Constructive thinking and building with a passion for metal 

Over the past 65 years, M.C. Kersten BV has built up an impressive track record as a leading player in high-quality metal constructions. With managing director Sander Kersten and technical director Thijs Kersten, the third generation is now at the helm of the family business. Their ambition for the coming years is to further professionalize and digitize. But also to present themselves more actively to the outside world, in which sustainability, circularity and greening are important core themes. With the introduction of the innovative and aesthetic steel solar constructions, M.C. Kersten BV is taking an important step in this direction.

The impressive story of M.C. Kersten BV starts in 1959, when Matthijs Cornelis Kersten starts manufacturing and selling steel lamps. "A few years after the opening, he was visited by two architects, who were eager to have steel stairs and frames made by him as well," Sander explains. "Thus he slowly rolled into the construction world and the range expanded from lighting items to stairs, facades and glass roofs, elevator shafts, fences, balustrades, steel structures and structures to promote sustainability." In the dynamic 1990s, sons Robert and Jeroen Kersten take over not only the leadership, but also the technical knowledge, craftsmanship and company values. Together they launch the company to an even more prominent position in the market. A trend that Sander, Thijs and their approximately 60 employees are eager to continue. "As a family business, we offer total solutions with a focus on both functionality and aesthetic beauty," Thijs emphasizes. "We want to build an international reputation and be the partner of choice for high-end projects, where our steel eye-catchers set the standard for innovative and aesthetically pleasing constructions."

Toward a more sustainable world

"Our mission is to contribute to a more sustainable world," Sander emphasizes. "For example, by providing high-quality, customized and complex steel structures and total solutions. In doing so, project developers, architects, construction companies and other stakeholders are assured of a flat organization with short lines of communication, fast communication and plenty of flexibility. We actively think along in processes and strive to work together as partners in every construction project. We have the knowledge and capacity to produce high-quality products and large volumes, as well as the expertise to create complex steel and glass structures." Thijs: "As a company, we are committed to quality, reliability, innovation and corporate social responsibility. These core values are the essence of who we are and what we strive for in every project we take on."

Multifunctional solar structures

"With our new solar structures, sustainability, circularity and greening are brought together in one powerful concept," said Thijs. "For about six months we have been developing basic sustainable concepts such as solar parking lots, bus shelters, picnic areas, padel courts and other stand-alone options, where solar panels provide both shelter, protection and sustainable energy generation. In addition, the solar roofs can be combined with rooftop greenery, also efficiently capturing rainwater. The structures are designed to enrich the environment. In doing so, we set the standard for innovative, functional and aesthetic solar constructions." The structures are manufactured from a high percentage of recycled steel and/or steel from sustainable sources and are fully demountable, says Sander. "Combined with the use of sustainably (green) produced steel, they contribute to reducing the ecological footprint and promote the circular economy."

Business card

Following the products, sustainability, circularity and greening also pertain to M.C. Kersten BV's home base in Amsterdam. "Our building has an energy label A+++++ and on our roof there are 792 solar panels, generating as much as 164,147 kWh of solar energy by 2023," Sander summarizes. "Our lighting is being converted step by step to LED lighting. Moreover, a solar structure with PV panels, roof greenery and rainwater harvesting will soon be built, using the rainwater to water the sedum roof. This will also make our building a nice calling card for what we can do in projects."