bitumen. Highest quality and comprehensive experience in production characterize the products of the company from Medemblik, Netherlands.
Wirtschaftsforum: Nick, why do customers buy your Sealoflex (PMB) products? What do you think makes the success of Ooms Producten?
Nick Brouwer: Where should I start? There are certainly many reasons. The most important point is our relationship with the customers. Here, we have true partnerships. And of course, we place the highest value on top quality. Additionally, our innovations and the ability to deliver customized products to customers contribute. For example, a product may need to be a little softer than usual. Depending on the application, we can also advise the customer on which product is best for his case. That's when our research and development department also comes into play, sometimes in close collaboration with the customer.
And of course, we also score points with our many years of experience. Short response times are also one of our strengths. When a customer needs something, we make sure they get it as quickly as possible. Last but not least, every product that leaves our house is thoroughly checked. I would also like to mention our team, which is highly committed and has a lot of experience and comprehensive know-how.
Wirtschaftsforum: Let's talk about the history of Ooms Producten. How has the company evolved into what it is today?
Nick Brouwer: The company's origins go back to around 1900. The current Ooms Producten B.V. was founded in 1973, so 52 years ago. At that time, it was a consortium of companies active in road construction. Then asphalt plants, sand extraction in the IJsselmeer, as well as modified bitumen and binders were added. Nowadays, at Ooms Producten we mainly focus on refining bitumen. We get the bitumen from large refineries and enhance it by adding 'pepper and salt', as I jokingly say. But seriously, adding certain components massively improves the product properties of the bitumen. Overall, our portfolio includes between 30 and 40 different Sealoflex products.
As a company, we are today part of the Danish Pankas Group, which also includes the German companies AS Asphaltstraßensanierung and BFST Straßenunterhaltung, as well as an operation in Hong Kong. Additionally, we have shares in Bituned, a company that sells between 80,000 and 100,000 tons of bitumen annually. Currently, we have about 30 employees in the operation, who—depending on projects—generate revenue of between 35 and 50 million EUR.
Wirtschaftsforum: And where is this polymer-modified bitumen used?
Nick Brouwer: It is used primarily in road construction, at airports and seaports, and also in industry. An industrial application is, for example, the production of roofing felt. Additionally, we offer what are called Specials. These include transparent binders that enable the application of colored asphalt. Our main clients are primarily road construction companies, asphalt plants, and construction companies in general.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are you also active beyond the borders of the Netherlands?
Nick Brouwer: Definitely. Besides the Netherlands, important markets are in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Scandinavia, and Poland. Additionally, we have a subsidiary in Hong Kong. Between 30 and 45% of our sales now come from exports.
Wirtschaftsforum: How do you maintain contact with your customers?
Nick Brouwer: We have a sales team and also utilize our connections through Bituned. Our area manager in Hong Kong takes care of the Asian market and Australia. In the United Kingdom, Norway, and France, distribution is handled by distributors. Our motto is 'Close to the customer'. We also engage with our partners through consulting and product development. Additionally, we conduct marketing activities such as posts on LinkedIn and the publication of scientific papers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Are digitalization and sustainability topics of interest to you?
Nick Brouwer: Absolutely. All our core processes are digitalized. Production data can be accessed digitally and in administration we use an ERP system. As for sustainability, we focus on recycling our products, have a hybrid product with a 30% bio-based content in the binder and are currently working on a 100% bio-based binder. A newly installed photovoltaic system already supplies a quarter of our electricity.
Wirtschaftsforum: And what are your goals for the future?
Nick Brouwer: We certainly want to continue to grow, make our products even more sustainable and have our manufacturing completely CO2-neutral by 2035.