WellGear from Westerbork was chosen as the Drenthe Company of the Year 2025. This was announced on November 25 during the final evening at Schouwburg Ogterop in Meppel. In this final, WellGear defeated the other two finalists, Catering van ‘t Hooge from Hoogeveen and Hof van Saksen from Nooitgedacht.
Each spring, a careful selection is made from all entries, 150 entries in 2025, to nominate a top 10 companies for the Drenthe Company of the Year. Three of these made it to the final during the nomination evening. And one of these three companies may now call itself the Drenthe Company of the Year 2025, according to Marco Smit, chairman of the jury.
“WellGear is an example of modern entrepreneurship with a Drenthe heart. The company developed in a short time into a global player that combines innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. The organization shows courage by investing heavily in electrification, digitalization, and new technologies, thereby taking responsibility for the energy transition,” said Marco Smit.
Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen: “The election of the Drenthe Company of the Year is every year an exciting competition and at the same time a celebration. WellGear shows how with courage, innovation, and a clear vision, a future-oriented company is established. An inspiring and well-deserved winner.”
About WellGear
WellGear specializes in intervention and decommissioning activities for oil, gas, and geothermal wells. From Drenthes Westerbork - and soon Assen - the company develops and builds advanced, electrified solutions used worldwide, both onshore and offshore. WellGear combines international entrepreneurship with a strong Drenthe base, focusing on innovation, safety, and sustainability.
Harry Venema, Decommissioning Director at WellGear: “We are very proud to stand here and have won this prize. It is recognition for our young company and confirms that we are on the right path. It gives us confidence for the future and that what we do matters. And now we can express that.”
Successor to Stevast Techniek
WellGear succeeds Stevast Techniek from Beilen as Drenthe Company of the Year. Previously, Manter from Emmen, InterStage from Meppel, Fuhler Loon en Verhuur from Emmen, Miron Violetglass from Hoogeveen, Avitec from Nieuw-Buinen, Vepa from Hoogeveen, Resato from Assen, and De Groot Installatiegroep from Emmen have won.
About the Drenthe Company of the Year Award
The Foundation “Drenthe Company of the Year” annually awards its prize to a successful company that stands for good and innovative entrepreneurship and makes a valuable contribution to the economy and employment in Drenthe. The prize shows the best of Drenthe and contributes to an ambitious and successful culture of entrepreneurship. Important criteria to qualify for the Drenthe Company of the Year are a clear vision and strategy, financial health, innovation, and conducting a socially responsible and sustainable policy. The prize is an appreciation for all involved in the company: employees, customers, suppliers, and management.
