From coal to chemical distribution: The story of founder Piet Vogelzang and Vivochem

Vivochem has been a part of the German BÜFA group since 2006. During these years, the company has experienced significant growth, marked by several important milestones, including building a new location. However, this is not the beginning of Vivochem's journey. We interviewed Piet Vogelzang, the founder of Vogelzang Chemicaliën, to discuss the company's founding, its history, and his perspective on the current company and future prospects.

First of all, can you share how you started in the chemicals industry?

'I started in 1960. My father owned a coal business, where I worked alongside two of my brothers. One day, my father received a call from his sister-in-law, informing us that my uncle, who had a chemical business, needed help. He sold bottles of bleach, benzene, and other products. I went to assist him, but shortly after I started, my uncle passed away unexpectedly. His children were not interested in carrying on the business, so I decided to take over.

With only a handful of demijohns, some drums, and a transport bicycle, I acquired the entire operation for 700 guilders. My father ran a coal business from the Hantermanstraat in Almelo, and he kindly allowed me to set up a small workshop in one corner of it. That's how I got started, all while still assisting in the coal trade.

What challenges did you face in the early years?

'A big problem was that I didn't have enough bottles. When I wanted to purchase new ones, I had to buy a large quantity at once, which I couldn't afford. As a workaround, I would rinse out used bottles for new deliveries. I remember a wholesaler wanting to order 300 bottles of one of my products. Since I didn't have enough bottles, he allowed me to collect deposit bottles I could use. So, I managed to find a solution, even though it involved a lot of work.

Back then, I filled the bottles manually. I would siphon the liquid from a 200-litre barrel using a hose. When I think about it now, it seems unimaginable! It had its charm, but I'm glad the regulations have become stricter.'

Can you explain something about the growth of the company?

'A big problem was that I didn't have enough bottles. When I wanted to purchase new ones, I had to buy a large quantity at once, which I couldn't afford. As a workaround, I would rinse out used bottles for new deliveries. I remember a wholesaler wanting to order 300 bottles of one of my products. Since I didn't have enough bottles, he allowed me to collect deposit bottles I could use. So, I managed to find a solution, even though it involved a lot of work.

Back then, I filled the bottles manually. I would siphon the liquid from a 200-litre barrel using a hose. When I think about it now, it seems unimaginable! It had its charm, but I'm glad the regulations have become stricter.'

Vivochem has relocated multiple times throughout its history. When did the first move happen, and why?

In 1972, we moved to Aadorp. I felt like I was in the way of my father and brother at our home on Hantermanstraat, and my wife and I also wanted a change. Our cousin pointed us to a spacious house in Aadorp, which was perfect for storage. However, it was a significant financial risk; the house cost 81,000 guilders, while we only made 13,000 guilders from selling our old home. With assistance from the bank, we were able to make it work. Ultimately, this decision proved to be a wise one. We lived there for over twenty years and significantly expanded our business. In Aadorp, we had ample space, including aboveground and underground tanks for various chemicals, allowing us to cater to larger clients. Eventually, we relocated again to a business park where we could further expand our operations.

How has the team developed over the years?

'In the early years, I handled almost everything myself, from delivering orders to cleaning bottles. However, as the business grew, I was able to bring more people on board. My first employee was my neighbour, Jan Krol, who helped out in the beginning, followed by my brother as the second employee. Later, Han joined the team to manage urgent deliveries, and Ronald also became part of the staff. Over time, our team expanded, especially after the merger with BLW Visser. Many people I hired during those early days are still with Vivochem today, which is wonderful.'

Can you tell us something about the merger?

'The merger was a significant milestone for us. We had just completed a new building and faced a regulation requiring us to hire seven additional employees within two years. Coincidentally, a competing company from Enschede, with whom we had already established a good relationship, was looking for a new location to relocate. I suggested they move in with us. Within six months, we successfully merged, and it went smoothly. Mr. Groeneveld, their director, assumed a substantial portion of the management responsibilities, which allowed me to take a step back.

Initially, we operated under the name Visser-Vogelzang Chemie. However, as we began to expand our exports, we found the name was difficult to use internationally. This prompted our decision to change the name to Vivochem.'

Eventually, you decided to sell the company to the BÜFA Group. How did this decision come about?

'At a certain point, I started to think about the future and made the decision to sell the company. By then, we had built a fantastic team of employees, many of whom had been with Vivochem for years. It was important to me that the people working with us would continue to have opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Eventually, the BÜFA Group entered the picture, and I immediately felt optimistic about them. BÜFA, a family-owned business, came across as genuine, and there was an instant connection. They assured me that they would continue to develop the company and provide opportunities for the employees. This commitment was the most important factor for me, and I felt confident about selling to the BÜFA Group. The process went smoothly and was finalised within six months. They kept their promise and made significant investments in Vivochem's future. Thanks to these investments, the company has grown further, which I think is terrific. I remain very happy with the decision I made back then.'

What do you see as the most important moment in Vivochem's growth?

'Investing in our location in Aadorp was a crucial step for us. It enabled us to cater to larger customers and drive our growth further. But it's also the personal approach that made the difference. I believe that once you gain a customer, you should do everything possible to keep them. This philosophy has taken us a long way.'

How do you view Vivochem today?

'I'm incredibly proud of the company's growth and responsiveness to new developments, such as water treatment solutions with FerSol®. The organisation continues to innovate and adapt to the market. Even though I no longer have any influence, it is wonderful to witness Vivochem's continued success.'

Thank you, Piet, for sharing the history of the company with us!

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