History

1975 - Founding

In the mid-1970s, a Dutch entrepreneur from Haaksbergen could be seen driving around the Netherlands in his Deux Chevaux, with hoses sticking out through the open roof. From his shed, Mees van den Brink started his business, not knowing that 50 years later it would become a global player in hoses, couplings, and accessories.

1976 - First growth period

During the long, hot summer of 1976, the demand for hoses in the Netherlands was huge, mainly due to the need for watering. Mees van den Brink worked continuously to fulfil all orders, leading to a peak year and a move to the new business park ‘t Vark in the early 1980s.

1991 - Expansion to Veenendaal

The Veenendaal branch became a reality with initially 600 m2 of warehouse space, which has since been expanded to 1,500 m2.

1996 - Growth in area

On 1 March 1996, Mees van den Brink moved to Tolstraat in Haaksbergen, which now has seven warehouses covering 17,000 m2. The building activities and expansion of storage capacity symbolise the company's growth, with a direct stock of 50,000 different products.

2000 – Expansion to Drachten

On 1 January 2000, Mees van den Brink opened a branch in Drachten to offer quick service in the north and to be close to customers, with a diverse customer base and an 800 m2 warehouse.

2008 - Growth through Acquisition

Mees van den Brink acquired DG Rubber Holland BV in 2008, strengthening its position as a supplier within the shipping industry. In 2019, DG Rubber Profiles will be established where TPE profiles will be manufactured.

2010 - The move to Germany

In 2010, the company opened Brinkoflex GmbH in Marl, Germany, followed by a second German branch in 2013 in Hamburg.

2012 - Takeover by Sons

In 2012, Bob and Bart van den Brink, Mees' sons, took over the company, while Mees still remained involved in the company.

2015 – Acquisition Cohose & New Branch

Mees van den Brink welcomed Cohose, a specialist in industrial hoses and couplings, into the group and also opened a new branch in Ridderkerk for optimal geographical coverage in the Netherlands.

2017 - Expansion to Belgium

In 2017, a branch was opened in Stabroek, Belgium, close to the Antwerp port area, to better serve Belgian customers as well.

2019 - Further expansion in Europe

Through cooperation with Imre and Zoltan, two experienced men in the hose industry, IZOFLEX Hungary was established. In early 2019, Schlauchtechnik Ost in eastern Germany was also acquired, strengthening the position in Germany.

2020 – Entry into the rental sector

Flowmasters was set up with Patrick Goering in early 2020, Flowmasters offers customers a rental solution when they need temporary hose assemblies. Also, Brinkoflex Romania was set up with Chaba Matis to better serve customers in Eastern Europe.

2022 - Further European expansion

Under the smoke of Paris, Mees van den Brink France was founded in early 2022 with Hélène Schielin. In late 2022, the Polish market was entered through the acquisition of Hosetech, led by Bartosz Kulakowski.

2025 - 50th anniversary

On 1 April 2025, Mees van den Brink Haaksbergen BV will celebrate its 50th anniversary! Mees van den Brink Group now has 15 branches and companies in 7 different countries with a total storage area of 60,000 m2.