Family-run timber giant in Vroomshoop supplies 675 customers across Europe
A Brabant-based timber importer has grown into a major European supplier, handling 500 containers annually. For local businesses and builders, this means reliable access to sustainable hardwood, supporting jobs and eco-friendly construction in the region.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Habraken Timber Import |
| Location | Vroomshoop, Overijssel |
| Founded | 1895 (Brabant) |
| Annual Containers | 500 |
| Customer Base | 675 customers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Slovenia, Italy |
| Wood Origin | Tropical hardwood from Asia |
| Processing Partner | Houtindustrie Gramsbergen |
| Port of Entry | Rotterdam |
Local governments, such as the municipality of Vroomshoop, play a role in supporting regional businesses through economic development initiatives. They also monitor compliance with environmental and trade regulations, ensuring sustainable and lawful operations.
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Read the full translated article below
Habraken Timber Import: from Brabant to Vroomshoop
Driving along the Amerikalaan in Vroomshoop, the imposing building of Habraken Timber Import immediately catches the eye. Alderman Arjan Hof and business contact officer Jacqueline Tuinbeek are happy to take a behind-the-scenes look. Entrepreneur Frank Habraken welcomes us warmly; the scent of fresh wood greets us immediately. In the hall, we see high, carefully sorted piles of wood. As we walk further, Frank tells us how his trading company came about.
At the coffee table, Habraken explains that the history of the company dates back to 1895, when his grandfather started the timber trade in Brabant. Later, his father took over the business, and from the 1980s, Frank and his brother Peter ran it together. Due to health reasons, Peter had to leave the company in 2012. "We import tropical hardwood from Asia," he explains. "In the past, we also processed the wood ourselves, but nowadays we work with Houtindustrie Gramsbergen for that."
500 containers
Habraken Timber Import now supplies around 675 customers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Slovenia, and Italy. According to Frank Habraken, the large building is simply necessary to maintain sufficient stock. The wood arrives in Rotterdam by ship and then goes on to Vroomshoop. The company processes around 500 containers annually. Frank enthusiastically explains that wood must meet many requirements, but especially its sustainable character appeals to him: "The beautiful thing is that you can reuse it over and over again."
Both feet on the ground
Alderman Arjan Hof expresses his appreciation for the company during the visit. "It is remarkable that a family business has grown into one of the major and leading timber importers, both nationally and internationally." The entrepreneur remains modest about it himself. "I just do my job," he says humbly. He finds good cooperation with suppliers and customers the most important. "Staying grounded but always looking for ways to improve, that is my vision."