History |
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| The following is a summarised version of the history of Aartsenfruit, including the relevant dates. 1907: Jan Aartsen is recorded in the population register as a 'Vegetable Merchant' and the Aartsen family goes into business. 1942: Jan Aartsen establishes the Aartsen en Zn (Aartsen and Sons) general partnership and the 2nd generation, Koos Aartsen, enters the scene. 1958: The third generation steps forward. Jack is the first to be admitted into the company, followed by his brother Henny in 1966. 1971: Koos Aartsen dies far too young at the age of 56, but not before making a very important decision to buy the farmhouse and grounds at the current location in Breda. Brothers Jack and Henny Aartsen give the company new direction in the 70s, as a result of which it becomes a leading import company in the Benelux. 1978: Takeover of Elisen Fruit AGF wholesale business in Veldhoven. 1982: The fourth generation, Jack Aartsen, Jr., leaves school at the age of 17 to start working in the family business. 1988: To create enough financial support for the necessary plans for the future, Jack and Henry Aartsen sell their successful company to Albert Fisher, a listed English company. 1990: The Veldhoven branch is relocated to Grubbenvorst, where more growth potential is possible. The branch is renamed 'Aartsenfruit Venlo'. 1992: In November 1992, a completely new branch is opened in Enschede and 'Aartsenfruit Twente' sees the light of day. 1993: After having built up a complete range of imports over the course of more than 30 years, Jack Aartsen Sr. hands the torch over to his son, Jack Jr., who assumes responsibility for the company's commercial activities. 1995: After conducting a thorough study, the company decides to enter the Belgian market. Aartsenfruit N.V. is established at the strategically located St. Katelijne-Waver near 'Mechelse Veilingen', the largest vegetable auction in Belgium. |
1999: The Venlo branch outgrows its space due to explosive growth, so completely new business premises are built with a surface area of 5,000 m². 2001: After spending more than 30 years working on the organisational and general affairs of Aartsenfruit, Henny Aartsen retires in August 2001 as the last of the 3rd generation. General management is transferred in its entirety to his nephew, Jack Aartsen. 2002: In July 2002, Jack Aartsen buys back the entire block of shares of Aartsenfruit from the English parent company, Albert Fisher Group. The future of this successful company is now secured and the 4th generation puts Aartsenfruit back in family hands. 2004: Start of a major reorganisation of the business premises and offices in Breda. Investments are made in a large central refrigeration system and an expansion with a new 5,300 m² modern distribution warehouse, bringing the total surface area to 15,000 m². A new and highly sophisticated commercial office is also constructed, the old farmhouse is renovated and the existing buildings completely upgraded. After two years of construction, the entire project is completed at the end of 2005. 2007: Aartsenfruit 100-year anniversary. This milestone in the company's history is celebrated with the entire workforce and the company's business relations. Aartsenfruit wants not only to celebrate but also to give, and so the Aartsenfruit Kids Foundation is set up. 2008: The Belgian branch in St. Katelijne-Waver undergoes structural alterations. The existing warehouses are completely refurbished to reflect the Aartsenfruit corporate identity. The cold stores are also extended and new sales areas are added. The total floor area is now 4,800 m². 2010: A parcel of land of 15.000 m² is bought on the Fresh Park Venlo site for the construction of new premises with a total area. 2011: The company will move into its new premises in Venlo in September. They are comprised of a modern sales warehouse, a distribution hall and a commercial office. The premises occupy a total surface area of 7500 m². |
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