This edition of the Werkendam Special in the Scheepvaartkrant focuses on family businesses. Naturally, Machinefabriek De Waal, a fourth-generation family business, could not be left out.

Research shows that family businesses increase the economic stability of the Netherlands. What is it like to work day in, day out with your brother, sister, uncle, father, son, brother-in-law or mother? Do they ever get fed up with each other? How do they deal with discussions and... what else is discussed at the kitchen table? Various companies provide an insight into the ins and outs of their family business, including De Waal.

The article in the Scheepvaartkrant features co-owner and 'face of' Marco de Waal, co-owner and 'son of' Jacco de Waal, co-owner and 'sister of' Anneke de Waal, and board member and 'brother-in-law of' Rob Hoogendoorn.

Few companies get this far in their existence

- Marco de Waal, owner

Milestone

With Jacco De Waal taking over as owner/director in December 2023, De Waal is officially a fourth-generation family business. "Few companies get this far in their existence," says Marco with some pride. According to research, only 3 per cent of family businesses make it to the fourth generation.

At the kitchen table

At the De Waal family's kitchen table, the conversation almost always revolves around the company, says Marco. His sister Anneke agrees: "It was always like that. On special occasions, the grandchildren were always involved. Like at the opening of the Waalkade, or the driving of the first pile." Jacco adds with a laugh: “My grandmother and mother sometimes say: no more talk about De Waal now, please.”

Article about the De Waal family business in the Scheepvaartkrant newspaper.