The added value of simplicity and certainty

High economy in the construction industry means: high workload for assembly parties and suppliers. "Growth is good, but you have to do it together," says general sales manager Harry van der Veen of Cladding Point about this. The total supplier of sandwich panels unburdens. "In terms of sustainability and safety, we provide all the reports and certificates. Moreover, our products always comply with the latest EU legislation."

"Austrian manufacturer Brucha is an important factor in this," says Van der Veen, "because German-oriented countries are always at the forefront of sustainability, safety and certification. But what really sets us apart as a construction partner is our guidance of the market. This is so price-driven in the Netherlands that sometimes minimum requirements are used and we don't want to participate in that. We relieve the customer of all responsibility in the fire resistance process and even in the permit process we actively think along. Insurers everywhere now demand that buildings meet certain requirements, and this is often possible for an investment of just a few extra euros per square meter. We are open about this, we demonstrate it, and it is simply necessary. By cleverly and innovatively fulfilling the requirements, everyone benefits and there are no worries for tomorrow." The guidance in engineering exposes another important point: the desire of structural engineers to make ever larger spans with sandwich panels. "We are always transparent about the possibilities and can officially calculate them for the customer. In addition, we are the only one in the Netherlands to supply blindly attached sandwich panels with a unique static span that our 'competitors' can only achieve with visibly bolted sandwich panels. We are open and honest, we have nothing to hide because guarantees are increasingly being demanded from subcontractors and manufacturers. In panel land, a price-conscious market as mentioned, one-eyed is no longer king." 

Importance of good cooperation
Does your product meet EU standards, or would you rather choose another path? Van der Veen: "That will soon become an important issue. For example, what will the Brexit mean for British certificates such as BREEAM? So think about sustainability, with its many certificates and classifications, and of course fire resistance. We have had all our products retested on the basis of durability and fire resistance according to the latest EN standards. This also makes us ready in case of any European measures." Cladding Point fully supports the introduction of European standards anyway. "The higher the requirements, the better it is for a service-oriented party that approaches the customer with honest information. We don't let the customer wrestle with these issues themselves. If they have a question, we find out for them, based on facts, reports and persuasion. That relationship is reciprocal, although there will always be a party that is, or tries to be, cheaper. We believe in our approach - simplicity and certainty, and so do our established relationships. Together we are trying to get through the boom times as best we can; good cooperation is in everyone's interest."

Text | Jan-Kees Verschuure  Image | Cladding Point