How did you start at VETUS?

Marcel explains, “At the time, I provided training to the director, who was skilled in commercial matters but required guidance on the organizational and financial facets of the company. Over dinner, he proposed I take up the role of operations manager. I accepted, overseeing logistics, the warehouse, finance, and HR, while he concentrated on marketing and sales. Together, we made a formidable team. That was the beginning.” Following various ownership transitions, Marcel ascended to the role of managing director in 2009, and has since steered VETUS with a captain’s expertise.

What does the 60th anniversary mean to you?

“At the moment, VETUS is in a very strong position, stronger than ever before. We are in an excellent standing, both in terms of product development and financially. This year we are moving into a brand new head office with an extensive logistics operation. Employee satisfaction is higher than ever. In short, VETUS is in excellent shape during our 60th anniversary.”

What do you think is the driving force behind the success of VETUS?

“We always prioritize innovation and product renewal, even during difficult times like a crisis, we have never skimped on that. We are constantly striving to develop new products together with our employees and customers and continue to invest in innovation. That’s really the DNA of our company. We also apply this principle to our other companies, such as Maxwell Marine.”

Can you share some memorable moments from the recent history of VETUS with us?

“Certainly, there are a few events that stand out for VETUS. First, in the period of 2011-2012, we made a significant strategic decision to position VETUS more prominently as a developer of boat systems. Our development and R&D profile had unjustly diminished, and it was essential to clarify that VETUS is capable of delivering complete systems. Additionally, the ownership transition to Yanmar in 2013 was a crucial event. After many years under private equity ownership, it was important for VETUS to secure a healthy future, and this was achieved in 2013. Another highlight was celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2014. This was a moment to recognize that VETUS had become a very healthy and strong company, which is, of course, still the case today.”

Are there any fun or memorable moments that took place at the VETUS office?

“At VETUS, playing pranks on April 1st is a longstanding tradition. One memorable instance occurred a few years ago, right after our street was redesigned and repaved. I thought it the perfect moment for a great April Fool’s joke. I fabricated a story about the municipality implementing a ‘flanking parking policy,’ where each employee would have a designated parking spot marked with numbered plates on a pole. We even created a phony letter from the municipality of Schiedam stating that the new parking arrangement would be displayed in our showroom on the upcoming Monday, which was of course, April 1. The announcement caused quite a stir, prompting one employee to unwittingly contact the municipality to complain, only to find they had no knowledge of such a policy.”

What do you see as the biggest achievements since you started in 2002?

“The fact that we still exist is certainly not only my merit, but that of everyone who works and has worked here. We have had financial challenges in the past, but we have always remained stable. After the acquisition by YANMAR in 2013, we were able to further expand the company and we have grown rapidly. We are also moving to a new building, which I have been working on for a long time. I think that’s a significant achievement.”

How has VETUS shaped you as a person?

“VETUS allowed me to learn from other cultures and create global contacts with great team-members. It is quite unique to be able to work with people and customers from all over the world. Thanks to my work at VETUS, I have been able to carry out many interesting projects. I genuinely enjoy my work, so it never feels like it’s ‘done.’ I often joke with our team that they are welcome to work evenings and weekends.”

What’s next for VETUS?

“I believe the new building will bring significant benefits. It will enhance our efficiency and boost employee satisfaction even further, especially in a space that better suits our needs. Additionally, it positions us closer to our end customers. As customer expectations evolve, they will likely insist on direct deliveries. We need to prepare for this shift by leveraging video marketing and offering diverse informational resources. Dealers will continue to play a crucial role in this process. I anticipate that these developments will be a primary focus for us in the coming period.”