We are more
than just a company
From his home, Bernardus Simon van Eerd founded the “Electrische Boek- en Handelsdrukkerij B. van Eerd & Zn.” in 1919. Three generations later, we can rightfully say that we are a family business. Van Eerd is more than just a company; we are a family-run enterprise that has been operating from Tilburg for over 100 years.
Our family values form the foundation of everything we do.
Van Eerd Receives the Royal Predicate
On behalf of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, the Mayor of Tilburg, Mr. Theo Weterings, presented the Royal Predicate to Van Eerd on Friday, November 29, 2019.
Roel van Eerd had the honor of accepting the prestigious award on behalf of all colleagues during the festive celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary at the Concert Hall in Tilburg.
The Royal Predicate means a great deal to us. It is a recognition of the work of everyone who has contributed or continues to contribute to Van Eerd. Furthermore, it serves as an encouragement to continue on the path of growth and continuous improvement. We are especially proud that this honor has been bestowed upon us.
1919
Bernardus Simon van Eerd starts printing business from his home
On December 1, 1919, Bernardus Simon van Eerd started his own printing business from his house on Stedekestraat in Tilburg. He named the company “Electrische Boek- en Handelsdrukkerij B. van Eerd & Zn.” This was notable, as he began his business during a period of economic unrest after World War I. Nevertheless, there was considerable work in the growing city of Tilburg, even for small businesses like Bernardus’s.
1947
Second generation of Van Eerd
In 1947, Bernardus Simon van Eerd, the founder of the company, passed away, and the printing business was continued by his three sons: Arnoldus Bernardus Josephus (Noud), Aloijsius Jacobus (Louis), and Bernardus Henricus Franciscus (Berry). Louis worked for many years in the company but had to stop due to health reasons. Noud decided to start his own business. Eventually, Berry remained as the sole son to continue the family business as the second generation. He changed the name to “CV Boek- steen- en offsetdrukkerij B. van Eerd & Zonen” and was responsible for the company’s significant expansion.
1968
First farmaceutical client
Berry van Eerd had a strong relationship with Mr. Van Geel of Organon in Oss. One of the first orders for the pharmaceutical industry was for inner packaging for the contraceptive pill, a product that had not yet been released and was shrouded in secrecy. This marked the beginning of Van Eerd’s collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry, a direction that Berry van Eerd successfully charted for the company.
1977
Relocation to Kraaiven Industrial Area
In June 1977, Van Eerd moved from the city center of Tilburg to the modern Kraaiven industrial area. Berry van Eerd decided to build a new facility on Wolterbeekstraat, where the company is still based today. The new facility, with 2,500 square meters of space, offered a much better work environment and room for improved workflows.
Additionally, it resolved issues related to loading and unloading, accessibility, and parking. The move to Kraaiven was an important step in the growth and development of Van Eerd.
1983
Third generation of Van Eerd
In 1983, Roel van Eerd joined the company at the age of 25, marking the third generation of the business. Before joining Van Eerd, Roel worked at a printing company in Amsterdam to gain experience. He started at Van Eerd as an assistant production manager, with 38 employees at the time. Under Roel’s leadership, Van Eerd fully specialized in printing packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. Roel had a clear vision for the family business, focusing on continuity and growth. He introduced important innovations, professionalized the organization, and strengthened Van Eerd’s position as a market leader in the Netherlands.
1988
100% focus on pharma
By 1988, 68% of Van Eerd’s revenue came from packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. Between 1985 and 1988, a deliberate process was started to part ways with non-pharmaceutical clients, thus fully specializing in the pharmaceutical sector. By this time, the company’s revenue was already largely driven by pharmaceutical packaging, and the decision was made to focus exclusively on this sector.
2019
Fourth generation of Van Eerd
In November 2019, Roel van Eerd’s son, Martijn van Eerd, joined the company as a representative of the fourth generation. He started in the internal sales department and would spend the following years familiarizing himself with the business. Martijn’s joining was part of a carefully planned transition to the fourth generation, with a focus on continuity and family tradition.
100th anniversary celebrated with royal predicate
In 2019, Van Eerd celebrated its 100th anniversary, a milestone commemorated with a festive gathering in the Concert Hall in Tilburg. During the celebration, Van Eerd received the Royal Predicate from Mayor Theo Weterings, an honorary distinction that recognized the rich history and social involvement of the family business. The 100th anniversary was not only a moment of pride but also a starting point for a new chapter in Van Eerd’s history, with the entry of the fourth generation and the ambition to continue growing and innovating.
2019
100th anniversary celebrated with royal predicate
In 2019, Van Eerd celebrated its 100th anniversary, a milestone commemorated with a festive gathering in the Concert Hall in Tilburg. During the celebration, Van Eerd received the Royal Predicate from Mayor Theo Weterings, an honorary distinction that recognized the rich history and social involvement of the family business. The 100th anniversary was not only a moment of pride but also a starting point for a new chapter in Van Eerd’s history, with the entry of the fourth generation and the ambition to continue growing and innovating.
2023
Opening of second production facility
On October 5, 2023, Van Eerd opened its new facility located at Goirkekanaaldijk in Tilburg. The new facility was built to increase the company’s production capacity and provide a backup site for their customers. The location is fully energy-neutral, safe, sustainable, and gas-free. This new facility also marks our ambition to grow, especially internationally.