From Family Business to a Trusted Name
For 150 years, we have been processing rubber and foam in all shapes and sizes. What started as a family business has grown into a trusted name with deep roots in Nijmegen. For generations, colleagues, customers, suppliers, and partners have helped shape who we are today.
We celebrated this milestone in a place that means everything to us: our own production floor on Ambachtsweg in Nijmegen. Surrounded by the machines, materials, and people that make EKI what it is.
150 Years of EKI in Pictures
We look back with gratitude on 150 years of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and collaboration. At the same time, we look ahead to the future with great enthusiasm. With the same commitment, down-to-earth mentality, and pride in Nijmegen, we continue building the next generations of EKI. To capture both our history and ambitions, we created a special documentary.
Royal Recognition for 150 Years of Craftsmanship
During our anniversary celebration, Mayor Hubert Bruls, with a strong story and a healthy dose of humour, officially unveiled the Royal Warrant (Predicaat Hofleverancier).
This special royal distinction is awarded each year to only a limited number of Dutch family businesses. To us, it feels like a wonderful recognition of 150 years of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and dedicated people.
History
Establishment of the Paper Products Factory
Papierwarenfabriek J.H. Eekhoff is founded by the Eekhoff family.
Establishment of ENS
The second generation of the Eekhoff family establishes ENS (Eerste Nederlandsche Schuurpapier- en Schuurlinnenfabriek) on Biezen (previously known as Biezendwarsweg) in Nijmegen. This is the premises that houses EKI until the start of 2020.
Jubilee
25th anniversary of ENS.
Marriage to van der Tol
Jannetje Eekhoff, daughter of the Eekhoff family, marries Sytse van der Tol. This marks the start of the gradual transfer of the company from the Eekhoff family to the Van der Tol family.
From ENS to EKI
Based on an idea proposed by someone from the rubber industry who comes to work at ENS, we begin converting foam instead of just sandpaper. This is how EKI – Eekhoff Kunststof Industrie – comes into being. We start out by converting mattress foam into draught strip, by applying adhesive and then cutting the foam into strips. This is then used to prevent draughts around wooden windows. Our product range gradually expands from then on.
Name change
We undergo a name change from Eekhoff Kunststof Industrie to Europese Kunststof Industrie. From now on, EKI is a BV (a private company).
Production of cellular rubber rolls
Production of cellular rubber rolls A new department is established and commences production of foam rubber rolls. Our new machines enable us to slice the foam rubber into any thickness desired. We were already very flexible with respect to the width of tape, but now we’re also able to accommodate a range of thicknesses. Another new machine allows us to glue rubber sheets together. This foam rubber production means we can expand our sales market beyond the borders of the Netherlands to the whole of Europe.
First website
EKI connects to the internet and the first EKI website is launched.
Bart joins the team
Bart van der Tol (current director) joins the EKI team. This also marks the fresh expansion of our product range to include materials such as rubber and sponge rubber. We purchase new machines that offer us new processing and conversion options.
New machine
Another new machine enables the in-house production of rolls and sheets of polyurethane foam from master blocks.
New water jet cutting machine
We are acquiring a new water jet cutting machine that will allow us to cut thicker rubber and foam with high precision.
New management
Bart van der Tol and Chantal Peters manage EKI together. Bart is responsible for the technical and financial side, while Chantal takes care of the commercial and human resources aspects. They are supported by the management team and collaborate closely with contracted specialists, enabling them to stay up to date with the latest developments.
Relocation to new building
We relocate to the new premises on Ambachtsweg a few streets away. This gives us more space to further expand in terms of machinery and stocks.
Winning the B2B Shopping Award
Thanks to our unique product configurator, EKI has won the B2B Shopping Award for 2021! This system enables our customers to navigate the complex online ordering process without the aid of a staff member. The jury complimented us on the clear, smooth journey that we have laid out for our customers, despite the high degree of complexity underlying the system.
Social Innovation Pioneer
Chantal Peters is appointed as Social Innovation Pioneer by the Province of Gelderland. She owes this to her work and leadership in the management of EKI.
Winner of the Pearl Award
On January 25, we won the Lifeport Pearl Award from The Economic Board. We celebrated this with a performance by the famous DJ Brennan Heart!
Finalist for the Koning Willem I Prize
EKI has been nominated for the Koning Willem I Prize, the Oscars of Dutch business.
150 Years of EKI and Royal Warrant Holder
This year, EKI celebrates a special milestone: our 150th anniversary and the honour of officially receiving the Royal Warrant designation.
