Working together in the supply chain – and as brothers

Working together in the supply chain – and as brothers

Doing business with your brother? For Cees and Marten Drost, it has become second nature. With DROMEC and Drost Metaaltechniek, both brothers have their businesses at the Remmerden industrial estate in Rhenen. The companies are literally just a short distance apart – keeping communication lines short in every sense of the word.

From sheet metal work to a complete crash frame

Whether it concerns a small or large winch, Drost Metaaltechniek is a trusted supplier to DROMEC for a wide range of sheet metal and metalworking activities. From cutting, bending and welding to working with both steel and aluminium.

‘Working with Marten is very straightforward,’ says Cees Drost, CEO of DROMEC. ‘Of course, we know each other inside out. If something needs to be adjusted or changed during a project, we can respond quickly. And because our companies are so close to each other, it’s easy to simply walk over and discuss things in person.’

Collaboration for Safe Lifting

A great example of this collaboration is the modification of an existing DROMEC winch already in use by Safe Lifting. The winch was designed for lifting heavy loads where high forces are required.

At Safe Lifting’s request, a crash frame was developed with the control system fully integrated into the design. Drost Metaaltechniek manufactured the crash frame, including dedicated space for the control cabinets, resulting in one practical and robust unit.

Plug & Play for different operations

For Safe Lifting, this means the winch can be deployed and rented out as a plug-and-play solution for a variety of mooring and towing operations. Mobility was also taken into account: using a forklift, the complete frame can easily be placed on a trailer and transported to the next job site.

Craftsmanship right next door

This professional collaboration clearly demonstrates how different disciplines can strengthen each other within the supply chain. DROMEC contributes its expertise in winch production, engineering and control systems, while Drost Metaaltechniek provides the metalwork and structural fabrication around it.

And all of this within walking distance of each other. Working together as companies and as brothers – sometimes a great supplier really is right next door. Entrepreneurship runs in the family!

A new step in laser cutting

Drost Metaaltechniek also continues to invest in new capabilities. Marten explains enthusiastically:

‘Since this summer, we have had a new Mazak fibre laser cutting machine. The machine combines high precision with efficiency and is also highly capable of cutting thicker sheet material. It’s a great addition to our capabilities – and for a customer like DROMEC, undoubtedly a stepping stone towards new projects together.’

Frequently asked questions

What work does Drost Metaaltechniek carry out for DROMEC?

Drost Metaaltechniek is a trusted supplier to DROMEC for a wide range of sheet metal and metalworking activities, including cutting, bending and welding, as well as working with steel and aluminium.

What was modified on the DROMEC winch for Safe Lifting?

A crash frame was developed for the existing DROMEC winch, with the control system fully integrated into the design. The frame also includes dedicated space for the control cabinets.

What operations can Safe Lifting use the winch for?

The winch can be deployed and rented out as a plug-and-play solution for a variety of mooring and towing operations.

How can the complete winch system be transported?

The complete frame can be lifted with a forklift, placed on a trailer and transported to the next job site.

How are the responsibilities divided between DROMEC and Drost Metaaltechniek?

DROMEC contributes its expertise in winch production, engineering and control systems, while Drost Metaaltechniek provides the metalwork and structural fabrication around the system.

What new laser cutting capabilities does Drost Metaaltechniek have?

Drost Metaaltechniek has invested in a new Mazak fibre laser cutting machine. According to Marten, the machine combines high precision with efficiency and is also capable of cutting thicker sheet material.