HVO Meat & LETS - Growth & Innovation

Every business is unique. This calls for tailor-made cleaning solutions, fitting the size, level of contamination, and frequency of cleaning within that business. LETS, drawing from theory and practical experience, provided a total solution in the new premises of HVO Meat in Waddinxveen.

In the spring of 2022, meat wholesaler HVO Meat moved from The Hague to a new building in Waddinxveen. This move represented a growth from 500 m² to 2,500 m². "A step that prepares our company for the future," says director Matthijs de Jong. He took over the business from his uncle in 2014 and has since been leading the wholesale operation. "We specialize in processing lamb and premium white veal. We supply this high-quality veal and lamb to the hospitality industry, Dutch and Islamic butchers, and retail. That's 300 calves and 250 lambs weekly. And the numbers are increasing. In 2022, we grew by 14%." Matthijs enthusiastically talks about the joy of leading the business and the dynamics in the meat trade. "Everything that comes in must be out within two weeks, meaning immediate action is necessary."

Dynamics require action in hygiene

Such dynamics also demand action in hygiene. In their previous premises, HVO Meat collaborated with total-cleaning-solution provider LETS from Dronten. Account manager Gerco Dijkgraaf had regular contact with Matthijs and his staff about maintenance and service. "The collaboration has always been satisfactory. When plans for a new building arose, I immediately involved them to provide a new, suitable cleaning solution," Matthijs explains. Gerco is pleased with this customer satisfaction: "We aim to be there for the customer, providing quality equipment and service. If there's a query or malfunction, we ensure a prompt solution."

Dynamics in meat wholesale demand hygiene action

He proudly talks about the company's origins: "Johan Leeffers started 40 years ago in the agricultural sector. He traveled to businesses with a pump in his car. This evolved into high-pressure cleaning systems, crate washing installations, tap water and compressed air systems, and hot water provisions. LETS provides energy-neutral total solutions for cleaning processes at food companies, from installation to maintenance and service."

From left to right: Guustaaf Hoekstra, Matthijs de Jong, Gerco Dijkgraaf

Passion for challenges

LETS Director Guustaaf Hoekstra continues: "We love our work, focusing on the dynamics of the food industry, whether it's meat, fish, or vegetables. We understand the action needed. At each company, it's a new challenge to find the right cleaning solution. Based on theory and practice, we determine what's needed, considering factors like pressure, liters, and workforce. From our calculations, we propose a pump unit we believe will work satisfactorily."

The appropriate cleaning solution

The cleaning solution LETS calculated and provided for HVO Meat's location consists of three parts. A robust, frequency-controlled cleaning unit with stainless steel valves and ceramic plungers. It's a 'less water go system,' meaning the pump doesn't overheat with minor leaks in the piping. This prevents downtime. Additionally, the unit includes a break tank and water hammer dampening for longevity and is drinking-water safe. Accompanying this is a stainless steel Foam/Disinfection unit that delivers a safe, precise dosage up to 25 meters from any connection point, easily and quickly with a single lever. The third component is a hygiene sluice meeting IFS and BRC hygiene standards to prevent bacteriological contamination and ensure disinfection.

Theory and practice work well together

Theory and practice proved accurate at HVO Meat. Matthijs smiles, "I haven't heard a single complaint. The advantage for us was moving into a new building. There's time and space to arrange this leisurely, without stress and transferring old installations or parts. The plans became reality."

"Each company is unique, so we provide customized hygiene to ensure food safety. In our communication, we maintain short lines," Guustaaf adds. "That's true," Matthijs agrees. "If needed, I can directly contact a technician and immediately schedule a visit."

Regarding their collaboration, the three men are concise and clear: "Simply good and pleasant."

www.letsbv.nl
www.hvomeat.nl

Photos ©Herbert Wiggerman