On July 1, 1935, Romke Houtstra opened a glue factory in Rotterdam. Almost eighty years later, his grandson and namesake Romke Houtstra is at the helm of Intad Belgium, which derives from Houtstra's Adhesives Factory. The company, with locations in Antwerp, De Lier and agencies in Europe, produces hot melts and adhesives for the paper and cardboard manufacturing industry, albeit with a clear focus on the packaging industry.
Romke Houtstra
"Our priority is to offer a coordinated package of appropriate hot melt combined with the recommended equipment. Our ultimate goal is that customers are not only satisfied with the equipment, but with the whole process of glue treatment," explains Romke. "In a sector often determined by standard products, we like dealing in customized solutions. This has given us an edge in today’s market.”
The fruit and vegetable sector is an important one for Intad Belgium. To this sector Intad Belgium provides hot melt, mainly for setting up fruit and vegetable boxes. "Hot melt adhesives were introduced in the sixties and have become an indispensable part of modern adhesive technology. Hot melt is the name for thermoplastics that consist of solid material which liquefies when heated. Cooling in turn results in a rapid cohesion," explains Romke. "These hot melt adhesives are very modifiable, which makes them extremely versatile.”
Hot melt-machine
"In 2003 we started selling Meler hot melt equipment in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Our current program includes more than 100 kinds of liquid adhesives and hot melt. I’d say about 70% of our revenues comes from the sale of glue and 30% from the distribution of equipment," says Romke.
More information:
Intad Belgium
Leehove 27
2678 MA; De Lier
Tel: 0174-510111
M: 06-1491 6373
[email protected]
www.intadbelgium.com
