Zweistra upgrades for the future

Zweistra expanded from a being quality butcher shop and sausage producer to a meat processing factory with the name 'Uw makerij' that supplies butchers, hospitality businesses, and wholesalers. The production area increased from 50 m2 to 1500 m2, the number of recipes grew to around 700. How did this growth affect the machine park at the production site? 

Zweistra Vlees & Vleeswaren moved to their new premises in Leerdam in July 2018. Until then, the company was located in Maartensdijk, where Andries and Monieka Zweistra and brother Henk Zweistra were running a quality butcher shop and, later on, a sausage production business for more than 10 years. Just like many other entrepreneurs, they wanted to expand their business, take on a new challenge. The quality butcher's was sold to a younger brother and the entrepreneurial couple relocated, both privately and with their business, to Leerdam and nearby Rhenoy, a village on the river Linge. 

Moving in one day

The fitting of the new production site took time and energy. "This used to be a clothes warehouse", says Monieka. "We did a full reconstruction of the building to make it suitable for a meat processing company. Andries spent as much time as he could to realise the refurbishment in just four months." During the building works, Henk, Monieka, and their regular team of employees made sure that the production continued and that clients got their orders. Monieka describes how the relocation was done in one single day. The expensive and large production machines were brought over step by step and supplemented with a combination of new and second-hand machines so that the production could be resumed as quickly as possible.

Investment

Andries' eyes start to shine when he talks about 'his' machines. "I'm a bit crazy about machines", he laughs. "Considering the size of our company, we have an amazing machine park. This makes it easy for us to move things up a gear in the future. During every step we have taken throughout the years, we invested in high-tech machines made by established brands. This is how we got in touch with Havantec Food Equipment in Oirschot in 2006. I already knew the company via my brother Henk, who had done business with them before at another meat processing company." Andries continues: "Two years ago we had an acute problem with our mixer and meat grinder. We contacted Havantec and asked them if they wanted to give their input for a solution. The next day, we had a new Wolf (meat grinder) and mixer!".

Collaboration

Account manager Patrick Sulèr has been the contact person for Andries since the collaboration started: "We have a great click". Patrick gladly confirms the pleasant collaboration. "I visit many different clients and see what goes on and what is required when a new building is being developed. This enabled me to offer solutions and think along with Zweistra. For the site in Leerdam, we supplied, amongst other things, production machines such as an injector, a tumbler, and a flaker. Aside from that, we implemented drainage technology and stainless steel hygiene equipment. And together with our partner PHT Benelux, we also installed a low-pressure foam cleaning system throughout the entire building. 

"Don't forget to mention the smoke cabinet", adds Andries. "We really wanted a second smoke cabinet and we couldn't find a second-hand cabinet of the brand we were already using anywhere in the Netherlands. In the end, my brother found one online in Bulgaria. I called Patrick who told us, to my surprise, that they were familiar with this machine dealer. We had the smoke cabinet within two weeks." Patrick laughs: "That's right, we have an extensive global network, which really pays off!".

Passion

Andries and Patrick share their passion for the business. “For both of us, our strength lies in customised production”, emphasises Andries. "Just the other day, a client asked us to deliver a new taste of cold meat products for a market abroad. When this happens, we can move very quickly, prepare the recipe, test it, Monieka deals with the qualitative part, and we make sure that we meet our agreements. Havantec does the same when it comes to machines. If they don't have the machine themselves, they can still manage to have it delivered through their network. They did this for us as well." Patrick confirms that Havantec is strong in facilitating requests. "We supply the machines and make sure that the staff can use it. They are fairly easy to operate, but if there are any questions or issues, we contact the manufacturer straight away. My job is certainly not only about selling machines, the aftercare is even more important."

"And you do that very well, as a person and as a company", concludes Andries. "When you start a collaboration, you always have to prove yourself first as a supplier. You need to show how flexible you can be, how you solve problems or respond to questions And it also has to click on a personal level. We are a production company where flexibility is one of our core values. We want to be able to adjust quickly and get on with what we need to do. When the machines do their job, everybody is happy."

www.zweistravlees.nl
www.havantec.nl

Pictures: ©fotobureau Roel Dijkstra