1nergiek
There has been a long-standing relationship between 1nergiek and Hijman, because for more than 60 years business has been done with Hijman under various company names. The father of owner Peter Bleeker also did business with his contemporary at Hijman.
This family business, which has existed for 110 years, is a full-service facilities provider in the field of waste systems, sanitary facilities, hygiene paper, cleaning agents, machines, support materials, dispensers and PPE.
So it is time for the current generation to talk about the collaboration. How does that work in 2024? Roland Wink (59) has been director of Hijman Schoonmaakartikelen BV since July 2002 and is therefore happy to share his experiences.
Roland highlights the collaboration with 1nergiek. “I think it is great to see the growth they are making,” he says. “In my opinion, the collaboration should certainly last at least another fifty years. There is a big difference compared with the company that was active in the market ten years ago. In many respects, steps have been made under the new management. It is impressive how the current times are being adapted to in response to various developments within cleaning. And what matters is the relationship you have with each other; trust and giving each other room.
Roland: “We are always happy to be involved with new customers and/or tenders for 1nergiek. That way, it is beneficial for all parties to put together the range of products together for a new project. If this happens in the preliminary phase, then the partnership becomes even more intensive and the startup in terms of our contribution is a success.”
“Are you taking part in a tender? Then we are happy to provide input to win it. And are you going to clean for a new customer or at a new location? Then let us decide together on the best approach. Because working together shines.”
Hijman itself also regularly deals with tenders held by cleaning companies. “We know the feeling,” Roland admits. “If price is the deciding factor, then we simply do not take part. There is always someone cheaper. Of course, we also have to be competitive, but quality, service and cooperation come first for us. And if you can focus on that properly, then price automatically becomes less relevant.”
“Hijman has the challenge of involving 1nergiek more actively in innovation. The difficult thing, however, is figuring out what innovation actually is. This also depends on the project. We all have busy schedules, so we need to use our time well. What matters is that we know how to find each other and take the time to test and be honest with each other about the result.”
Roland also sees the shortage of staff in the cleaning industry as a concern. “Where has everyone gone?”, he wonders aloud. “I have no idea where people are. I notice that cleaning companies are looking for other ways. Digitalization is increasingly coming into play. With good internal automation, you need fewer staff internally, because certain processes can certainly be automated.”
“We think it is important to help and advise you,” says Roland. “Because every cleaning job is different. Our store is the place to get advice. The store staff take all the time you need to answer questions or give a demonstration of the latest cleaning machine.”
“We can give the right advice because we have years of experience and continuously learn from our partners and suppliers. Do you have a cleaning problem on site; a stain that won't come out or tiles that just won't get clean? Then we will come by to look at the problem with our own eyes and provide a suitable solution.”
A clean environment starts with people who are involved, take responsibility and know what is needed. That is how we like to work together. Curious what 1nergiek can mean for your organization?
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