Flexible packaging for a growing market
Christian van Daalen, Maasoever – Freek Jacobs, VH
Frozen vegetables have long since ceased to be the forgotten section of the supermarket. Consumers demand convenience and quality, and packaging must do more than simply protect the product. For Maasoever, a producer of Dutch-grown frozen vegetables, this calls for technical partners who understand the game. Partners who not only supply machinery, but also contribute ideas on growth, flexibility and future plans. VH is just such a partner.
“If you want to operate in a customer-focused way, you need technical suppliers who can adapt,” says Christian van Daalen of Maasoever. “You can only achieve that kind of development with partners with whom you can really engage in meaningful dialogue.”
Flexible where necessary, efficient where possible
At Maasoever, their packaging lines need to meet two key requirements: efficiently handling large volumes of bulk goods and being able to respond flexibly to special orders, non-standard sizes and new consumer demands.
Freek Jacobs of VH: “At Maasoever, they’ve given this a lot of thought. One line is set up to handle high volumes efficiently. Another line, by contrast, is flexible and can be adapted to different packaging formats. This means they can respond quickly to market demands.”
Short lines of communication and a shared commitment to the highest possible quality
The collaboration between Maasoever and VH is kept as straightforward as possible. And that is precisely its strength. “Short lines of communication,” says Freek. “Direct contact,” adds Christian van Daalen. “And both of us strive for the highest possible quality. That naturally brings us together quickly. In a market with seasonal peaks, changing retail demands and high quality standards, this way of working is crucial. When changes need to be made, you don’t want a supplier who’s far away. You want a partner who thinks along with you, adapts and takes decisive action.”
Smart technology that works simply
According to VH, the future of packaging machines lies not in greater complexity, but rather in simplicity. Machines must operate reliably, be quick to set up and be comfortable for operators to use.
Maasoever can certainly relate to this. The company is growing and is constantly looking for ways to ensure that production, packaging and organisation keep pace with this growth. The question is not just: can a machine run at high speed? It is also: can operators work with it, can you switch over quickly, and does the line remain reliable when the pressure is on?
From initial idea to operational line
VH has grown steadily in the frozen food market since 2015. Not simply by selling machines, but by listening to what processors really need.
“We started listening: what challenges are companies facing, what needs improving, and how can we adapt our machines? That’s how we’ve grown alongside the market,” says Freek.
That approach is what makes the partnership with Maasoever so strong. It’s not about delivering and walking away, but about working together. From initial idea to operational line. From standard packaging to new applications.
Technology is key, but people make the difference
Ultimately, this partnership is not just about technology. The collaboration between Maasoever and VH shows what happens when two companies speak the same language. No fancy words. Just clear agreements, direct lines of communication and technology that works.
Jan Strijbos of VH sums it up: “People make the difference. If you can really help a customer move forward, that’s the icing on the cake for us.” For Maasoever, that means packaging lines that grow in step with the market. For VH, it means a customer who is a perfect fit for their way of working.
And the future? It’s wrapped up in flexibility. By people who know how to get things done.