Kees van Dam
Owner, Van Dam Compact Lifting Services
"Working with electricity is truly the best thing ever for me."
In conversation with Kees van Dam, owner at Van Dam Compact Lifting Services
Van Dam Compact Lifting is the result of craftsmanship, commitment, and a passion for compact lifting work. In this customer story, we speak with owner Kees van Dam about his transition to entrepreneurship, the power of proactive thinking, and why Hoeflon is a natural partner.
From office job to mastery with mini cranes
Van Dam Compact Lifting was founded in 2015, driven by a clear personal motivation. Founder and owner Kees van Dam previously worked in an office at a large crane rental company. “I always enjoyed working there, but an office job also creates a certain restlessness. I wanted to get out there, deliver a service and product, and work with customers.”
That step proved to be a bullseye. Van Dam Compact Lifting has since grown into a specialist company with typically four permanent employees and a number of freelancers. With the arrival of new machines, they are even already looking into expanding with a fifth colleague. ### More than just bringing a crane What Van Dam Compact Lifting does is often underestimated. “People often think that we just ‘bring a crane over,’ but that is precisely not where our strength lies,” Kees explains. The real added value lies in the service: thinking along with the client and finding the best, most efficient solution for a complex lifting challenge. “At the end of the day, I want a client to think: it was great that those guys were there, because I really wouldn't know how we should have done this otherwise.”
Craftsmanship is central. Van Dam Compact Lifting aims to be a master of the trade. “The best part is when clients see us driving up and all the stress immediately disappears. Like: oh, Van Dam is here, it’s being taken care of.”
New clients come almost exclusively through word-of-mouth advertising. Thanks to a large network and satisfied customers, the company doesn't have to kick down doors. “Once we’ve been to clients, we’re basically not allowed to leave,” Kees says with a laugh. In addition to the Netherlands, jobs are also regularly carried out in Belgium.
Why Hoeflon was the obvious choice
Choosing Hoeflon feels like a logical choice to Kees. “It is simply the smartest and most compact machine you can buy.” But he considers the way Hoeflon collaborates with users at least as important. “They really listen to customers. Does someone install lights on the machine themselves? Then those lights are suddenly included as standard in the next edition. That is growing with the users; I think that is really cool.”
For Kees personally, there is no alternative, partly due to the extreme compactness. “If we have a job that is actually meant for a C10e, I am perfectly comfortable doing it with a C30e if that works better. The machines are that compact.”
The uniformity of operation is another major advantage. “You learn it once, and everything works the same. For me as an employer, that is ideal.”
Service that makes the difference
Ultimately, Kees calls service the most important aspect, and you only truly experience that after the purchase. “We don’t have our own mechanic, so we depend on Hoeflon’s service. And that is simply incredibly good.” In most cases, a problem is resolved over the phone. “And if that doesn’t work, the Hoeflon service technicians get in the van and are here. That inspires tremendous confidence. The way Hoeflon has organized service and maintenance is truly fantastic. You have to cherish that.”
From C1e to C30e: a complete Hoeflon package
Van Dam Compact Lifting possesses virtually the entire Hoeflon crane range: the C1e, C6e, C10e, and C30e. In addition, they work with a Multitool, with a second one to be added soon. The delivery of a second C10e is also scheduled.
This broad range of applications makes it possible to serve diverse markets: from machine builders, steel fixers, and window frame suppliers to industrial customers.
Unique projects, every day is different
The cranes are deployed in the most diverse locations. From hoisting machine parts in industrial environments such as at Heineken and Coca-Cola, to petrochemical installations where valves are removed and piping is replaced.
Some projects really stand out. For instance, Van Dam Compact Lifting participated in hoisting The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum, and windows weighing 3 tons, 10 meters high and 3 meters wide were installed in a church.
“The best part of our work is that we get to look inside everywhere,” says Kees. “In every factory, we get to look behind the scenes. We have already seen a lot. Think of manufacturers of aircraft parts, engines, nuts. You see the pride they have up close.”
Electric operation
Kees was very pleased with the switch to electric operation. He deliberately traded in his old C10, which he had used for eight years, for the electric version. “Electric operation is truly the best thing ever for me.”
The difference lies mainly in peace and communication. “Sometimes you find one person is upstairs and the other downstairs. With a rumbling diesel engine, you can barely hear each other. Electric operation is so quiet.”
Moreover, electric operation is increasingly being demanded in factories. “That was possible before, but with the new machines, it has simply become much easier. One thing is certain for me: a diesel engine will never go in here again.”
Committed collaboration with Hoeflon
The collaboration with Hoeflon is perceived as committed and approachable. “The purchase involves a few rounds of back-and-forth and drawing up a contract. After that, it is mainly about service and maintenance, and for that, we have very good contact with your service team.”
That personal contact and quick support ensure that Van Dam Compact Lifting dares to trust Hoeflon completely.
Steady growth, with enjoyment as a guiding principle
For the future, Kees primarily foresees gradual growth. “Slowly getting a little bigger, until it becomes too big to operate myself. Because that is what gives me the most energy: going out with the cranes myself.”
After eleven years in the business, the fun is far from gone. “Every day I still think: bring it on!”
