Dear Bolk Colleagues,

In the transport industry, there is currently a wave of acquisitions. Many smaller (family) businesses are being taken over by larger players, who thereby gain a stronger market position or pursue a “Buy-and-Build” strategy. Many companies struggle to comply with regulations, reporting obligations, or sustainability requirements, and see a sale as a good solution to ensure continuity.

In certain transport specialties, a specific scale is required to be a partner for larger clients. Moreover, with a relatively large fleet, overhead costs—such as certification, compliance requirements, or loading facilities—can be spread over more revenue.

This also applies in our areas of expertise, but at Bolk, employee engagement and a positive company culture are more important. That is why we have not acquired any fellow companies in the past forty years. We preferred to grow on our own strength, with drivers largely trained within Bolk and with customers who fit well with us. We manage sustainability and regulatory requirements successfully, and with BBI, we have an excellent consulting company in-house.

We do, however, enjoy collaborating with other companies. For example, with Heisterkamp at Grolsch, with Kooiker at Sligro, and with numerous colleagues across Europe on wind projects or other special assignments. In this way, we have known Ter Linden Transport from Doetinchem for over 20 years as a valued partner with a similar culture—an organization with which we exchange knowledge and collaborate very well.

Ter Linden started as a salvage company and began transporting wind turbine components in the 1990s. Brothers Rex and Roland applied their practical experience to designing their own trailers for transporting the increasingly heavy tower sections and blades. Many wind turbine manufacturers relied on Ter Linden’s technical expertise, and the company developed into a recognized specialist in this segment.

The collaboration with Bolk has always been smooth and natural. Capacity was regularly exchanged to fill gaps in planning. Because of our focus on different clients, we never got in each other’s way. Ter Linden faced a more challenging period than Bolk due to the downturn in the wind market over the past two years; we were able to rely on diversification and other activities.

To ensure continuity for the future, Ter Linden approached Bolk. We began discussions about a potential acquisition, which resulted in Ter Linden continuing independently under the Bolk banner starting this autumn. For both companies, this means doubling the capacity for wind turbine transport and significantly expanding the possibilities—for example, for domestic projects in France thanks to Bolk’s local branch. With Europe’s drive for energy independence, the wind market is picking up again. The timing seems just right.

Ter Linden will remain in Doetinchem, not least because the operations and fleet require that space. We will, however, streamline processes, pursue procurement advantages, and promote effective collaboration between escorts, drivers, planners, and project managers. Schedules will be closely coordinated, and we aim to learn from each other’s experience. Above all, we will work to bring together the engagement and company culture of both departments—a goal that should be entirely achievable given the backgrounds of both companies.

We warmly welcome the employees of Ter Linden to the Bolk family!

Enjoy reading,
The Bolk Management Team