Inclusive craftsmanship with a heart for wood and society

How do you combine craftsmanship in wood construction with a strong social mission? The answer can be found at De Verbinding. This unique carpentry and construction company from Groningen is not only committed to quality craftsmanship in wood, but especially to its employees: in fact, a large proportion of its employees are deaf or hard of hearing. Main mission is to bring inclusion and craft together. "It is wonderful to see how our employees find a place where they feel at home," says Hilko Bilder, sales and account manager at De Verbinding.

The origins of The Connection lie in a personal mission. The company was founded in 2007 by two parents of deaf sons who decided there needed to be more job opportunities for people with hearing disabilities. Thus was born an organization that from the beginning built sustainable, wooden structures while creating an inclusive work environment. The startup was challenging, especially when the financial crisis hit in 2008. But with determination, The Connection continued to grow. In 2017, its position was further strengthened by the acquisition of Ambachtelijke Timmerfabriek Groningen. This added the production of custom frames, doors and windows to its product portfolio. At the end of 2022, the former owners transferred their shares to the "De Verbinding" foundation, under which the company and its operating companies now fall. "We now employ about 40 people, more than half of whom are deaf or hard of hearing. We are super proud of that," Bilder said.

Lots of wood

The Connection has built up a versatile product portfolio over the years. It specializes in prefabricated dormers, prefabricated meter boxes, wood frame elements, wooden window frames, doors and other custom wood construction. Says Bilder, "With our own joinery and paint shop, we produce everything completely in-house. One of our most innovative products is the prefabricated meter box, developed to connect utilities at an early stage of construction." 

Social and commercial

In addition to its extensive product portfolio, The Connection is distinguished by a solid social focus, without compromising on quality. "We are a social-commercial carpentry and construction company," Bilder explains. "Social because we train and employ people with (hearing) disabilities. In addition, we are PSO30+ certified, which means everything clients buy from us counts 100 percent toward a Social Return On Investment (SROI) order. We are commercial because we receive no government support. Quality, reliability and a competitive market position are therefore just as important to us as they are to 'normal' companies." 

The road to Rotterdam

De Verbinding was founded in Groningen because one of the five Dutch schools for the deaf is located here. One of the other schools is in Rotterdam. "Like Groningen, Rotterdam has a large community of deaf people," Bilder explains. "This is why we started looking for new clients and collaborations in Rotterdam. In order to open a new branch here and get off to a flying start right away."

One of the first steps in Rotterdam was taken with involvement in Project Finesse. This new construction project in the Nesselande district includes 116 homes commissioned by housing corporation Woonstad Rotterdam. In this project, De Verbinding plays an essential role in the production of timber-frame interior cavity walls and set frames, which provides insulation and air and water tightness. "In size, it's a big project for us," Bilder says proudly. "That provides job security for our people. Moreover, there are also many specific details in the interior cavity walls and structural frames that we realize, such as elements with corners and kinks."

Full speed ahead

The Connection is justifiably proud of its growing team and professionalization over the past few years. What began with two parents with a social mission has grown into an organization with some 40 employees. "It's incredibly beautiful to see that we can truly provide a home for our employees," Bilder emphasizes. With projects like Finesse and plans for a new branch in Rotterdam, De Verbinding is moving full steam ahead toward a meaningful future. A future full of quality custom woodwork and the creation of even more jobs.