Welding for the long term: Kubota's unique installations 

The construction of Kubota's new European headquarters in Nieuw-Vennep involves a lot. The industrial hall, showroom and offices require smart installations that match the use of the spaces. Vink Installatie Groep was commissioned to provide the plumbing, sewerage and climate systems. "A diverse project," says project manager Randy Turk. "Each space has different requirements and that makes it challenging."

Climate control in the offices requires a very different approach than in the business hall. "In an office, a constant temperature is important for comfort. In a workshop it works differently. There, for example, often open overhead doors affect the indoor climate. Still, comfort remains an important requirement here too, especially for people who work with their hands," Turk explains. "That's why we looked at the best solution for each room." Two heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. Thanks to an advanced control system, the temperature can be accurately adjusted for each floor. "That gives flexibility. For example, the warehouse can maintain a different temperature than the showroom, without sacrificing energy efficiency."

An artisanal family business 

A notable part of the installation is the all-welded thick-walled line system. No standard couplings are used in this system. Instead, everything is welded, making the lines more durable, less maintenance-intensive and more robust. "You don't see that very often anymore," Turk says. "It takes more time and skill, but it results in a robust, streamlined installation. There aren't many mechanics left doing this craft these days, but we're good at it and really enjoy doing it." 

Collaboration and additional work 

On a large project like this, cooperation with other parties is essential. "Another installer is doing the electrics," Turk says. "That means we have to constantly coordinate who does what and when." That requires tight planning and flexibility. "Sometimes you have to switch gears quickly, but that's part of the job." 

Dijkham Bouw, the main contractor, worked with Vink Installation Group for the first time. "And that certainly wasn't the last time, because gradually more and more assignments came in," he says. For example, Vink was asked to install a compressed air line with compressed air points and provide the kitchen exhaust system. "It's always nice when your work is appreciated, but even more so in such a high-profile project as this. We are currently in the completion phase and seeing how everything is coming together. But also how well the installations work in practice. Nice that we contributed to that!"