21.06.2023

Dutch disruptor Hoogwerkt goes all delivery

Hoogwerkt, the Dutch access rental company that had planned to ‘disrupt’ the market as a new entrant in 2018, is changing its strategy still further to become to a classic delivery only access rental company.

Hoogwerkt was established in six years ago with all lithium electric machine fleet, and the idea that customers would order their rentals online and collect the equipment from pick up locations - which at one point numbered 18. Trailers were provided for those who needed them. The company has fine tuned or 'evolved' its policies a little over the years, but is now shifting to an all delivery model based on five hubs across the Netherlands.
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A Hoogwerkt delivery hub

Founder and managing director Arnold Grootveld said: “In order to offer quality and supportto our customers as much as possible, we are switching to delivery only. We always operate on the basis of the right machines in the right place. But when a customer picks up their order, you don't always have complete certainty about that. After all, you have less insight into the handover of machines.”

Operations director Joey Maal added: “If you deliver on site, you can actually offer the customer personal attention when it comes to explaining the machine and the safety aspect. We also noticed that sales growth was much steeper with delivery than with pick-up locations. All in all, for us, these were reasons to change our distribution model. By means of the delivery option, which can be booked online, we are now even closer to the customer. We are happy to provide them with on-site convenience with our sustainable machines.”
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Arnold Grootveld (L) and Joey Maal

As part of the transition the company will sell off surplus machines and reinvest the funds raised to further expand the business. The used machines will be sold through the auction websites of Troostwijk Auctions and Onlineveilingmeester.nl.

“We are the first owner of those machines. The servicing history is known and documented. The inspections and hour readings are correct. I should add that all our machines are always fully optioned. In other words, they have plenty of features that improve your labour productivity and reduce costs. These machines can be enjoyed by another owner for many years to come,” said Grootveld.

Cranes & Access magazine has interviewed Arnold Grootveld twice, both articles are available online by clicking on the links below - the first time was shortly after the company opened in 2018 - scroll down and then a follow up occurred at the start of 2022.