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OUR HISTORY
INTRODUCTION
"It’s a privilege to share our story, deeply rooted in our family business. What began in a small chicken shed in the Netherlands in 1968 grew from my father’s vision and hard work into Voortman as we know it today.
From early steel construction projects to developing steel processing machines in the mid-1990s, we have continually evolved. Today, Voortman is a global leader in CNC steel processing machinery and software, with installations around the world.
Our progress is built on innovation, strong partnerships, and the dedication of our customers and employees. I invite you to explore the key milestones that shaped our journey and the relationships that continue to drive us forward."
Mark Voortman - CEO, Voortman Steel Machinery
1968
H. VOORTMAN & CO. FOUNDED
Gerrit Voortman became part of his brothers' company, H. Voortman & Co. This collaboration led to the growth of a mechanization business that swiftly exceeded its initial scope, setting the stage for the current company's foundation.
1978
MACHINERY & CONSTRUCTION ENTITIES FORMED
Two distinct entities were formed: Voortman Automatisering, focused on mechanical engineering and later renamed Voortman Steel Machinery, and Voortman Steel Construction, dedicated to steel construction, which retained its name until its acquisition by Severfield in 2023.
1996
EXPANSION INTO GERMANY
To improve support for customers in Germany, Voortman founded Voortman Deutschland GmbH. Germany continues to be a significant sales area for us, where machines installed since 1992 are still in use today.
2001
MOVE TO NEW PREMISE
In the spring of 2001, Voortman Steel Machinery moved to new premises in the Plaagslagen industrial park in Rijssen, The Netherlands, where our headquarters are still located.
2003
EXPANSION INTO UNITED KINGDOM
In 2003, we also expanded our operations to England, establishing Voortman UK Ltd near Birmingham.
2004
LAUNCH VACAM SOFTWARE
This was the year Voortman machines debuted VACAM Software, our proprietary software offering users unparalleled control and flexibility. Continuously improved, we still work daily on developing this software.
2005
EXPANSION INTO UNITED STATES
In 2005, we crossed the ocean and open Voortman USA in Chicago to serve customers across North, Central, and South America. Since 2012, North America has become one of our most vital sales regions.
2014
EXPERIENCE CENTER OPENING
We launched our advanced and interactive Experience Center, complete with a showroom and training facilities. That same year, Voortman France was established.
2018
PARTS MANUFACTURING #1
In 2018, we created our Voortman Parts Manufacturing 1 division, dedicated to producing fabrication parts for our machines including frames, roller conveyors, and cross conveyors. This is the year in which Voortman Poland was opened as well.
2021
PARTS MANUFACTURING #2
In 2021, Voortman Parts Manufacturing 2 was born. This facility plays a crucial role in welding together components from Parts Manufacturing 1 to construct sturdy machine frames and more. Additionally, we handle in-house electrical cabinet production at this location.
2023
ENGINEERING CENTER
In 2023, 150 R&D engineers transitioned to our new, state-of-the-art Voortman Engineering Center. This facility features an R&D hall, office spaces, our company restaurant Steely's, a three-story parking garage, and a meeting center for our colleagues' use.
VOORTMAN STEEL CONSTRUCTION SOLD
Voortman Steel Construction was sold to Severfield, marking a strategic step to strengthen focus on core activities in steel processing machinery.
ACQUISITION MÜLLER OPLADEN
Voortman acquired Müller Opladen, expanding its presence in Germany and strengthening local service capabilities.
2025
LAUNCH LOGICSTEEL
Voortman launched LogicSteel, introducing advanced software to optimize and streamline steel production processes for customers.
2026
OPENING NEW FACILITY UNITED STATES
Voortman opened a new facility in Monee, Illinois, United States. Establishing a strong North American presence with its own manufacturing center to enhance local production, sales, and service capabilities.
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