our history - part two

Other Joint Projects

Van West Holland continued to expand its production and thanks to the arrival of computer controlled machinery the quality of individual products was improving all the time. This was aided also by the company's co-operation with the giant Swiss Harchrome organisation as they became involved in chrome plating pistons for Van West Holland. Today this world famous company processes no less than 2.000 pistons per year. Van West Holland also joined forces with Mark van Schaick B.V. in Rotterdam for processing its connecting rods and crankshafts.Van West started repairing pistons and cylinder covers for engine manufacturer New Sulzer Diesel.

It was with good reason that Van West Holland was awarded the Lloyds ISO 9002 certificate in 1996. Since then a contract has been set up with Tuapse Shipyard on the Black Sea to process cylinder liners, piston skirts and rings.

The celebration of yet another milestone, the 80th anniversary of Van West Holland brings us to 2003. In the next few chapters you will be able to read about the latest successful developments within Van West Holland BV.

Specialisation

To say that Van West Holland BV today, with its history going back more than 80 years and employing 30 staff, is a highly experienced organisation offering extensive specialist knowledge and expertise. The company's main activity is the repair, refurbishment and reconditioning of various types of used and unused ships parts, purchased second-hand from breakers yards, mainly in India and Bangladesh.The main advantage is that Van West is able to purchase cheaply and is therefore in a position to offer its customers an excellent price/quality ratio. Van West refurbished parts are of top quality and ready for long term re-use. Parts are sold in prime condition to well over 400 customers among whom the major shipping companies, most of the manufacturers of ships diesel engines mainly in Europe and the Far East but also from the USA, Canada and Australia.

Westenwind Since 1984

Van West has also become involved in a secondary activity which has shown con- siderable growth over the years. The company recovers, restores and sells ship antiques which it acquires from collectors and broken up ships. Sextants, ships' bells, compasses and many other maritime antiques are exhibited in the Westenwind showroom which has been specifically designed for this purpose. Individual items are used as business gifts and to dress the stands at trade fairs and many of the antiques are purchased by shipping companies, ships chandlers, yacht clubs, and restaurants.

Availability

Van West has a flat and informal company structure which provides a sense of trust and security to business associates and employees alike. Customers are never sent from pillar to post but can at all times rely on expert, up to date advice. Van West has installed the most advanced communication systems among which the ILS [Inventory Location Services]computer system to ensure the best possible lines of communication.

ILS, which is used within the shipping industry all over the world enables the company to be reached seven days a week twenty four hours a day Several times a day a print out is made listing all urgent enquiries from across the world. This means no client or associate has to wait long for an answer and customers world-wide can rely on fast delivery. Another benefit of the system is that it enables Van West to stay ahead of the game in that the company knows exactly what is most in demand and where and what it should therefore be purchasing. Another advantage is that Van West can provide infor- mation on stocks and/or on a particular part it has managed to acquire to all its associates at the touch of a button. As far as Van West is concerned ILS is a highly productive and efficient system which fits in well with the company motto which is: to be fast and precise, taking continuous care of quality in the widest sense of the word.

New Developments Since 2002 we import new piston crowns / cylindercovers and exhaust valve spindles and seats from OEM- in Korea.