Haller Benelux is featured in a great article De O – De Ondernemer, the new entrepreneurs' magazine from gemeente Noordoostpolder and entrepeneurs' association BV Noordoostpolder.

Haller Benelux, part of the Zoeller Group, has been contributing to clean streets since 1951 by collecting waste sustainably and disposing of it responsibly. In late 2023, the company emerged as a potential acquirer of Geesinknorba, which had filed for bankruptcy. The deal was finalized between Christmas and New Year's; Johan Dingemans became CEO of Haller in Emmeloord, and Diana Vos became CFO. Now, two years later, it is once again a healthy, growing company.

Technology and innovation
'Haller Benelux has been passionate about technology and innovation for almost 75 years,' says Johan. 'We have grown from a small company into a modern production company where we build high-quality refuse collection vehicles and lifting devices. Today we employ almost 200 employees and we supply our products in the Netherlands and various European countries.'
Diana adds: 'With every step, Haller continues to contribute to a cleaner, smarter world. Who would have thought that the world of waste could be so innovative?'

Challenging start
The initial period was intense. Not all employees could make the transition to the new organization. ‘There were some to whom we couldn’t even wish a happy Christmas; that made it especially hard for us,’ says Diana. Nevertheless, Haller managed to retain jobs for 125 employees. Since then, even former employees have returned. ‘We see that as a huge compliment,’ says Johan. Next came the following challenge: organizing the company more efficiently. Overhead costs were significantly reduced, and processes were automated. ‘We focused heavily on automation,’ Diana explains. ‘Invoices are now processed automatically, and we work much more smartly than before.’

Pictured: Johan Dingemans CEO and Diana Vos CFO

More ownership
‘The entire way of working changed. Whereas employees were once accustomed to a hierarchical organization, responsibility now lies much lower down within the organization. Self-reliance was a key principle for us,’ says Johan. ‘People here are given the freedom to make their own decisions, and they grow tremendously as a result. You see colleagues becoming more creative and demonstrating greater ownership.’ That also means that not everyone feels at home in the new culture. Some employees left, while others returned with enthusiasm.

Start over
The company literally had to be rebuilt from the ground up. "Bankrupt really meant bankrupt," says Johan. "Understandably, suppliers were no longer willing to deliver, and trust had to be regained." Yet Johan and Diana immediately saw opportunities. After all, Haller Benelux deliberately focuses on niche markets within the waste management industry. Not standard production, but custom work. "We build, among other things, compaction mechanisms for RCVs and special bodywork for the Scandinavian market," Johan explains. "Anything that is just a little bit different, we manufacture here in Emmeloord." It is precisely this specialized approach that is proving successful. Haller now supplies not only Dutch customers but also exports to Scandinavia and other European countries, among others.

Family business with a long-term vision
According to Johan and Diana, a key difference compared to the past is the culture of the family business behind Haller. The Zoeller Group, owned by the German family Kirchhoff focuses emphatically on the long term. ‘The beauty of a family business is that you don’t just look at today’s figures,’ says Johan. ‘I was once told that you should view a family business as a castle that you pass on in good condition to the next generation. We find that a wonderful idea.’
They describe the atmosphere within the group as committed and down-to-earth. ‘It is certainly not a distant German company,’ laughs Diana. ‘People actively contribute ideas, rather than just exercising oversight,’ adds Johan. That stable foundation provides a sense of security. While private equity often focuses heavily on short-term results, Haller deliberately opts for a conservative financing structure. And all of this is done with a healthy dose of pragmatism. ‘We don’t like fuss,’ says Johan. ‘Good old common sense, hard work, and a bit of fun now and then usually get you the furthest.’

Positive figures and pride
After years of uncertainty, the figures are back in the black. But perhaps even more importantly, confidence has returned. ‘The employees needed to believe in it again,’ says Johan. ‘At first, all sorts of rumors were circulating. People were afraid the company would be sold after all or move to Poland. Now they see that we are genuinely building a future here.’
The premises also underwent a major refresh. ‘The look and feel were very outdated,’ says Diana. ‘When a business performs poorly for an extended period, motivation naturally fades. That’s why, alongside our initial investments, we immediately focused on the visual appeal and the working environment.’

‘You start with a piece of steel, and in the end, a complete RCV drives out the door. That never ceases to be special.’

Local
Haller collaborates as much as possible with local companies, including Polderstaal, Gouweleeuw, Zuidberg and Top Transport. Batjes supplied a new floor and the painting company De Jong gave the building a fresh look. ‘We attach great importance to local collaboration,’ says Diana. ‘That is also why we became members of local entrepeneur's organisation BVN. We want to add value to this area. If something can be done locally, we do it.’
Johan: ‘We are building something great in Emmeloord again. I have to say, the municipality really helped us get off to a good start. Alderman Linda Verduin and Monica Klement from the Economic Affairs department pointed us toward the right people to contact within the municipality. They were enthusiastic about us picking up where we left off and seeing a future for this company again.’
They are also enthusiastic about Emmeloord itself. ‘Emmeloord has such a nice town centre,’ laughs Diana. ‘Late in the afternoon, I often run a few errands before driving back to Brabant. It’s so nice to run into staff members who spontaneously say hello.’

A look at the future
The plans for the future are ambitious. Haller aims to grow further in specialized niche products, such as compaction mechanisms and side loaders. In addition, the company sees significant opportunities in electric chassis and international expansion. "There will always be waste," Diana says matter-of-factly. "And the waste simply has to be collected." "You’re really creating something tangible here," Johan explains. "You start with a piece of steel, and in the end, a complete RCV drives out the door. That never loses its special appeal." Diana nods: "I’m always proud when I see one driving by. I think to myself: look, that one came from us."

Text: Jet van der Veen ~ Pictures: Evelien Sikkema

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