History

In 1990 Peter van Hoorn set up an independent trade agency in the tooling and metal working sector together with his wife. His experience as a tool craftsman and his know-how about solid carbide in conjunction with the administrative skills of his wife set a milestone for the future. During the first years several brands of European metal removal tools where marketed. Niches of the market were chosen in which both advice and support as part of the service package became a trademark of the company.

Success quickly followed. In 1994 van Hoorn Carbide relocated to a stylish facility at the Zuid-Willemsvaart in Weert. Three years later the next step was taken by establishing a tool-shop. Manufacturing series of solid carbide wear parts and spares for molds began. Amongst others, the semiconductor and can industries were supplied with these parts. The expansion of trade together with production proved to be a full-scale success. This success created a solid foundation for the contemporary specialized solid carbide tool manufacturer.

In 1998 yet another process was added; the manufacturing of solid carbide high-speed end mills. In order to produce large investments were made in highly sophisticated computer-controlled machinery. Since then, the sides were set on manufacturing rather than trade. In 1999 all activities were concentrated in a modern facility where the organisation was able to put all the ideas and innovations in the field of modern business management into action. In less than one decade the former trading business developed into a dynamic company with its own marketing strategy and philosophy including 25 employees and a very strong position on the metal removal market.

After the millenium the company continued its expansions. Starting from 2006 the second generation of Van Hoorns took over. Both sons fulfill their own role within the company; Ralph van Hoorn as general Director, and Patrick van Hoorn as financial Director. They have emphasized on further improvement of the efficiency of numerous processess, thus preparing van Hoorn Carbide to be ready for the future.

  Back to Van Hoorn Carbide