Ahlmann Netherlands turns half century to more

Ahlmann Netherlands is a distinctive family business, which has gone a little way to importing the Ahlmann and Mecalac brands. For 50 years they have been supplying, maintaining and repairing unique machines for the modern contractor, paver, contractor, arborist, landscaper or industry. This anniversary will be celebrated grandly from December 13 to 15 during their open days in Ammerzoden.

Ahlmann Netherlands has been the exclusive importer for the Netherlands and Belgium of Ahlmann swing loaders since 1974. The Van den Oord brothers first saw this unique concept at a fair in Hannover in 1971 and immediately ordered three machines for their own contracting company. Two years later, during a visit to Ammerzoden, the German representative asked if Toon, Frans and Ad didn't know of a suitable Dutch importer. Well, they did know one: Van den Oord itself! So Toon decided to go into the machinery business and his brothers continued the construction company.

Toon's mission, recognizable by his white flat cap, was to make the Ahlmann swing loader concept widely known, leaving no stone unturned. From advertisements in trade magazines to a STER commercial on TV and from customer trips to factories, cruises to Tenerife or skiing in Italy to Christmas shows full of Brabant hospitality. In addition to demonstrations in their own sandbox, there were artist performances and a real shooting gallery. In 1992, a publicity stunt involving the free distribution of potatoes on Museumplein made the NOS news, with an Ahlmann shovel prominently featured. A unique piece of marketing. Mission accomplished!

Over the years, Ahlmann Netherlands has always proven itself to be distinctive, both in terms of machines and customer loyalty. In 1984 son Arjan entered the family business. He enjoyed a technical education, so it is not surprising that since then the focus has been even more on passion for technology. Thus, over the years the product range has expanded considerably and now covers not only Ahlmann (tele)swing loaders, articulated loaders and (tele)front loaders but also a wide range of equipment. One of the innovative products from this versatile program is the 3-in-1 leveller.

Since 2001, Ahlmann Netherlands has also been an importer of the Mecalac multi earthmoving machines for digging, loading, lifting, hoisting, etc. Internationally, GreenJob is gaining ground. Based on various Mecalacs or even an Ahlmann swing loader, they supply a versatile machine for maintenance of roadsides and ditches. "Our heart beats faster with all that technology," says Jonieke van den Oord, who forms the third generation with sister Marelke and brother Bart. This ensures the future. A future that colors ever greener because of a wide range of electric machines: Ahlmann eS1000 swing loader and Mecalac e12 mobile excavator and eMDX dumper.   

To celebrate its 50th anniversary in a big way, Ahlmann Netherlands is holding three spectacular open days on December 13, 14 and 15, reliving 50 years of nostalgia. There is plenty to see and experience for young and old on the grounds at Onderwaard 11 in Ammerzoden. From distinctive machines to playful entertainment and of course full of Brabant conviviality, snacks and drinks. You do not want to miss it!