Limex & VHM: “With this collaboration, those different markets come together”

When two companies find each other and can each provide a missing piece of the puzzle, a special situation arises. When both parties understand each other and can jointly solve the puzzle, this results in a synergy effect where the whole is more than the sum of the parts. This is exactly the case with the cooperation between Limex and VHM Machinery.

VHM specializes in the automation of cubic box, bin and big bag logistics around processing operations. Rik van Hees, owner of VHM, explains, “We do not focus on the products themselves, but are able to fill, empty, turn, transport boxes and much more.” Limex, on the other hand, specializes in washing and disinfecting boxes. These two specialties have now come together in a beautiful project.

Together on a line (box washing line)

Limex and VHM have known each other for some time. However, a joint project had not yet materialized. When Limex received a request from a large seed breeder in the Westland region, forces were combined. It concerned a request where boxes had to be fully automatically washed, disinfected with foam, stacked and buffered. However, the customer sees one line, with Limex as the point of contact. “A one-stop shop, with which we unburden the customer,” says Joep Janssen, owner of Limex. “That way the customer has one point of contact for all their lines.” But behind the scenes, the ingenuity of the two companies is nicely combined.

Fitting and measuring

Cooperation throughout the process was excellent, says Joep. “During the design of the line, the limited space available had to be taken into account. By cleverly and practically piecing together the layout, it fit into the available space. VHM proved to be an extremely flexible partner. Both Limex and VHM made adjustments to meet the end customer’s wishes, but because of the good cooperation there will soon be one solid line.”

Building on cooperation

The good contact between Limex and VHM will not be limited to this project. There are already several projects in the pipeline for the two machine builders. “VHM focuses more on the open field, we focus on the plant growers and processing of harvested fruits and vegetables,” says Joep. “With VHM we now have an excellent partner for the future, and together we want to take hygiene in horticultural logistics to an even higher level, by combining our washing and foaming techniques with VHM’s automation expertise.”

It works both ways, agrees Rik. “Limex and VHM operate in different sectors, with different machines. With this cooperation, those different markets come together. We raise the hygiene of our lines to a higher level thanks to Limex’s expertise, and Limex now has access to automation. There really are two specialists who have found each other.”

This is a promising partnership that will continue, both within and outside the Netherlands “With VHM together, we are setting our sights on international cooperation in AGF and horticulture, especially in Europe and North America, areas where we both already have a strong market position,” Joep concludes.