Built on Trust, Designed for Growth
Interview with Jacco Kramer, Product Manager
In an industry often defined by technical specifications and price competition, Dutch company Van Ommen B.V., based in Beekbergen, takes a different approach: partnership first. With nearly 75 years of history, a portfolio of around 30,000 cutting tools and a more than 50% export share, the family-owned business positions itself as a leading partner to Europe’s manufacturing industry. Jacco Kramer, Product Manager at Van Ommen, explains how culture, know-how and scalability form the foundation for sustainable European growth.
Longevity alone does not explain Van Ommen’s position in the market; what sets the company apart is its combination of family ownership and a highly professional, scalable organization. Founded in 1952 and still family-owned, the Beekbergen-based specialist has consistently prioritized long-term relationships over short-term gains. “We think in decades, not in quarters,” says Product Manager Jacco Kramer. “Partnership for us means reliability, honesty and accessibility. When customers call us, they know we will answer.” This mindset goes beyond sales. If a solution cannot be found within the company’s portfolio of Phantom or International Tools, Van Ommen is prepared to recommend alternatives elsewhere. “Trust is more important than a single order,” the product manager explains. Even the informal atmosphere at headquarters — reflected in features such as a French-style pub inside the building — underlines the belief that sustainable performance is built on strong personal relationships.
Closing the gap
This relationship-driven philosophy also defines Van Ommen’s technical positioning. Rather than acting as a pure trading house, the company sees itself as a knowledge-driven sourcing and service specialist. In metal cutting, practical experience is common, yet structured technical understanding is often limited. “Many professionals know what works, but not always why,” says Jacco Kramer. Closing this gap is a core part of the company’s value proposition. Van Ommen tests products in-house, simulates applications and supports distributors with technical advice and training. The goal is not only to supply tools, but to transfer expertise, as the product manager empasizes: “If someone leaves a training session with a deeper understanding of what they have been doing for years, then we have created real value.”
Breadth and depth
This advisory approach is supported by a portfolio that combines scale with specialization. With around 30,000 items and stock availability of approximately 98.5%, Van Ommen ensures high responsiveness across European markets, with most late-afternoon orders shipped the same day. Particular strengths lie in HSS drills, taps, countersinks and reamers. The company stocks more than 1,100 HSS reamer diameters in 0.01 mm increments, complemented by over 800 carbide variants — a depth of assortment rarely found in Europe. Rather than manufacturing tools itself, Van Ommen sources globally and works with selected producers, some supplying exclusively to its specifications. “Every product is tested internally before it becomes part of our range,” says Jacco Kramer. The only in-house production concerns band saw blades, welded at the Beekbergen site for more than 25 years to ensure flexibility and fast delivery.
Digital excellence
Managing such a broad assortment across Europe requires a robust digital infrastructure. Van Ommen has invested heavily in a product information management system that feeds its webshop, digital catalogues and customer interfaces. A large share of orders is processed via EDI, while email orders are converted into structured data using AI-supported systems. The webshop functions as an interactive technical platform, offering specifications, application guidance and calculators that adjust cutting speeds and feed rates according to the selected material. “Data must be accurate, accessible and easy to use,” the product manager emphasizes.
European expansion
More than half of Van Ommen’s turnover is generated outside the Netherlands, underscoring its evolution into a European supplier. Strong positions in the Benelux countries are complemented by growing activities in France, Spain, Denmark and the Czech Republic, supported by additional webshop language versions on web platform phantom.eu. Germany remains highly competitive, yet the company sees clear opportunities. Its digital infrastructure and logistics are built for scalability. “With our current setup, we can handle significantly more volume than we do today,” says Jacco Kramer. “That gives us confidence to continue expansion across Europe.”
Sustainable growth
Sustainability is embedded in the company’s strategy. Van Ommen has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal and ranks among the top 15% of evaluated companies. It is switching to recycled packaging, has installed solar panels on its expanded warehouse and is electrifying parts of its fleet. For Jacco Kramer, responsibility also means reliability toward partners, investment in employees and the sharing of knowledge. “In the end, our success is based on expertise, availability and genuine commitment to helping our partners succeed,” he concludes. By combining family values with digital scalability and technical depth, Van Ommen aims to strengthen its role as a trusted long-term partner to Europe’s manufacturing industry.