Platform on new construction, renovation, restoration and transformation
The final link between theory and practice. ADS-Ertner not only combines the fascinating worlds of steel construction and building services engineering, but also ensures that every detail is just right. True to the motto ‘details matter,’ the engineers make sure projects are perfect down to the last detail, thereby cleverly overcoming any implementation challenges. As of January 2026, John van Zaltbommel, Erwin van Alphen, Arco de Gelder, and Cees den Dunnen will be the shareholders of ADS-Ertner. Management is shifting from a supervisory role to a hands-on approach, actively participating in projects and providing substantive leadership to employees—technically, procedurally, and in terms of project management—enabling an even more direct response to market developments and customer needs. A conversation about vision, ambitions, and the importance of having the right staff.
With precision in steel construction and ingenious building-integrated systems, ADS-Ertner gives buildings both strength and functionality. This enables the independent engineering firm to handle the entire technical scope of a project. “Our company is a merger of DDS (1986), an engineering firm specializing in (steel) structures and equipment manufacturing, and Ertner Engineering (1991), which specializes in building services engineering,” explains Den Dunnen. “The close relationship between the two companies led to a merger in 1992 and, in 2017, to the new name All Design Solutions (ADS) Ertner, which reflects our range of services. In early 2026, it will be time for the next step, with our primary ambition being to secure the future of our wonderful company.”
One challenge here is attracting and retaining the right staff, says Den Dunnen. “For us, expertise is always the top priority. Because only when the right people are in the right places can they truly add value for our company and our customers—both internally and externally.” In addition to its in-house engineering departments for steel structures and building-related systems, ADS-Ertner also has an On-Site Work (WOL) department, through which its own specialists work temporarily at client sites. “If necessary, we also provide the required hardware and software,” says Van Zaltbommel. “This takes all the worry off our clients” shoulders.”
In line with the company’s overall direction, the new management’s growth ambitions also extend to our projects. “We’ve clearly expanded our project portfolio in recent years,” explains De Gelder. “It’s a trend we’d like to continue in the coming years. Our clients are very satisfied with our quality—so satisfied, in fact, that they want to purchase more and more hours from us. Hours during which we can produce more (detailed) drawings and take on new projects. To keep up with this demand while maintaining high quality, we continuously invest in the training and development of our employees. But we’re also investing in new software, tools, and techniques, so our employees can be deployed even more efficiently,” says Van Alphen. “This allows us to serve an even wider range of clients—each with their own specific needs—within the construction process and within the scope of our expertise.”
“What sets our engineers apart is that they can do much more than just draw up a blueprint,” Van Zaltbommel emphasizes. “The level of expertise within our organization is exceptionally high. Clients are happy to take advantage of this, especially now that projects are becoming more complex and tender specifications are getting increasingly tight.” Den Dunnen: “Precisely because we are the final link between theory and practice, we are the go-to source for addressing and resolving loose ends. But also, for example, for performing or verifying structural and mechanical engineering calculations. Clients rely on this expertise, and as a result, we’re taking on more and more projects and responsibilities—especially now that more and more companies are letting go of their in-house engineers.”
“Still, we never lose sight of our DNA,” Den Dunnen emphasizes. “This is why employees enjoy working for us and stay with us for a long time. The loyalty, commitment, and sense of community in the workplace certainly contribute to this.” Van Zaltbommel: “Our employees get along very well with each other and with our clients. As a result, we regularly see project managers, project leaders, and operations managers who change jobs return to us through their new employer.” De Gelder: “What’s decisive here is that we’re always there for everyone. But also that we’re extremely flexible. In addition to our own specialists, we can always call on our specialized partners—for example, for complex calculations.”
“As a technical service provider, we see it as our mission to understand the issue behind the issue and to resolve it,” concludes De Gelder. “We take a very service-oriented approach to this—both technically and in terms of facilities—where our combined expertise, experience, and interest bring everything full circle.”
