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Our Legacy

VETUS,
since 1964

Since its formation in 1964, VETUS has become a world-leading innovator in the manufacture of products for leisure craft and small commercial vessels.

VETUS began in 1964 as a wholesale business run from a home in Rotterdam by the late Mr. Willem den Ouden.
Today, the company’s goal is to be the market leader in the supply of innovative systems and products for leisure boats and light-duty commercial vessels.

Our mission is to consistently provide the best products and service in the business. We bring the most cutting-edge and sustainable solutions to our customers to enhance their boating pleasure.

The most significant events in the company’s history are listed below.

Becoming a
creator of boat systems
2010-now
  • 2022
    VETUS introduces the BOW PRO Boosted 400 series, a new industry standard in DC thruster power.
  • 2021
    VETUS opens a branch office in Germany.
  • 2020
    VETUS introduces unique new electric propulsion system solutions to the market.
  • 2019
    VETUS introduces YellowV, a new brand for inflatable equipment.
  • 2018
    VETUS introduces the game changer in bow thrusters: the BOW PRO.
  • 2016
    VETUS opens branch offices in Poland and Portugal.
  • 2015
    VETUS opens branch office in France.
  • 2014
    VETUS opens branch office in Italy.
  • 2013
    VETUS joins the Yanmar Group and opens branch office in South-Africa.
  • 2012
    VETUS introduces a new corporate identity, ‘VETUS, creators of boat systems’, as well as unveiling its V-Quipment brand.
  • 2010
    VETUS opens branches in Denmark and India.
A new era
2000-2010
  • 2009
    VETUS Sweden and VETUS Finland are added to the VETUS Group.
  • 2008
    VETUS-Maxwell APAC Limited New Zealand is added to the VETUS Group.
  • 2008
    VETUS-Maxwell Pty Ltd Australia is added to the VETUS Group.
  • 2008
    The Maxwell and Marex brands are incorporated into the VETUS Group.
  • 2004
    The company name VETUS den Ouden is changed to VETUS.
  • 2000
    Founder Willem den Ouden hands over the day-to-day management of the company to a team of VETUS executives.
BOW Thruster introduction
1975-2000
  • 1987
    VETUS den Ouden opens a new branch office in Southampton, Great, Britain. VETUS den Ouden UK is founded.
  • 1984
    VETUS den Ouden begins joint ventures with importers in Greece and Switzerland and commences the first production of windows in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
  • 1982
    VETUS den Ouden introduces its first bow thruster for leisure boats and small commercial craft.
  • 1977
    VETUS den Ouden France is founded.
The start of the company
1964-1975
  • 1974
    VETUS den Ouden Spain is founded.
  • 1974
    Development begins on the first VETUS engine, based on a Peugeot block. VETUS Diesel is founded.
  • 1973
    VETUS den Ouden expands further with a branch office in the USA.
  • 1972
    A new HQ office and warehouse is opened in Schiedam, The Netherlands.
  • 1968
    The first in-house engineer is employed for own-product development. The first item developed in-house with the brand name VETUS is the seawater strainer type 325.
  • 1966
    VETUS goes international with the establishment of VETUS den Ouden GmbH in Germany.
  • 1965
    The first VETUS catalogue is published in Dutch and German with a print run of 50,000 copies.
  • 1964
    VETUS den Ouden is founded by the late Willem den Ouden from his home in Rotterdam.
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