The energy transition is in full swing
Czech metalwork for Dutch charging stations
The Netherlands is a leader in charging points for electric cars. Roughly estimated, our country has over 100,000 of them. And according to studies, we are on our way to having some 1.7 million charging points by 2030. Dutch installers are working very hard on this. And Czech professionals are contributing.
From companies and individuals alike, there is huge demand here in the Netherlands for solar panels, heat pumps, solar boilers, central heating boilers and charging points. That means that these are great times for installation companies who can supply, install, and maintain these sustainable, energy-saving systems.
Full service is added value
Many installation companies work for both private individuals as well as for professional clients. Although these are two distinctly unique target audiences, they do have some similarities. Both target groups are in a hurry to make their homes or business premises more sustainable – preferably today rather than tomorrow. Another similarity? They are often looking for full service. Therefore, they usually prefer to give the job to one reliable partner who can take care of the entire sustainability process for them.
Installer with metalworking capabilities
Installation companies that take care of the entire sustainability process for their customers must naturally very carefully consider quality, cost price, and process efficiency. To optimise these aspects, some installation companies make the choice to support their projects with their own construction departments. We spoke to the person in charge of the construction department at an installation company that has recently started doing business with SixPointTwo. At the request of our client, both the spokesman and the installation company will remain anonymous. “On the one hand, I am ultimately responsible for everything we make here, including substructures for solar panels and customised constructions for specific customer requests. On the other hand, I am also responsible for stock management, the procurement of materials, and outsourcing work, when necessary.”
Charging stations
Among the products this installation company supplies and installs are charging stations for electric cars. Depending on the customer requirements, these stations include one or more charging points. “Our charging station is compatible with various other brands, with or without an adapter. This means that we only need to keep one type of charging station in our stock. This allows us to make more efficient use of our warehouse space. The manufacturing of the charging stations is outsourced. “We have the people, but we don’t have the right machinery to make the charging stations at the right price.”
Outsourcing to SixPointTwo
Recently, the charging stations and their mounting plates have been made and delivered in their cardboard packaging – one box per charging station – by SixPointTwo. “The company that used to make the charging stations for us decided to focus on a different market segment. So, I went looking for their successor.” Through a contact, I was introduced to Iman Landheer. “After we talked, I sent Iman a drawing along with a request for a quote. Once I had the quote, we discussed what the charging station should look like and what our quality requirements are.”
Rapid communication
The head of the Construction Department has the necessary experience in selecting external partners. Are there any other requirements besides the quality requirements for the product? “I like rapid and short lines of communication; I also respond quickly to questions myself. Clear pricing is also important. And I don’t like surprises.”
The first order that was delivered had a few anomalies. “SixPointTwo has since rectified these according to our requirements. The second order was delivered exactly as agreed, and our communication is running smoothly.” With the growing need for charging stations, this certainly provides some interesting prospects…