{"id":2966,"date":"2022-08-03T14:13:12","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T12:13:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/history\/"},"modified":"2023-11-27T15:32:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T14:32:23","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; wpex_bg_overlay=&#8221;custom&#8221; wpex_post_thumbnail_bg=&#8221;true&#8221; el_class=&#8221;hero&#8221; wpex_bg_overlay_color=&#8221;palette-7&#8243; wpex_bg_overlay_opacity=&#8221;0.25&#8243; wpex_bg_position=&#8221;center bottom&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;title&#8221;]\n<h1>MARKED BY <strong>TRADITION,<\/strong> STRONG THROUGH <strong>INNOVATION<\/strong><\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;text&#8221;]A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. All told, through the generations, Hakkers has existed for nearly 150 years\u2026[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"vc_shortcodes-custom-css\">.vc_custom_1678184704891{background-image: url(https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/texture_triangle_white.svg?id=183) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid white-triangle-block wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid white-triangle-bkg vc_custom_1678184704891 wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vcex-spacing wpex-w-100 wpex-clear\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;txt-blck-nav&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;title&#8221;]\n<h2>OUR <strong>FAMILY BUSINESS<\/strong> HISTORY<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;text&#8221;]Living with water is embedded in the Werkendam company&#8217;s DNA. That has never diminished and we have made it our strength! Hakkers changed from reed, rice and scree experts to specialists in the construction and repair of dikes and levees. We cherish our past, embrace the present and look confidently towards a bright future, where everything we touch today is passed on to future generations for a better tomorrow.[\/vc_column_text]<a href=\"\/hakkers\/over-ons\/\" class=\"vcex-button theme-txt-link wpex-inline-block inline col-butt-blue\"><span class=\"vcex-button-inner theme-button-inner wpex-flex wpex-flex-wrap wpex-items-center wpex-justify-center\">The World of Hakkers<\/span><\/a> [\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;column2&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1600\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel-1024x416.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel-768x312.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-personeel-1536x624.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;geschiedenis-timeline&#8221; visibility=&#8221;visible-desktop&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;title&#8221;]Hakkers through the years[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;subtitle&#8221;]That feeling connects us[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;timeline&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1779\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-1536x1068.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-2048x1423.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1910[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Second generation[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The second generation \u2013 Dielis\u2019 four sons \u2013 continued under the name \u2018Firma gebroeders Hakkers\u2019. They increasingly focused more on processing, resulting in a reed mat factory, a hoop factory and a collaboration with a stem factory. Besides wicker and reed products, the attendant use of hydraulic engineering became increasingly important. This led to the acceptance of the first coastal and shoreline works.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1750\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-1536x1050.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Watersnoodramp-2048x1400.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1953[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Recovery and restoration[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The flood disaster on 1 February 1953 took the lives of many people and caused untold damage. The traditionally skilled \u2018hydraulic engineers\u2019 of Biesbosch took part in the reconstruction. Hakkers became actively involved in repairing the dike breaches, including those at Moerdijk, Bergen op Zoom, Ossendrecht and the Brabant Biesbosch.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1780\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-1536x1068.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Omscholing-1970-2048x1424.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1970[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Retraining[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]In November 1970, the Haringvliet inlet was closed and that was the end of the Biesbosch as a freshwater tidal area. That ended wicker and reed production so Hakkers went fully into the contracting business. The traditional craftsmen underwent specialised retraining to become earth and water workers. The wicker and reed craftsmen who sometimes spent weeks working independently now became the first Hakkers representatives.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2376\" height=\"1584\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam.jpg 2376w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/MS-Noordzee-in-Amsterdam-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2376px) 100vw, 2376px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]2000[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]The present[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The fourth generation continues to expand the business and prepare the fifth generation for further involvement in the family business. In this period, the family business motto is \u2018Everything in-house\u2019. For example, Hakkers became a specialist in foundation engineering when Jetmix (foundation engineering domain specialist) was established. This allowed Hakkers to carry out such projects itself. We are also starting the Design &amp; Construct department where contemporary forms of contracts are mastered. Currently, the company consciously focuses on one strong brand: Hakkers. This typifies our broad deployability and integrated approach within the fields of <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/hydraulic-engineering\/\">hydraulic engineering<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/foundation-engineering\/\">foundation engineering<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/steel-construction\/\">steel construction<\/a>. We will focus more on an even safer working environment for Hakkers\u2019 staff and sustainability as part of the company\u2019s core values.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;column2&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1875[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Company founded[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]Dielis Cornelis Hakkers acquired his first work assignment entirely by himself. This marked the birth of the current company. His energetic approach, willpower, knowledge and insight contributed to numerous works being contracted and executed in a relatively short period of time. This included the construction and repair of quays and dikes as well as fortification of roads. D.C. Hakkers\u2019 life entailed land reclamation and maintenance of the Biesbosch tidal wetland, and harvesting and selling wicker and reed items.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2237\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-scaled.jpg 2237w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-262x300.jpg 262w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-895x1024.jpg 895w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-768x879.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-1342x1536.jpg 1342w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DC-Hakkers-1790x2048.jpg 1790w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2237px) 100vw, 2237px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1930[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Contractor[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]In the financial crisis of the 1930s, the firm turned to contracting. Fascine mattresses and osier mats were then taken on by the firm. These were manufactured and used for coastal works in Zeeland and for roads in marshlands.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1721\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-1536x1033.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Aannemerij-1930-2048x1377.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1950 \u2013 1970[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Expansion[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]Early in the 1950s, the third generation of Hakkers stepped in to lead the company. They invested in equipment and hired people to handle their anticipated larger orders. This business steadily expanded to include specialties such as bank work, earthwork and dredging. An in-house maintenance and repair service was started due to the increased number of machines. This was set up in the Biesbosch harbour in Werkendam at the location of the current steel construction hall.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"2055\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-768x616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-1536x1233.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/De-constructieve-waterbouw-1970-2048x1644.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1970 \u2013 2000[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Structural hydraulic engineering[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The purchase of cutter suction dredger Gooimeer in late 1969 was a milestone for the Hakkers company. The company\u2019s fourth generation took the helm. After they took over, the structural disciplines of piling work, concrete work and steel work were added. This was in proximity to water and was described as structural hydraulic engineering. These disciplines require investment in both highly skilled staff as well as machinery, ships and a steel construction hall.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;geschiedenis-timeline&#8221; visibility=&#8221;hidden-desktop&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;title&#8221;]Hakkers through the years[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;subtitle&#8221;]That feeling connects us[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=&#8221;timeline&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;column2&#8243;]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1875[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Company founded[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]Dielis Cornelis Hakkers acquired his first work assignment entirely by himself. This marked the birth of the current company. His energetic approach, willpower, knowledge and insight contributed to numerous works being contracted and executed in a relatively short period of time. This included the construction and repair of quays and dikes as well as fortification of roads. D.C. Hakkers\u2019 life entailed land reclamation and maintenance of the Biesbosch tidal wetland, and harvesting and selling wicker and reed items.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1779\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-scaled.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-1536x1068.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Tweede-generatie-1910-2048x1423.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1910[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Second generation[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The second generation \u2013 Dielis\u2019 four sons \u2013 continued under the name \u2018Firma gebroeders Hakkers\u2019. They increasingly focused more on processing, resulting in a reed mat factory, a hoop factory and a collaboration with a stem factory. Besides wicker and reed products, the attendant use of hydraulic engineering became increasingly important. This led to the acceptance of the first coastal and shoreline works.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1930[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Contractor[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]In the financial crisis of the 1930s, the firm turned to contracting. Fascine mattresses and osier mats were then taken on by the firm. These were manufactured and used for coastal works in Zeeland and for roads in marshlands.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1953[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Recovery and restoration[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The flood disaster on 1 February 1953 took the lives of many people and caused untold damage. The traditionally skilled \u2018hydraulic engineers\u2019 of Biesbosch took part in the reconstruction. Hakkers became actively involved in repairing the dike breaches, including those at Moerdijk, Bergen op Zoom, Ossendrecht and the Brabant Biesbosch.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1950 \u2013 1970[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Expansion[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]Early in the 1950s, the third generation of Hakkers stepped in to lead the company. They invested in equipment and hired people to handle their anticipated larger orders. This business steadily expanded to include specialties such as bank work, earthwork and dredging. An in-house maintenance and repair service was started due to the increased number of machines. This was set up in the Biesbosch harbour in Werkendam at the location of the current steel construction hall.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1970[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Retraining[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]In November 1970, the Haringvliet inlet was closed and that was the end of the Biesbosch as a freshwater tidal area. That ended wicker and reed production so Hakkers went fully into the contracting business. The traditional craftsmen underwent specialised retraining to become earth and water workers. The wicker and reed craftsmen who sometimes spent weeks working independently now became the first Hakkers representatives.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]1970 \u2013 2000[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]Structural hydraulic engineering[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The purchase of cutter suction dredger Gooimeer in late 1969 was a milestone for the Hakkers company. The company\u2019s fourth generation took the helm. After they took over, the structural disciplines of piling work, concrete work and steel work were added. This was in proximity to water and was described as structural hydraulic engineering. These disciplines require investment in both highly skilled staff as well as machinery, ships and a steel construction hall.[\/vc_column_text]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module right_image\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder.png 1000w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/placeholder-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;year&#8221;]2000[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-title&#8221;]The present[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;tl-text&#8221;]The fourth generation continues to expand the business and prepare the fifth generation for further involvement in the family business. In this period, the family business motto is \u2018Everything in-house\u2019. For example, Hakkers became a specialist in foundation engineering when Jetmix (foundation engineering domain specialist) was established. This allowed Hakkers to carry out such projects itself. We are also starting the Design &amp; Construct department where contemporary forms of contracts are mastered. Currently, the company consciously focuses on one strong brand: Hakkers. This typifies our broad deployability and integrated approach within the fields of <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/hydraulic-engineering\/\">hydraulic engineering<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/foundation-engineering\/\">foundation engineering<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/domains\/steel-construction\/\">steel construction<\/a>. We will focus more on an even safer working environment for Hakkers\u2019 staff and sustainability as part of the company\u2019s core values.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_class=&#8221;black-qoute-background&#8221;][vc_column el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;quote&#8221;]In short: high quality, safety and always with an eye for the next generation.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;name&#8221;]Mathilde Hakkers, 5<sup>th<\/sup> generation Hakkers, Director of Operations[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner]<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-type=\"vc_shortcodes-custom-css\">.vc_custom_1678184704891{background-image: url(https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/texture_triangle_white.svg?id=183) !important;}<\/style><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_row-fluid white-triangle-block wpex-relative\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vc_row wpb_row vc_inner vc_row-fluid white-triangle-bkg vc_custom_1678184704891 wpex-relative wpex-vc_row-has-fill wpex-vc-reset-negative-margin\"><div class=\"wpb_column vc_column_container vc_col-sm-12\"><div class=\"vc_column-inner\"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><div class=\"vcex-spacing wpex-w-100 wpex-clear\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; el_class=&#8221;txt-blck-img&#8221; local_scroll_id=&#8221;verankering&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;column1&#8243;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;title&#8221;]\n<h2>Innovation<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;text&#8221;]Hakkers knows its roots. Through the generations, the family and everyone who has worked at the company have seen the world change drastically over and over again. Hakkers always proved to be resilient, building on traditions and daring to innovate. The horizon is always in sight and we set our sights accordingly. As we have in the past 150 years and so will all generations that follow us. In the coming years, we will invest in sustainability for the environment and our equipment as well as for our people. This will ensure that we stay on course for success together![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;column2&#8243;][vc_row_inner equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;left-image&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Jan-Mark-van-Mastwijk.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Jan-Mark-van-Mastwijk.jpg 500w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Jan-Mark-van-Mastwijk-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Jan-Mark-van-Mastwijk-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class=&#8221;right-image&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;]<figure class=\"vcex-image vcex-module\"><div class=\"vcex-image-inner wpex-relative wpex-inline-block\"><img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bedieningspaneel-stuurhut-MS-Noordzee.jpg\" class=\"vcex-image-img wpex-align-middle\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bedieningspaneel-stuurhut-MS-Noordzee.jpg 500w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bedieningspaneel-stuurhut-MS-Noordzee-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bedieningspaneel-stuurhut-MS-Noordzee-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/div><\/figure>[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=&#8221;Contact blok&#8221;][vc_column][vc_raw_html]W3RlbXBsYXRlcmEgaWQ9IjQ5Il0=[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"MARKED BY TRADITION, STRONG THROUGH INNOVATION A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. All told, through the generations, Hakkers has existed for nearly 150 years\u2026 OUR FAMILY BUSINESS HISTORY Living with water is embedded in the Werkendam company's DNA. That has never diminished and we have made it our&hellip;","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":2967,"parent":3205,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2966","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","entry","has-media"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>History - Hakkers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. This is why Hakkers has been around for 150 years so far.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"History - Hakkers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. This is why Hakkers has been around for 150 years so far.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Hakkers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-11-27T14:32:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-staalhallen.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"History - Hakkers","description":"A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. This is why Hakkers has been around for 150 years so far.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"History - Hakkers","og_description":"A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. This is why Hakkers has been around for 150 years so far.","og_url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/","og_site_name":"Hakkers","article_modified_time":"2023-11-27T14:32:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":900,"url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-staalhallen.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/","url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/","name":"History - Hakkers","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-staalhallen.jpg","datePublished":"2022-08-03T12:13:12+00:00","dateModified":"2023-11-27T14:32:23+00:00","description":"A family business is marked by traditions but remains strong through continuous innovation. This is why Hakkers has been around for 150 years so far.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-staalhallen.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hakker-staalhallen.jpg","width":1920,"height":900},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/history\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Hakkers","item":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/hakkers\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"History"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/","name":"Hakkers","description":"Maakt het mogelijk","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#organization","name":"Hakkers","url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Hakkers_Logo150_liggend_CMYK.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Hakkers_Logo150_liggend_CMYK.jpg","width":2343,"height":559,"caption":"Hakkers"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2966"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3514,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2966\/revisions\/3514"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hakkers.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}