New production line at DKB Foodsolu­tions

It crackles in your mouth, your taste buds are activated, you close your eyes and enjoy. There's a good chance that crispy coating on the chicken nugget, kibbeling, or schnitzel, the coating around the fries, or the spicy-sweet sauce that makes your customer’s mouth water, comes from DKB Foodsolutions.

Family-owned DKB Foodsolutions, the holding company that includes MasterMix and ECS Paneelmeelindustrie, produces a fixed assortment as well as tailor-made solutions: for coating solutions like breadcrumbs and products in the area of taste such as spice blends and sauces. After a management change two years ago, the new generation is now at the helm: Bjorn Dokter - grandson of the founder - and partner Erik van den Brink. Bjorn's father John will remain part of the management for the time being to pass on his knowledge and expertise. DKB Foodsolutions is not only a producer but also a developer and advisor of flavor enhancers. “In our own R&D department, we are constantly developing new flavors for, among other things, sauces and spice blends, as well as other types of breadcrumbs and coatings,” says Erik. “We often literally stand next to our customers, either on the production line or advising on their product development.”

Customer relationships

Together, these two down-to-earth, no-nonsense men are the driving force behind this innovative company. “We want to be prepared for the future. You have to think ahead,” says Bjorn. “The demand for our products in the market is growing,” adds Erik. “That’s why it was time to expand our capacity.” Taste is paramount at DKB Foodsolutions, but investing in continuity is equally important. “As a family business, we focus on maintaining long-term relationships,” emphasizes Bjorn. “Not only with our customers but also with our suppliers, such as our raw material suppliers. We have also been working with the same machine builder for a long time. They are providing our brand-new line for breadcrumb production, which we will put into operation at our Barneveld location this fall. Like us, this machine supplier is continuously innovating. With the new line, we are completely up-to-date, especially in terms of sustainability and energy savings; this was a requirement for us.”

Future-oriented

As the implementation of the new breadcrumb line reaches its final stage, Bjorn and Erik are already looking ahead: they are busy with the expansion and relocation of the MasterMix mixing plant from Terschuur to Barneveld, next to the current breadcrumb factory. Bjorn: “We were able to purchase the neighboring building; as an entrepreneur, you don’t pass up such a unique opportunity!” All signals are now at the 'green light.' “All permits have been obtained. And we are going to invest fully in green, sustainable solutions,” concludes Erik enthusiastically.

www.dkbfoodsolutions.com

In the photo: Bjorn Dokter (left) and Erik van den Brink (@Koos Groenewold)