AVK Industrial Netherlands is part of the AVK Group and supplies valves and accessories to the industrial market in the Netherlands. Through close cooperation with the many manufacturing companies within the Group, AVK Industrial Netherlands is able to deliver high-quality valves, hydrants, and accessories for industrial applications and fire protection. Han van ‘t Zand and Gideon Kanselaar explain the company's industrial product range.
Industrial Fire Protection
Han van ’t Zand, Project Manager at AVK, recently celebrated his 35th anniversary with the company. In his role within industrial fire protection, he sees reliability as the key factor. "A comprehensive range of gate valves, fire hydrants, monitors, post indicators, butterfly valves and accessories for fire protection is approved according to the most stringent international standards, such as UL, FM and VdS. This ensures that industrial customers can rely on a system that is always ready for use."
In emergency situations, properly functioning fire protection systems are essential. AVK Industrial offers high-quality valves and accessories for both indoor and outdoor fire protection applications. For indoor locations, such as offices and warehouses, AVK supllies reliable components, including corrosion-resistant gate valves and butterfly valves with internationally recognised approvals. For outdoor industrial environments and the (petro)chemical industry, UL-listed and FM-approved hydrants are available.
American Standards, Manufactured in Europe
Outdoor fire protection systems are indispensable at industrial facilities. Whether the application requires dry-barrel fire hydrants for frost-prone regions or monitor hydrants for refineries and tank terminals, AVK offers tailor-made solutions.
"Many industrial customers follow American fire protection standards," explains Van ’t Zand. "That is why we have chosen to certify our products according to American standards, while production takes place here in Europe. We manage the entire production process ourselves—we are a manufacturer, not a trading company. If required, our own service engineers are also available to support our customers. Choosing AVK means choosing quality, service and a complete product portfolio."
Tailor-made solutions for ATEX applications
During the quotation process, AVK frequently encounters ATEX specifications, as these form an integral part of the applicable industrial standards within specific sections of process installations.
Gideon Kanselaar, Industrial Account Manager at AVK, explains: “We always comply with the standards and guidelines applicable within the industry. ATEX is no exception; it is an integral part of the specification and design process. For projects within the process industry and other industrial environments, these requirements are incorporated from the very beginning. Whenever applications are located in ATEX classified zones, we ensure that all components fully comply with the prescribed directives.”
According to Kanselaar, the industrial market is currently driven by two key requirements. On the one hand, the focus is on reliability, efficiency and sustainability. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for high-quality solutions, short response times and an excellent price-performance ratio. AVK Industrial responds to these developments by continuously expanding its portfolio and maintaining close dialogue with customers. In addition, we work closely with our sister companies within the AVK Group, enabling us to deliver flexible, tailor-made solutions."
Diverse Industrial Projects
Both Han van ’t Zand and Gideon Kanselaar highlight several projects in which AVK Industrial's expertise proved its value.
"Over the past three years, we have renewed the fire protection infrastructure for the NH3 ammonia plant as well as for the rail management facilities in Pernis, Botlek, Maasvlakte and Kijfhoek," says Van ’t Zand. "In both cases, the projects included the complete underground pipeline infrastructure as well as the above-ground hydrant systems. We have also supplied complete fire protection systems for several data centres located in Eemshaven, Groningen and Middenmeer."
Kanselaar also looks back positively on several projects that demonstrated both the breadth and depth of AVK's expertise and product range. "Last year, we supplied a comprehensive range of valves and fittings for a waste processing facility in the Botlek area. Several factory acceptance tests have since been successfully completed. In addition, we supplied more than 150 manually operated and automated valves for the expansion of an industrial water treatment plant in Germany. These projects demonstrate AVK's ability to efficiently deliver both large-scale and highly customised valve solutions."
