Harken, Inc. acquired its long time Dutch distributor On Deck B.V. this past week. The news of this acquisition brings together two of the most respected brands in the Dutch and international marine markets. It is part of Harken’s efforts to grow its service levels and stay as close as possible to the customer in important strategic markets while continuing its strong growth trajectory.
On Deck now operates as Harken’s 8th foreign subsidiary focused on distribution and premier service to its customers.
Gratitude:
Peter Harken: “Robbert and Luuke Verboon have been great caretakers of a special company that we’ve worked with since we started building hardware in the late 60’s. Under their watch, we’ve seen Harken grow into a dominant position in the Dutch marine market- both in service and in hard earned respect of our shared customers. We’re great friends with the Verboons and are grateful for them entrusting their people to us. We won’t let them down.” Peter Harken, Chairman of the Board Harken Inc.
Looking back with Pride:
Robbert Verboon: “I look back at the wonderful and exciting years working with the Harken team. We not only developed the market together but made many new friends along the way. On-Deck and Harken really belong together, so I am extremely proud that they are now bonded forever. Robbert Verboon, On Deck, B.V.
Harken’s Bright Outlook:
Bill Goggins: “The Netherlands is a special market for Harken. It is a leading center for megayacht construction and has a healthy core market in both new boat construction and marine retail. Having a personal and local presence here is important for Harken’s future. There is a bright opportunity for expansion of Harken’s non-marine market with the help from On Deck’s great team. I know the leadership of On Deck is in great hands with our newest Managing Director Dennis de Bruijn and his amazing team of 20. Our future is bright.” Bill Goggins, CEO Harken Inc.
Building the future together:
Dennis de Bruijn: “The acquisition is also good news for our customers. “Working under Harken creates new growth opportunities. In addition to our current knowledge, expertise, and reliable logistics, we now also can make use of the knowledge and expertise of Harken’s broad network. In this way we can serve our customers even better and together we continue to build on the national and international future!” Dennis de Bruijn, Managing Director On Deck B.V.
About On Deck
On Deck was founded in 1969 by Olympic sailor Fred Imhoff. Initially the company was called Imhoff and well known for its own brand of technical sailing wear and as distributor for Harken products. The company was taken over in 1998 by Robbert Verboon after which it expanded rapidly. After the acquisition of rope specialist LA84 in 2005, the company name was changed to On Deck. Currently, more than twenty dedicated employees ensure optimum support to its approximately 1500 customers, consisting of chandleries, boat yards, boat dealers, sail makers, mast makers and many other target groups in the Benelux and surrounding areas.
With a large stock of products of the 28 A-brands it represents, On Deck is capable of overnight deliveries. In addition to the marine and industrial products of Harken, On Deck distributes brands such as Wichard, Marlow, Gotifredi Maffioli, Plastimo, Sta-Lok, Bainbridge, Sika, Sunbrella, Dan-fender, McLube, Protect Tapes, Scanstrut and many others. A complete overview can be found at https://www.on-deck.nl/merken). The five On-Deck owned brands Imhoff, Blue Performance, U-Rope, Ruddersafe and Trend Marine are developed in-house and delivered worldwide by a network of distributors, agents, and dealers.
About Harken
Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and industrial products. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Its network includes offices in 48 countries, with group offices located now in Holland, as well as existing operations in Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Rhode Island, California, and Florida).