Platform on concrete and steel in construction
The Reinforcing Steel Netherlands Association (VWN) wants to be one face and one voice for its members. “Our strength lies in cooperation and setting sharp goals,” says director Michel Tonino. “Only in this way can our members build smarter, more sustainable and even more customer-oriented.”
Tonino speaks with enthusiasm about the application of lean principles within the rebar industry. “Lean is about collaboration, visualization and continuous improvement,” he says. “By making processes transparent and looking together at what can be improved, smart solutions emerge. In doing so, the user - the customer - is increasingly central.”
A notable credo within the association is ‘SMOOTH. According to Tonino, a playful variation on the well-known ’SMART‘ principle. ’SMART is not sexy,“ it sounds with a smile. ”SMOOTH stands for Specific, Measurable, Unachievable, Unrealistic but Time-bound. Think: “We're going to be Olympic champions.‘ That seems impossible, but that very thing triggers you to think about what it would take to get to that point. If you take that seriously, you get surprisingly far.’
The VWN has formulated a number of spearheads for the next four years. The first: intensified cooperation with other parties in the concrete and construction industry, such as Concrete Association, Concrete House and the Department of Public Works. “Furthermore, we are involved in the Community of Practice (CoP) Wiser Reinforcement, which looks at more efficient reinforcement and reducing excessive CO2 emissions. There is still much to be gained in smarter design. We often use more steel and cement than necessary, out of caution or because of time constraints. By sharing knowledge, we can reduce that excess.”
A second major issue is the influx of young people. “That has been drying up for years,” Tonino observes. “We want to make the industry more attractive and reach practically trained young people better.” VWN is working on modular training and EVC pathways so that young people can gain professional knowledge step by step. “Small, concrete modules make it easier to enter and advance.”
The third pillar is to strengthen VWN as a knowledge partner in the chain. “We want to be the point of contact when it comes to technology, quality and sustainability of reinforcing steel.” This is done through theme afternoons, knowledge sharing and certification processes such as the BRL 0507 with its own certificate of competence and expansion of the BRL0503 with a category F for fatigue. “These certificates help our members deliver demonstrable quality and further professionalize their processes,” Tonino emphasizes. “In addition, we are present at the Concrete Event 2025 to make the reinforcing industry visible there as well.”
Innovation is alive and well among members. Companies are experimenting with 3D modeling, augmented reality and robotization to improve prefabrication and manufacturability. They are also looking at alternative, hybrid forms of reinforcement that can contribute to CO2 reduction. “It's not about sticking with the old,” Tonino says. “We have to be open to change and look for the smartest solutions together with clients. Only then will we remain future-proof as an industry.”
With 40 committed members, growing cooperation and a clear direction, Tonino looks ahead with confidence. “We are doing it together. Our association is of and for the members and together we are building a strong, sustainable rebar industry.”
