Steel builder makes the difference with (standard) software

Staalbouw Kampen has been using Liemar software for many years. Since the takeover by the Weever Group in January 2024, there has been a positive, innovative dynamic within the company. The new management took the opportunity to re-evaluate the software as well, with very successful results.

Staalbouw Kampen has been a renowned player in the steel construction industry for many years. The company was founded in 1990 by Harrie Stoel, an entrepreneur from Kampen. Since 2012, the company has been located on the Genuakade with its own ship loading and unloading facilities.

When Harry started looking for a suitable party to take over the company, he found it in the Weever Group. "Staalbouw Kampen fits our ambition as the Weever Group to be a total supplier," says Cor van Wijngaarden, director of Staalbouw Kampen. "Where we build with Weever Construction, we need steel. And where we demolish with Weever Demolition, we release steel that we like to use circularly in new projects. That all comes together in Steel Construction Kampen."

Higher level

Liemar was originally purchased by Staalbouw Kampen to get a grip on the documentation flow, to be able to perform calculations and to structure project files. "This was necessary because of the increasing tonnages," Cor explains. "In the early years, Staalbouw processed about 200 tons of steel; now this has increased to 2,000 tons. Then it is essential to work in a structured way. Liemar offers excellent support in this, although at the time only a fraction of the possibilities were used. In light of our growth ambitions, we decided to significantly increase that level of utilization. This is why we have strengthened our cooperation with Liemar, because we are convinced of the added value of the system."

Broader deployment

The reason that Liemar's deployment remained somewhat in the shadows for many years is that it was primarily used for storing documents and calculations. Its functionalities reach much further. For example, it also lends itself very well as a planning program. "We started discussions with Liemar about a broader application of the system. Meanwhile, the calculation module is used much more intensively. This provides more overview in the orders and drawings are read in accurately and correctly, which significantly reduces the risk of errors."

Better positioning

According to Cor, Staalbouw Kampen has now reached the point where, thanks to Liemar's broad commitment, the company can act more quickly and flexibly and serve customers more efficiently. "This is a great advantage, especially since we operate in a dynamic market. It regularly happens that we make an offer today and start work tomorrow. Moreover, competition in our region is stiff. With the help of Liemar, we can always meet our commitments. This is because we have full insight into our processes. We do what we say and say what we do." That reliability is essential in a market where both speed and price are decisive. Highly fluctuating steel prices also require insight and agility. "Since steel makes up a significant portion of our bid amounts, that has a big impact," Cor explains. "Liemar offers us daily real-time insight into current rates and quantities required. The software is also very user-friendly; even new employees quickly find their way around it. Of course, this requires a certain investment in time and effort, but it definitely pays off. In terms of quality, we are really taking a big step forward.