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
creator of boat systems
2010-now
-
2025VETUS relocates to a new headquarters and warehouse on Havenstraat in Schiedam, the Netherlands
-
2022VETUS introduces the BOW PRO Boosted 400 series, a new industry standard in DC thruster power.
-
2021VETUS opens a branch office in Germany.
-
2020VETUS introduces unique, new electric propulsion system solutions to the market.
-
2019VETUS introduces YellowV, a new brand for inflatable equipment.
-
2018VETUS introduces a game changer in bow thrusters: the BOW PRO.
-
2016VETUS opens branch offices in Poland and Portugal.
-
2015VETUS opens a branch office in France.
-
2014VETUS opens a branch office in Italy.
-
2013VETUS joins the YANMAR Group and opens branch office in South-Africa.
-
2012VETUS introduces a new corporate identity, “VETUS, creator of boat systems,” as well as unveiling its V-Quipment brand.
-
2010VETUS opens branch offices in Denmark and India.
A new era
2000-2010
-
2009VETUS Sweden and VETUS Finland are added to the VETUS Group.
-
2008VETUS-Maxwell APAC Limited New Zealand is added to the VETUS Group.
-
2008VETUS-Maxwell Pty Ltd Australia is added to the VETUS Group.
-
2008The Maxwell and Marex brands are incorporated into the VETUS Group.
-
2004The company name VETUS den Ouden is changed to VETUS.
-
2000Founder Willem den Ouden hands over the day-to-day management of the company to a team of VETUS executives.
Bow thruster introduction
1975-2000
-
1987VETUS den Ouden opens a new branch office in Southampton, Great, Britain. VETUS den Ouden UK is founded.
-
1984VETUS den Ouden begins joint ventures with importers in Greece and Switzerland and commences the first production of windows in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
-
1982VETUS den Ouden introduces its first bow thruster for leisure boats and small commercial craft.
-
1977VETUS Den Ouden France is founded.
The start of the company
1964-1975
-
1974VETUS den Ouden Spain is founded.
-
1974Development begins on the first VETUS engine, based on a Peugeot block. VETUS Diesel is founded.
-
1973VETUS den Ouden expands further with a branch office in the USA.
-
1972A new HQ office and warehouse is opened in Schiedam, The Netherlands.
-
1968The 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.
-
1966VETUS goes international with the establishment of VETUS den Ouden GmbH in Germany.
-
1965The first VETUS catalogue is published in Dutch and German with a print run of 50,000 copies.
-
1964VETUS den Ouden is founded by the late Willem den Ouden from his home in Rotterdam.