#financial results #Netherlands #Centennial #Royal Van Leeuwen #Zwijndrecht

Royal Van Leeuwen Celebrates Success in 2024 Amid Market Challenges

Overview of Royal Van Leeuwen's Financial Performance

In a notable year where Royal Van Leeuwen celebrated its centenary, the company reported positive results for 2024 despite facing less favorable market conditions. The centennial celebrations served as a highlight, marking a significant milestone for this esteemed company.

The company's total revenue hit €1.335 billion, a decrease from the previous year's €1.621 billion. However, the operational result fell to €22 million from €60 million in the prior year, with a net profit of €14 million compared to €43 million in 2023. Interestingly, despite these drops, the company's solvency increased to an impressive 49.8%, up from 46.8% in 2023.

Market Trends and Company Initiatives

Throughout 2024, demand in the European industrial market showed a downward trend, affecting pricing and margins negatively. Specifically, the total tonnage sold dropped, largely due to diminishing stocks within Europe. Nevertheless, the company's activity in the global energy project market remained strong, evidenced by securing several large-scale projects worldwide. For instance, Royal Van Leeuwen was a key supplier for materials used in constructing Europe’s most sustainable ethylene cracker, located in the port of Antwerp.

Moreover, the company made significant strides in enhancing operational capacity and productivity. In Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, a 315-meter monorail system commenced operations, marking it as the largest pipe sorting center in the world. Additionally, the World Tube Center (WTC), which functions as an interactive exhibition space, was inaugurated in Zwijndrecht to showcase Van Leeuwen’s offerings to clients and other stakeholders.

Commitment to Sustainability

Royal Van Leeuwen is also prioritizing sustainability, investing in initiatives aimed at reducing its ecological footprint. These include the installation of solar panels across its facilities and increasing its inventory of pipe materials with a lower carbon footprint. They've not only committed to these changes but also introduced their own eco-friendly brand, Van Leeuwen Impact.

Leadership Transition

The company is undergoing a leadership transition as Peter Rietberg steps down from the chairmanship of the Board of Directors on April 9, 2025. He will remain with the company as a shareholder. Joop Sassen, who has been with Van Leeuwen since 1992 and has been on the board since 2007, has been appointed as the new chairman. New members of the board include Hans Weerstra and Vincent Geerts.

Rietberg expressed his confidence in the new leadership, stating that Van Leeuwen is a remarkable company with a strong international network and a vast product and service portfolio. He emphasized the company’s potential for a prosperous future, leaving it in capable hands with a dedicated team.

Conclusion

Royal Van Leeuwen stands as a model of resilience and adaptability within a challenging market landscape. The company’s focus on continuing investment in infrastructure, commitment to sustainability, and a strategic approach to navigating market trends showcases its determination to lead in the pipe distribution industry. As they look forward to new horizons, the foundation laid in 2024 will undoubtedly shape their trajectory in the years to come.

For more information, the Van Leeuwen Annual Book for 2024 is available on their website, along with additional media resources.