In branches throughout the world, our employees each and every day devote their efforts to providing the best possible service to our customers. With their local knowledge and expertise, our employees help our customers, as well as our company, move forward. Our employees are people who see and grasp opportunities and in doing so look well beyond the interests of their own operating company.
Our 2,619 employees represent 55 different nationalities while serving in 84 branches in 33 countries. Women comprise 30% of the total workforce, men comprise 70%.
Van Leeuwen aims to be a good and attractive employer and therefore stimulates its people to be the best they can be. Various programs are available to employees to further develop themselves. This way we retain talent, attract new high potentials and continue to be a leading specialist.
Company integration
Due to the acquisition of Benteler Distribution, we will be devoting a great deal of attention to integrating the two companies in 2020. Developing a clear way of working from a variety of processes and ways of working is a challenge. We are involving all parties in this process, from the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group, as well as former Benteler Distribution, because the only way to success is by doing this together. Instead of imposing Van Leeuwen’s way of working, the emphasis is on sharing best practices and on working together towards an optimal way of working. This is why we, including Human Resources, are devoting a great deal of attention to this. This way we keep employees motivated, committed and help them maintain their focus on their primary tasks.
Young Lions
Two Young Lions Days were organized within Van Leeuwen Netherlands and Belgium in 2019. Employees below the age of 35 in the Netherlands and Belgium are invited to meet each other and to learn from each other. They exchange experiences, knowledge and ideas, and this way develop a strong internal network.
International Traineeship
Through means of an international trainee program for new talent with a higher vocational or university education, young employees are prepared for a career at Van Leeuwen. Young people who recently completed their studies are provided with an opportunity to work on different projects over a period of two years. They work at different locations, in different countries, and this way become thoroughly familiar with our company over a short period of time.
Management Excellence Program
To be assured of the right people for our management positions over time, we provide a leadership development program: the Management Excellence Program. With a custom training program, aligned with our strategy and core values, a group of senior managers works on the further development of their leadership skills.
Strengthening mutual ties
In addition to the service provided to customers, we also take our social role seriously. We do this in different ways, for example by supporting various local sport, cultural and charitable events. Many of our employees do their part in this each year. This furthermore provides them with the opportunity of getting to know their colleagues better and to strengthen their mutual ties. In addition, Van Leeuwen also regularly organizes activities for its employees. For example, in 2019, we once again organized the European Van Leeuwen Beach Volleyball Tournament with teams from Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. It was the sportive highlight of the year!
