Royal Brinkman proudly celebrates 40 years of ‘Royal’ status

’s-Gravenzande – What does the designation ‘Royal’ actually mean? Many of us might not know the answer to this question. “It must have something to do with our Dutch Royal Family,” we might assume. However, what is often not widely known is that this designation is a high honour for companies, granted only in exceptional cases by Royal Decree from the Dutch King himself. Even fewer people are aware that this designation expires after 25 years. That is why it is worth mentioning that Royal Brinkman, in its 140th anniversary year, has proudly held the ‘Royal’ designation for 40 years. We asked Ton van Mil, CEO of Royal Brinkman, to tell us more.
Ton van Mil presents Royal Designation
Royal Designation Mies Bouwman 1985
Is the ‘Royal’ designation really that special?
Absolutely! It is only awarded in very exceptional cases, when a company is deemed highly meritorious to Dutch industry. This takes place through a Royal Decree. That may sound very official – and it is. Companies undergo a strict procedure that reviews not only business activities but also the personal activities of owners and directors.

What are the requirements?
First and foremost, a company must have been in existence for at least 100 years. The designation is often granted on the occasion of a significant milestone. The company must have an outstanding reputation in terms of its nature, size, and financial solidity. Its operations must be impeccable. Both the company itself and its directors and owners must be known for their good reputation and impeccable conduct. Furthermore, the company must maintain complete financial independence when determining its business strategy. Naturally, the company must also have Dutch economic nationality.

How did this process go for Royal Brinkman?
Royal Brinkman received the ‘Royal’ designation on April 1, 1985, during the celebration of its 100th anniversary. The honour was presented at a special ceremony by Mies Bouwman, a well-known television presenter at the time, to the then-directors Cor and Henk Brinkman.

But the designation expired in 2010?
Yes, that’s correct. After 25 years, the ‘Royal’ designation expired, and we officially applied for an extension. Once again, we underwent the rigorous evaluation process, with a thorough review of our company, directors, and owners. Successfully, too – in 2011, Queen Beatrix extended the designation for another 25 years, allowing us to proudly hold the ‘Royal’ title until 2036.

What does the designation allow you to do?
The honour allows the company to bear the Royal Crown. Since 1985, Brinkman became ‘Koninklijke Brinkman’ (Royal Brinkman) and incorporated the word ‘Royal’ into its logo. Later, in 2016, the company’s trading name officially became Royal Brinkman, and the crown was added to the logo, placed above the brand name.

What does this mean for Royal Brinkman?
It is an important mark of distinction, confirming our strong reputation. As an internationally active company, conducting business globally is made easier with the ‘Royal’ designation. While it is difficult to quantify its impact in numbers, it certainly helps. Doing business with a ‘Royal’ company means doing business with a trustworthy enterprise. We recognize the value of this honour. As employees, we are proud of our 140-year-old company, and this designation has reinforced that ‘Royal’ pride for the past 40 years.
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Royal Brinkman proudly celebrates 40 years of ‘Royal’ status

’s-Gravenzande – What does the designation ‘Royal’ actually mean? Many of us might not know the answer to this question. “It must have something to do with our Dutch Royal Family,” we might assume. However, what is often not widely known is that this designation is a high honour for companies, granted only in exceptional cases by Royal Decree from the Dutch King himself. Even fewer people are aware that this designation expires after 25 years. That is why it is worth mentioning that Royal Brinkman, in its 140th anniversary year, has proudly held the ‘Royal’ designation for 40 years. We asked Ton van Mil, CEO of Royal Brinkman, to tell us more.
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Ton van Mil presents Royal Designation
Royal Designation Mies Bouwman 1985
Is the ‘Royal’ designation really that special?
Absolutely! It is only awarded in very exceptional cases, when a company is deemed highly meritorious to Dutch industry. This takes place through a Royal Decree. That may sound very official – and it is. Companies undergo a strict procedure that reviews not only business activities but also the personal activities of owners and directors.

What are the requirements?
First and foremost, a company must have been in existence for at least 100 years. The designation is often granted on the occasion of a significant milestone. The company must have an outstanding reputation in terms of its nature, size, and financial solidity. Its operations must be impeccable. Both the company itself and its directors and owners must be known for their good reputation and impeccable conduct. Furthermore, the company must maintain complete financial independence when determining its business strategy. Naturally, the company must also have Dutch economic nationality.

How did this process go for Royal Brinkman?
Royal Brinkman received the ‘Royal’ designation on April 1, 1985, during the celebration of its 100th anniversary. The honour was presented at a special ceremony by Mies Bouwman, a well-known television presenter at the time, to the then-directors Cor and Henk Brinkman.

But the designation expired in 2010?
Yes, that’s correct. After 25 years, the ‘Royal’ designation expired, and we officially applied for an extension. Once again, we underwent the rigorous evaluation process, with a thorough review of our company, directors, and owners. Successfully, too – in 2011, Queen Beatrix extended the designation for another 25 years, allowing us to proudly hold the ‘Royal’ title until 2036.

What does the designation allow you to do?
The honour allows the company to bear the Royal Crown. Since 1985, Brinkman became ‘Koninklijke Brinkman’ (Royal Brinkman) and incorporated the word ‘Royal’ into its logo. Later, in 2016, the company’s trading name officially became Royal Brinkman, and the crown was added to the logo, placed above the brand name.

What does this mean for Royal Brinkman?
It is an important mark of distinction, confirming our strong reputation. As an internationally active company, conducting business globally is made easier with the ‘Royal’ designation. While it is difficult to quantify its impact in numbers, it certainly helps. Doing business with a ‘Royal’ company means doing business with a trustworthy enterprise. We recognize the value of this honour. As employees, we are proud of our 140-year-old company, and this designation has reinforced that ‘Royal’ pride for the past 40 years.
Also interesting for you
Webinar | Moleaer 2024
Do you want to know the benefits of nanobubbles for crops? On Tuesday October 29th, 2024, Royal Brinkman hosted a Webinar in which specialists explained the unique benefits of nanobubble technology. 
How to choose the correct water meter?
A water meter is a meter that registers how many liters are going through the piping system at a given time. There are two types of water meters: mechanical and electronical.
Moleaer | Nanobubble Generator
Moleaer rapidly increases and stabilizes dissolved oxygen levels in reservoirs and pouring water with the Nanobubble generators, with maximum efficiency.