The specialist that always goes the extra mile

The markets in which KOKS Group operates with three specialist companies globally are: Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. After the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia with its thriving oil industry is the largest sales area. The top 10 also include Germany, Poland, South Africa and Kazakhstan, followed by Australia, the UK and Singapore. KOKS Group works with its own sales staff, dealers and service partners in regions with high potential.

“Quality and safety are inextricably linked”, says Rick Koks. “That’s why good guidelines are essential, as is sticking to them.”KOKS Group is linked as an active partner to the Stichting Industriële Reiniging, or SIR (Dutch Industrial Cleaning Association), which promotes safe working practices in the industrial cleaning sector in the fields of methods, tools and human resources. Oil companies, cleaning companies and builders work together in the SIR. Safe techniques, reliable equipment and high-quality staff training are just some of the most important areas of expertise.

“We help industries and markets continually improve their productivity, safety and ergonomics”. Within their own ranks, the same elements of KOKS Group are the next item under the heading Total Care Together. Rick Koks: “Take the petrochemical industry, one of our most important markets. Cleaning facilities and pipes involves a high degree of responsibility for people and the environment. Safety is therefore a priority at all times. We actively support our clients in this. Not only in the operational phase, but also with maintenance, stops and shutdowns. With good equipment, as well as with inspected, certified processes and cleaning methods. The knowledge we have acquired over 30 years is of great value to our clients.”

Smart and efficient working practices are characteristic of the approach taken by KOKS Group in the market’s top regions and these enable the company to continue climbing the productivity ladder with the same number of people. Heavy pressure has been placed on the company with the astonishing growth spurt it has witnessed, mainly over the last three to four years. But the team spirit is excellent. This is important because people are the decisive factor in the company, Rick Koks says. “We were originally a family business set up in 1989 by my father. The second generation are now at the helm with me as managing director and my brother Gerard as financial director, but we continue to keep its flag flying high as a family business. Short lines of communication, low thresholds and a lot of flexibility towards the client - that’s what it’s all about. Everyone in the company obviously has his or her own tasks and responsibilities, but beyond that, it’s a very flat organisation with extremely enthusiastic people. That level of involvement and job satisfaction I still think is one of the best compliments you can be given.”

The applications the company has had developed in-house by ICT experts are another example of innovation. The ‘apps’ enable clients to reach a wide range of information via the smartphone: it is possible to control stock and place orders, but the applications also provide all the current specifications of systems and parts, plus video tutorials, manuals and tips. It is also possible to contact the back office directly. An on-line web shop ensures that orders can be placed 24/7. Seamless planning, tight processes, strict quality requirements and smart ergonomics: this is how KOKS Group is entering its second quarter century. Faster, higher and better. Standardisation, working quickly and smoothly and therefore operating more economically, that’s how you make sure you stand out”, Rick Koks says. “And that’s an ongoing process for us. We shall keep on developing, always going the extra mile".