Since our founding by Hein Martens in 1881, we have developed from a contractor with a quarry into a stable modern manufacturer and logistics service provider of concrete, plastic and ceramic building materials. We would like to share a number of significant moments:
Winner of the Green Feather (2019)
Yoeri Martens (fifth generation), as John's deputy, accepted 'De Groene Pluim'. We received this award because Martens is a leader in sustainable enterprise.
We actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the innovative sustainability of the production chain.
Founding Martens (2018)
Martens keramiek was founded in 2018. We introduced bio-based ceramic cladding under the brand name Kerloc. The production process and the properties of this product match our sustainability vision perfectly. The cladding is 100% recyclable, with a long service life.
Installation of wind turbines (2009)
Wind power has met the electricity needs of the Martens plants in Oosterhout for over 10 years. The wind turbines can be seen from miles around, symbolizing the sustainable future of our company.
CoC innovation prize (2008)
Our efforts to continually innovate and develop have not gone unnoticed. For example, in 2008 we were the first company in our province to receive the innovation award from the Chamber of Commerce. This is a sign of our drive to be at the forefront and to seek new opportunities and solutions for our customers.
De Lange beton becomes Martens prefab beton (2006)
For many years Martens has been at the leading edge. This is also the case when it comes to prefabricated concrete elements. For example, our shafts, culverts and loading docks. We also make BEBO bridge elements. The BEBO engineering structure in Badhoevedorp is iconic, a stunning project (2016) in which many Martens prefab elements were used.
Martens relocates: opening of plastic factory and shaft plant (2002)
2002 was characterized by construction and reconstruction. We opened our new plastic factory in Weststad III in Oosterhout on schedule, 18 months after driving the first pile. It was a milestone in our development as leading player in the market. Construction of our shaft plant was accelerated due to the fires. We took this revolutionary plant, unmatched anywhere else in the world, into operation in 2002.
FIRE! Disaster strikes (2001)
9/11 is engraved in everyone's memory as the day that changed the world. That day had an even greater impact on us, more directly than the attacks. Our concrete shaft and commercial floor board plant on Statendamweg burned to the ground that day.
The concrete pipe factory was also partially burned. It was a tremendous blow that will hang over us for a many years to come. To make things worse, we were hit again three months later. This time, the other shaft plant and the adjacent central warehouse burned to the ground.
Not many companies survive these kinds of blows. The People of Martens, however, threw their whole weight into it.
Martens kunststoffen consumer market (1999)
In 1999 on we discontinued serving the consumer market exclusively under the Martens kunststoffen brand. We have introduced some brands and have other brands under license. Presently these are Soluvert, Laura Ashley Garden, Peter Rabbit (Outdoor Adventures), Easy Connect and Aquaplan. Martens kunststoffen also distributes the Velux, Rooflite and BSI brands.
Martens kunststoffen Regional centres (1998)
To serve the market even better, we have opened several regional centres. Following the first regional centre in Drachten (1998), from 2001 we also opened centres in Oosterhout, Zwolle and Wijchen, serving various regions.
Martens becomes de Koninklijke Martens Groep (1981)
Our Queen Beatrix awarded us the 'Royal' designation during the celebration of our 100 year anniversary, adding even greater luster to the moment.
Acquisitions in the 1970s and 1980s
During this period we acquired a number of companies. For example, since 1972 the crane hire company Teuben has been part of the Martens groep. We took over Van Vugt beton and their premises in Weststad, and in 1984 we acquired a concrete block factory in Mol (Belgium). Van Gils beton followed in March 1987, and Bollen beton in 1994. This resulted in a significant increase in our operations and was also the first step into the Belgian market.
Porous pipe innovation (1967)
In 1967, we were the first to develop porous pipes. That's when we started delivering these pipes. We were way ahead of the times. It was only 30 years later that this innovation came back into fashion, largely due to increased rainfall.
Entry into the plastics market (1967)
In addition to concrete, since 1968 we have also specialized in plastics. Martens kunststoffen was founded in 1967, initially for pipe production. Fittings followed quickly after that.
After the successes we achieved with plastic pipes and fittings, we decided to serve the DIY market as well. We entered that consumer market in 1971 under the trade name Martens D.H.Z. (Martens DIY).
Martens becomes Martens beton (1930s)
Natural stone was the standard for many years. When concrete became popular, we made the transition. In the 1920s and 1930s we switched to the production of concrete materials and became Martens beton.
The picture above shows that concrete pipes were already being manufactured in 1931. Not much later, we also entered the concrete pavers market.
Founding (1881)
Our company was founded by Hein Martens in 1881. We started out as a contractor; the Antonius church (1907) in Oosterhout was one of our achievements. As a contractor Martens had its own quarry on Rulstraat in Oosterhout. You can still see a reference to this at the former premises.