Mansveld Techniek: making an impact in a growing region
For more than sixty years, Mansveld Techniek has been a trusted name in Eindhoven and the surrounding area. Over three generations, the family business has grown from a small electrical engineering company into an organisation with over 325 employees and specialist teams in areas such as industrial engineering, security and audiovisual systems. In 2024, Luuk Mansveld took over from his father Ruud, bringing the third generation to the helm.
From white goods to broad engineering partner
‘My grandfather (Toon) started out in 1962 with white goods and electrical sockets,’ says Luuk. ‘He never said no and was very customer-focused. As a result, the company quickly grew to around 100 employees. My father Ruud then brought more business acumen and professionalism to the table. He streamlined internal processes, worked from a customer perspective and was good at assessing opportunities and risks. This enabled us to weather crises and respond at the right moments.’
With this solid foundation, Mansveld now focuses on a wide range of technical solutions. The common thread? Always keeping up with new technologies and remaining relevant to customers.
Collaboration in Brainport
‘In Eindhoven, we do things together. We don't make things difficult and look for solutions; things just have to be taken care of,’ says Luuk. This down-to-earth mentality fits in with Mansveld's culture. ‘Collaboration makes us visible and brings new opportunities. I am proud that we are part of a region where that mentality is so strong.’
That collaboration also extends beyond just businesses. Luuk considers the interaction between public and private parties to be important, but he sees that SMEs are often not heard enough in this regard. ‘There is increasing regulatory and reporting pressure. You'd rather not put your energy into that. The perspective of SMEs is not always taken into account. That's why I'm happy with programmes such as the Brainport Partnerfonds and Brainport for Each Other. There, I sit at the table with people who want to make an impact.’
Moving with growth
For more than 40 years, Mansveld Techniek has been moving with the growth of Eindhoven's most prominent companies. As an installation company, they use their knowledge and experience to support organisations in achieving their ambitions. ‘We understand that the market is constantly changing, which requires flexibility and innovation. By continuously investing in new technologies and working closely with our partners, we remain able to offer solutions that meet current and future needs. In this way, we growtogether with our customers and contribute to their success and the development of the region.’
Respect and young talent
Respect for people and their interests is an important principle for Luuk. ‘Not everyone wants or thinks the same. That can be complex. So I try to make choices that are future-oriented.’ This also includes making room for the needs of young talent. Making room for that means we have to stretch ourselves. I believe that the challenges young people face should be taken seriously. I see it as the role of employers to make that possible in a commercially responsible way."
International knowledge workers
The internationalisation of the region brings new challenges for SMEs. Mansveld is investigating how international knowledge workers can play a role within the company. ‘Our region has become very international. I see opportunities in that, although I notice that for many SMEs it is still a major cultural change. Personally, I don't feel that resistance.’
Luuk also takes a positive view of the broader growth of the region. ‘The growth of ASML brings a lot of local prosperity. It's too easy to just complain. I'd rather deal with issues surrounding growth than decline. Of course there are challenges, but we tackle them together. That's the strength of Brainport.’