DemTech is well on course in hands of new generation

We find ourselves at the offices of DemTech in Zoeterwoude, for a conversation with founder Ton Polak and his sons Arthur and Richard, the current owners. In the office is a Yamaha café racer built by Arthur, designed and engineered by himself. "I myself ride Harley Davidson motorcycles, among other things, and am the President of a Harley club," Ton opens the conversation. "The love for motorcycles was instilled in Richard and Arthur from the very beginning. Let me put it this way: we are connected as persons on more than one level. We are family to each other, but also colleagues and above all friends. Do you know what the great thing is? We treat our employees, suppliers and customers in the same family way."

Ton, now 68, transferred most of his shares to Richard and Arthur about 10 years ago. "I still own about 5% of the shares and want to retire at 70. What I have been doing since the guys took over the business? I act in an advisory role and do administration and enjoy - somewhat as a figurehead of the business - visiting trade shows and managing relationships. Arthur is responsible for the commercial part of DemTech, Richard for the technical part." Arthur adds, "Sometimes we need Ton as a third voice, when Richard and I can't figure something out together. Then a piece of arbitration from an old hand in the business is very welcome."

Quality and support

Richard and Arthur joining the organization was very natural. Arthur: "Of course we do certain things differently than before, but what is good remains. DemTech has become big by not compromising on quality, offering maximum service and always going for building long-term relationships. Because we always listened to Ton's stories from childhood, our customers were no strangers to us either."

Everything at DemTech is about accessibility, quality and support. "When quick-change systems came into vogue, we came across Lehnhoff. We did extensive research on their quality and service before embracing them as a brand. New suppliers present themselves every day, so to speak, but only those companies that add value for our customers and work according to our business philosophy are let in," Arthur explains.

The look to tomorrow

DemTech is now almost through share acquisitions and Richard and Arthur have their own vision for the future. They are looking for more space to accommodate growth. There is also room for innovation, but under the aforementioned conditions. Richard: "We will always remain that company with a love of technology that places great value on interpersonal relationships. For example, we like to invite customers with their own service department to technical training sessions, in order to understand the technology needed to ensure continuity of operations. This can be at their premises, or here. We are transparent in everything and by providing technical training we not only help them, but also ourselves."

Arthur adds: "What shines through in everything here is the foundation Ton laid in 1981. He was there when demolition hammers, scrap shears and pile cutters were introduced worldwide."