An independent Dutch family business

We are an independent Dutch family business that has been successful in making paint since 1916.

Not because we stick to old habits, but by combining timeless craftsmanship with new technologies and the latest insights.

Professional paint since 1916

With 100 years experience, we are innovative in an industry that we know inside out. We want to keep what is good, and improve where possible.

At the same time we are aware that an innovation only makes a difference if it helps our customers move forward.

1916

1916

Establishment of wholesale company Van Wijhe-Vermeulen

1928

1928

Two sons (E. van Wijhe and J.T. van Wijhe) join the business

1935

1935

First year of paint production

1941

1941

2nd generation sons E. and J.T. van Wijhe continue the business

1946

1946

System paint based on coloured carbolineum and primer

1965

1965

Relocation from Zwolle (city) to industrial zone

1971

1971

3rd generation D.H. van Wijhe becomes managing director

1978

1978

Takeover brand Ralston of Sherwin Williams, a giant US company

1984

1984

New colour tinting system developed

1994

1994

Marlies van Wijhe joins the company

2000

2000

Marlies van Wijhe – 4th generation – succeeds her father, Dick van Wijhe

2002

2002

Completion of new building waterborne factory

2007

2007

Ralston concept ‘paint kitchen’ in Indonesia

2008

2008

First sales outlets in Poland

2010

2010

Marlies van Wijhe voted Business Woman of the year

2010

2010

Introduction of low VOC tinting system AQ 800-900

2010

2010

Introduction of innovated Ralston Aqua line

2010

2010

Introduction of innovated Ralston Solvent line

2011

2011

Introduction of ‘YOUR STYLE Collection’ colour concept

2012

2012

Opening of revitalized laboratory

2013

2013

Completion of colourful & sustainable new building

2014

2014

Biobased wall paints

2014

2014

Introductie van OER lijnolieverven

2016

2016

100 Years Van Wijhe Verf

2016

2016

First chemical company worldwide with a B-Corp certificate.

2017

2017

Ralston introduces paint technical advice app

2018

2018

Introduction Next Generation BIOseries

. paint . passion . people

Natural good and sustainable

Simply making the best paint. That is what we want and what we do. For 100 years now. We enjoy working with people who share our passion. Our lab staff enjoys explaining the chemical processes that make our paints touch-dry so quickly. As a painter, what you really want is a result you can be proud of. And so do we.

Passion for beautiful paint

Naturally, it all begins with good paint. Ralston guarantees it. But we also realise that Ralston must help you as painter and as business. We don’t innovate because it is the trend. We innovate to make better products. Products that make painting a joy and that surprise your customers.

The chemistry of working as a team

Ralston is internationally active in a number of countries. Personal contact and cooperation are key in getting to know each other and the local market. Allowing space for your business, durable products, and personal contacts between our staff and yourself- that is how we build on each other’s continuity.

Best quality paints, made by passionate crafts people working closely with customers. We have been doing business like this for 100 years now and we want to keep doing it that way. Together with you.

this is what we stand for: togetherness
Success is a joint effort. That is why it is vital for us to understand our customers’ needs and wants. This is not always expressed in words. We are alert to pick up signals and will propose solutions where we feel they are welcome.
this is what we stand for: passionate
Each day we put our heart and soul in making a superior quality product. But there is always room for improvement. We stimulate curiosity and an innovative drive in our workforce.
this is what we stand for: useful innovation
We want to keep surprising our customers with creative and smart innovations. We develop new products, techniques and services that really help our customers. No science fiction, but practical and usefully applied innovation.
this is what we stand for: strong willed
A solution can often be achieved in more than one way. We are not afraid to explore solutions outside the beaten track if it promises a faster or better result. Call it strong-willed, but it has brought us where we are.
this is what we stand for: engaged
We are ambitious, but not at all cost. Where necessary we will take a detour for the benefit of people and the planet. We embrace corporate responsibility and work patiently on sustainable solutions. Our associations with Coatings Care and Nudge underscore this commitment.
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Vision on sustainability

At Van Wijhe Verf, sustainability and innovation are synonymous to progress. Progress starts with our people. As a Dutch family business we develop innovations that genuinely contribute to a better balance between people, planet and profit.

We strive for sustainable innovations in the area of raw materials, extended life cycles for paint products, reducing waste, water usage and CO2 emissions and packaging recycling. These are the theme areas where, at Van Wijhe Verf, we work each day to make a difference.

Marlies van Wijhe

a business woman with flair

Marlies van Wijhe is our fourth generation managing director. She has been at the helm of Van Wijhe Verf since 2000. Marlies was winner of the prestigious award “business woman of the year (prix veuve clicquot) in 2010. On 1 April 2016, paint manufacturer Van Wijhe Verf was privileged to receive the designation ‘Royal’ from Royal Commissioner, Commissaris van de Koning, Ms Ank Bijleveld.

The two spearheads in her policy are innovation and sustainability. This covers both product development and business operations. And, Marlies is a powerful voice for family businesses in the manufacturing industry.

"Engagement with the community and sustainable solutions are beyond discussion. As a family concern this commitment is in our DNA."

Marlies van Wijhe, Managing Director Koninklijke Van Wijhe Verf

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