Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
Family business Van den Pol will celebrate its 85th anniversary in 2020. Beginning as a village installer in the Green Heart, the vast majority of activities now take place in large cities. "That's where our qualities come into their own," director Wim van den Pol knows. To remain successful in the future, the company is constantly developing. "We want to keep working smarter, more sustainable and safer."
"At least two-thirds of our business takes place in large cities," says Wim van den Pol. "That's considerably more than fifteen or twenty years ago." More and more functions are being combined in this process; living, working, shopping and leisure. "Student housing also contributes to urban dynamics. In recent years, we have installed more than 5,000 student housing units. Several projects are also underway in 2020, both in the Netherlands and across the border."
Urban Van den Pol projects often involve complex, prestigious buildings. "Such as the Kroon tower in The Hague with offices, housing and stores. First opposite Rotterdam central station is also a good example of high-quality high-rise buildings. A striking current housing project in the same city is Little C, over 300 homes and facilities with New York allure. On Amsterdam's Oosterdokseiland, we are installing 75,000 m2 office. And we work in Hourglass, high-end new construction on the Zuidas."
De Walvis, a 1964 office building, features state-of-the-art technology and sustainability after a major renovation co-authored by Van den Pol. "The outdated shopping center de Planeet in Utrecht is also undergoing a metamorphosis under the new name House Modernes. A former void has been broken through for logistics. A great example of a smart approach that allows us to get out of the heart of the city just fine."
Due to the often tight construction site, safety in cities requires extra attention. Before the end of 2020, Van den Pol wants to be certified according to the Safety Ladder. "To this end, everyone has been trained, from mechanic to telephone operator. Awareness was given a major boost and safety is now really between the ears."
Certification is a means, not an end. "Zero accidents" is; all employees must return home healthy every day. To that end, a safety council has been established with broad representation from within the company. This picks up signals, records reports and ensures action and follow-up."
Smart solutions are needed to continue working successfully in congested areas. "Accessibility is under pressure. At the same time, technical talent is scarce. Despite all efforts - think of our own company school - this shortage will persist. That is why we cannot escape working more and more efficiently. By installing wireless, pluggable and prefab, less time is needed on the construction site."
Even when buildings are in use, Van den Pol wants to limit physical presence. "By reading out information, service can partly be done remotely. Only when it is really necessary will we come on site. This way, customer processes are minimally disrupted and we can maximize the use of our employees."
In doing so, there is a keen eye for technological innovation. "The Industrial Automation department is experimenting with virtual reality and augmented reality via VR glasses or HoloLens. If such innovations prove successful, we will deploy them in our urban activities as well. This way we can further increase the impact for customers."
Van den Pol teams enjoy working in the city. "Yet every Friday afternoon our people are happy to drive into the Green Heart," says Wim van den Pol. "We combine the best of both worlds; challenging work in busy areas, quiet living in the polder."
