End of January I had the chance to visit our member Neskrid 4Allfeet group at their offices in the Netherlands, where I was kindly received by marketing manager Paula Pijnenburg, her father Joost Pijnenbrug and financial director Audrey de Louw. My visit was for a special reason, as Neskrid is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! and the other Dutch company of the group Gerla Products already exists for 120 years ! So, all the more reason to put these family companies in the spotlight. 

 

Besides two factories in the north of Portugal (4Allfeet Lda and Gerla Lda) that produce work, -safety shoes, and clogs, including solutions for specific industry safety, as well as orthopedic shoes, the group has its R&D, marketing & sales departments in Rijen, in the South of The Netherlands. The group is based in an Innovation Hub for companies full of 3D printers :), that also counts on the presence of Dutch universities Fontys and Avans. An excellent place for Neskrid 4Allfeet to work on innovations with its specialized team. 

 

In 2022, on the day of the entrepreneur, the Netherlands Embassy in Portugal choose to recognize owner Joost Pijnenburg and his teams at Neskrid 4Allfeet group, as the entrepreneur of the year.

The Embassy consulted the Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce for potential candidates and our member Neskrid 4Allfeet stood at the top of the shortlist we prepared, since we consider Joost an inspiring entrepreneur. Joost himself is always looking for new innovations to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability. In addition, Joost has a strong vision and aims to turn his companies into a family business that can be operated also involving his children. It is inspiring to talk to Joost and to understand what drives him and his business. More on Joost can be read in this previously held flash interview.