On Friday, 10 October, Finis, now Finis & Eillert, celebrated its 100th anniversary. With a large crowd in attendance, the centenary was marked exuberantly in a banquet hall in Ulft, but there was also room to look back and, above all, forward. "A special evening full of food, drinks, music, and encounters, right here in Ulft, where it all began," said the event's host.
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Moreover, this joyous occasion also included a gesture toward others, as guests were asked in advance to donate to The Hunger Project to make the milestone even more meaningful. "Make this anniversary extra special, support a good cause together," the family business urged. The company, which specialises in machinery for the vegetable processing industry, welcomed relations from around the world, including North America, India, and Australia. "It is an honour," emphasised CEO Ton van Raaij.
Family business
Before the festive evening got fully underway, Ton first took the audience through the company's long history. Finis Foodprocessing Equipment has been operating as a manufacturer of machinery for the food industry since 1925. However, its origins go back to 1917, when founder Aloisius van Raaij began trading in meat processing equipment. With the opening of its own factory in 1925, Finis started producing its own machines. Over the years, the company grew into an international player, providing solutions for the food market. In 2011, Finis entered a strategic partnership with Eillert, leading to a partial acquisition. This integration now enables the combined company to supply a complete range of products to the fresh produce sector.
"We always think about the family," the CEO said. "My grandparents, who founded the company, my father, and my uncle, who worked so hard to leave this legacy. We, the third generation, and now even the fourth, benefit from their work. We are grateful to them. They are always in our thoughts, and we feel blessed that they started the company."
Finis, therefore, prides itself on remaining a strong family business. "Did you know that there are around 300,000 family businesses in the Netherlands?" Ton revealed. "These range from small one-man operations to large enterprises like VDL, which employ as many as 15,000 to 20,000 people. Collectively, family businesses generate around 600 billion euros for our country. They are of great importance to the Dutch economy. Even the finance minister benefits from them—so it's good that he helps us from time to time."
"I am now the longest-serving family member of the third generation. My father worked long and hard for the company, but he did not reach the age I am now. I consider myself a blessed person. I want to thank my family, my wife, and my sons, for their love and support. I know I am not always the easiest at home, but without their help, I could never have achieved this. Thanks to them, we can celebrate this evening together."
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Colleagues make the company
However, the gratitude did not stop there. "After all, a milestone like this calls for thanks. Not only for our success, but especially for the people who have been inseparable from it. Over the years, I have been surrounded by colleagues who put their heart and soul into their work. People like Jos Fraser, who for years gave more than anyone could ask, and was a pillar of support in difficult times. Or Frans Schepers, once general manager of Eillert before we took it over, who took on a new role with character and dedication and continued to give his all as if it were his own company. I also remember Yvonne Hakvoort, whom I sometimes saw more often than my own wife, with great warmth. She stood by my side in moments when I needed it most."
"The foundation of our growth has been built by our developers, with their constant drive for innovation, and by our service team, who represent us worldwide—even in places you would rather not go," Ton continued. "I am proud of their dedication and craftsmanship. I also owe much to Peter, our controller, whose knowledge and loyalty have proved invaluable. And then there are the silent forces behind the scenes: suppliers who continued to trust us in financially difficult times, and customers who not only bought our products but also opened their doors to others. It is precisely this cooperation that makes us strong. Finally, I also want to express my respect for all the colleagues who make a difference every day."
Fourth generation
The final word went to Glen Meijer, who addressed the family and the assembled guests on behalf of the employees. "A century in which this family business has grown, generation after generation, into a strong name in the world of food processing machinery. What makes Finis truly special is not only the technology or the machines, but especially the people behind them. The family is always there for us, with warmth, dedication, and a close bond."
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"We see how Wouter and Bastiaan (van Raaij, red.) are gradually taking over from Ton. First, cooperating, learning, and gaining experience, and then taking more and more decisions, until the moment Ton notices that his advice is not always needed anymore, although I'm sure he might think otherwise sometimes. For us as colleagues, it is wonderful to see the fourth generation ready to lead Finis into the future with the same passion and commitment."
Glen closed the plenary part of the evening with a gift to the Van Raaij family, on behalf of the colleagues. "We chose a stainless-steel artwork, specially designed to hang on the wall as a painting. The basis of this artwork consists of portraits of you as a family, four generations who together have written the history of Finis."
"Because dedication runs like a thread through your family, we want to involve you in the design and creation of this artwork. That is why today we are handing you a symbolic box, representing the gift in the making. Together, we will further shape the artwork so that it truly reflects your family and 100 years of Finis, a symbol of strength, connection, and the generations that have made this company great." With that finale, the music began, and the celebration in Ulft lasted long into the night. Check out the impression of the rest of the evening below.
For more information:
Finis & Eillert
de Bolanden 1
7071 PW Ulft
+31 315 69 55 69
[email protected]
www.finis-eillert.com
