Discover Benelux | Dutch Design | Made in the Netherlands
Craftsmanship with a modern touch TEXT: JULIËN L’ORTYE | PHOTOS: IDEKO INTERIEURBOUW
There are few stories that deserve their place in this special more than the story of Ideko Interieurbouw. The special is dedicated to companies that make their products in the Netherlands, and in this case even all the materials are homegrown, so you can definitely say: ‘Made In Holland’. Director Martin Schipper, a former project manager, got a chance to take over the company and reacted immediately: “Why not?” Now, eight years later, Ideko Interieurbouw has moved to a whole new building that corresponds with the sustainable approach his company has. “When you thrive to be a company that only makes conscious choices, you cannot have your clients enter a factory full of fluorescent lights, right?” What is interesting about Ideko is that the company works completely from scratch. They take some chip boards or multiplex boards and start building from there, until an entire interior has been realised. Whether it is a whole school
that needs to be redesigned, a complete (recreational) floor of a hotel or the interior of an office from one of the biggest gas and oil companies in the world, Ideko does it all. When you keep in mind that Ideko’s team only consists of 11 people, this is quite an achievement. How does he do it? According to Schipper, it is mainly about relationships: “To be able to create wonderful products, you need relationships. Relationships with your suppliers, relationships with your clients and even more importantly: relationships with your personnel.
I am happy when they are happy.” Apart from that, Ideko likes a personal approach. According to Schipper, there is nothing that makes him more content than clients who want to make use of his knowledge and perspective when it comes to designing an interior. With a director so committed to making the best possible products for his clients, it is no wonder the company is so successful. Web: www.idekointerieurbouw.nl
Great brands, magic labels TEXT: CHARLOTTE VAN HEK | PHOTOS: EE LABELS/DAVID PESKENS
Small, but oh so significant: a good label. Located in Heeze/Brainport region, EE labels has recognised the importance of this branding product for over 117 years. By producing labels on a global scale for top brands in a wide range of industries and continuously implementing the most sophisticated innovations into their products, the family-owned business has made many brands come to life. EE Labels refers to it as the ‘magical connection’: the link between the consumer and the brand. “A label holds the unique authority to appeal to the emotions of your target public,” says marketing manager Caroline Evers. “If you think about it, a brand really has no value without a label.” Born in 1900 as ribbon weaving company, EE Labels is still owned by the founding family. All development and production takes places in the Netherlands, with – according to a de36 | Issue 46 | October 2017
mand – the possibility of producing in EE Label’s own factory in Turkey and partners overseas. The family business produces woven, printed, leather, PVC and metal labels and hangtags, jacquard ribbons, variable data tickets and tags. Corporate social responsibility and innovation are two factors held dearly. EE Labels is the only partner in the world for woven RFID brand labels: a new technology using radio frequency antenna and chips that allows brands to protect themselves against counterfeiting and improve logistics processes, something that is especially relevant for high-end (fashion) companies. EE Labels’ emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability is underlined at Farm of the World: an exhibition during the Dutch Design Week 2017 in collaboration with artist Claudy Jongstra, at which traditional crafts are honoured with workshops and lectures. “EE Labels is always looking for ways to combine efficient and environmental friendly ways of production and arti-
sanal development,” Evers concludes. “After all, label weaving requires craftsmanship!” Web: www.eelabels.com