Dekker Zevenhuizen is significantly expanding its presence in the German market. Under the leadership of CEO Leo van der Velde, the Dutch manufacturer of kitchen worktops aims to conquer the German industry with a combination of Dutch flexibility and German precision. The ambition is clear: to make high-quality customised worktops and sustainable materials available to a broad audience without compromising on margin or reliability.
© Dekker Zevenhuizen B.V.
Leo van der Velde is no stranger to the German kitchen industry. With a background as a former board member of the MHK Group, he knows the dynamics of the German market better than most. Since 2012 he has led the family business Dekker, where he has now implemented a clear strategy for the German market called 'Premium Made Easy'.
''The ''Dekker method''
At the heart of the expansion is the so-called 'Dekker method'. This approach is designed to fully support kitchen retailers, from quotation to installation. By streamlining processes industrially, exclusive decors and high-quality materials can be offered profitably even in the mid-market segment. This makes the worktop not a secondary consideration but a key selling point for the entire kitchen.
Van der Velde emphasises that removing barriers is crucial for success with trade customers. 'We want to make access to the world of high-quality worktops as simple as possible,' the CEO said in a recent interview with the German trade magazine küche & bad forum.
Sustainability as a strategic pillar
Alongside process optimisation, sustainability drives product development at Dekker. A tangible example is the base material Greengridz. This material has a significantly smaller ecological footprint than traditional options such as chipboard, is lighter in weight, and is fully water-resistant.
According to Van der Velde, the industry still has a major task in communicating these benefits to the end customer. He believes that the advantages of sustainable materials need to be explained in more detail to make them truly accessible. For the entrepreneur, the mission is clear: to make the world a little better with every product.
Total supplier for the living space
In Germany, Dekker now positions itself as a total supplier. Its portfolio extends beyond worktops to include sinks, taps, lighting, and drainage systems. This responds to the trend of the kitchen increasingly forming an integral part of the living space.
Despite the growing digitalisation of the sector, Van der Velde remains grounded about the role of the physical kitchen. In his view, it remains the place where people meet, especially in an increasingly digital world. 'We continuously stimulate innovation in the sector so that the kitchen remains an emotional space,' the CEO concluded.
Source: www.boebelmarkt.de
