Bom Group enters into strategic alliance with new partnership Atrium Agri

This week, on 18 December, Bram van der Kooy and Piet van Vliet transferred their shares in the Bom Group. The company is now in the hands of the current management (Mike Vermeij, Rob Grootscholten, John Meijer, Rick van den Ende and Martin van Zeijl) and Atrium Agri, a new partnership of three close acquaintances in the greenhouse horticulture sector: Koen Brabander (PB tec), Edward Verbakel (VB) and Henk Verbakel (Havecon). "In terms of volume and power, this combination is incomparable", the new organisation says.

Van der Kooy and Van Vliet had previously resigned from the daily management of Bom Group, one of the founders of modern greenhouse construction. Until recently, both were still associated with the company as advisers and commissioners.

Greenhouse construction, climate and screen department
Bom Group has its own greenhouse construction, climate and screen department. The daily management is in the hands of CEO Mike Vermeij, who in recent years has energetically built on the existing reputation with his MT. "As a result, the company occupies a strong position in the current market", they say.

The wish of the Management Team and the departing shareholders was not only to continue the company in a healthy way, but also to stay ahead of the rapidly changing horticultural world. A strategic solution was sought that could further strengthen Bom Group.

In a conversation with Koen Brabander of PB tec, with whom Bom Group has had a good relationship for quite some time, the concept of Atrium Agri, a partnership of companies in the greenhouse horticulture sector, which has taken over part of the shares, was developed.

Collaboration with firm commitment
Brabander: "The idea is for renowned companies in horticulture to join forces. Not in a noncommittal cooperation, but with a firm commitment. Potential partners must have a recognisable product, a good reputation and a solid foundation. Their customer base must be respected. Furthermore, a shared vision of the future, the willingness to share, to innovate and the will to learn from each other are essential".

Unbeatable combination
The partnership is unique. "Three well-known turnkey suppliers with three different greenhouse systems, two solid climate companies with their own solutions for closed and semi-closed greenhouses, complemented by our electrical engineering, water technology and automation", they explain. "This combination is incomparable in terms of volume and power."

All four companies remain independent and retain their name and identity. "Our customers will benefit from purchasing advantages, professionalisation, joint innovations and cost savings."

In order to avoid conflicts of interest, the three initiators founded Atrium Agri from private holding companies.

Bom Group: 'Looking ahead even in good times'
"As Bom Group, we are very proud to be part of this unique strategic partnership," notes CEO Mike Vermeij. "Practically everyone in the horticultural sector has tons of work and can achieve good results. But we have to look ahead in good times. Collaboration is a must in our industry. This collaboration is going to bring everyone to a higher level."

"Within Bom Group, we have great people and a strong Management Team. We are proud of the fact that the key figures in our organisation are enthusiastic and eager to move forward. With this strategic cooperation we can serve our customers and therefore our market even better and respond better to new developments in our exciting market."

Havecon: 'Strengthening other companies as well'
Henk Verbakel of Havecon has developed his company from the ground up to one of the largest greenhouse builders in the world, which can realize very large projects in a very short time. Henk Verbakel: "I was immediately enthusiastic in a possible collaboration that is not without obligation, so that we can also strengthen other companies in their strengths and they can reap the benefits of the other partners in disciplines that they do not have in-house. And that without losing their own identity, with only benefits for their customers".

VB: 'More than innovative climate solutions'
VB is also a renowned turnkey specialist. The company, once started as a climate supplier, realizes international total projects and offers geothermal heat solutions. Edward Verbakel: "I realise that we have a rock-solid reputation in the field of climate. VB has loyal, appealing customers who expect us to offer competitive and sustainable growth solutions. That's why we can benefit from the cooperation within Atrium Agri: in addition to innovative climate solutions, we can now offer complete projects even more competitively".

PB tec: 'Through cooperation with customers, we are going to supply the market completely'
PB tec develops innovative and advanced horticultural solutions in the fields of electrical engineering, water technology and automation. Complete solutions that contribute to high quality water purification and food supply, close to people. The big challenge for the coming decades is to produce enough food for a growing world population in a shrinking agricultural area. This forthcoming collaboration with our customers will significantly strengthen our ability to jointly supply the market in the future", says Koen Brabander.

Havecon Kassenbouw B.V.
Lorentzstraat 8
2665 JH Bleiswijk
Postbus 25
2665 ZG Bleiswijk
Tel. +31(0)10 266 32 70
[email protected]
www.havecon.com