Van Leeuwen reports profit despite weak market
Dutch pipe distributor Royal Van Leeuwen posted positive 2024 performance despite difficult market conditions, Kallanish learns.
Market volumes in 2024 were at a lower level compared to the previous year and prices continued to decrease throughout the year, the company notes. However, revenue in the energy segment was strong due to several large projects in Europe and Asia.
Overall revenue amounted to €1.3 billion ($1.76 billion) versus €1.6 billion in 2023. Operating result amounted to €22 million, down from €60m, and the net result was €14m, down from €43m.
Project activity in the energy market was at a good level, Van Leeuwen notes, and it booked various large contracts worldwide. This included the supply of material for the ethane cracker in the port of Antwerp.
Several investments aimed at improving storage capacity and productivity were completed last year. The company commissioned a monorail system at its main site in Zwijndrecht. At 315 meters in length, it is the largest pipe sorting centre in the world, Van Leeuwen claims.
On 9 April, Peter Rietberg stepped down as chairman of the management board, to be succeeded by Joop Sassen, who has been with the company since 1992.
The firm has 70 branches spread across 32 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America, with 2,250 employees.
Van Leeuwen launches brand for ‘CO2-reduced’ tubes
Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group has launched its own brand for “CO2-reduced” steel tube products, called Van Leeuwen Impact.
This umbrella brand represents a new line of CO2-reduced steel tubes manufactured by a range of renowned European tubemakers, Kallanish hears from the Dutch distributor.
With the introduction of its Impact brand, the company aims to support the sustainability ambitions of its partners and customers in the tube industry. According to Van Leeuwen, customers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions.
Van Leeuwen says its Impact products are sourced from manufacturers that share its dedication to sustainability. “Working closely together with our partners in the supply chain, we are currently stocking and distributing an entire range of CO2-reduced steel pipes and tubes,” says chief executive Joop Sassen.
The company’s announcement does not specify the makers of the CO2-reduced tubes of its branded product line, nor does it provide information on the production routes.
Christian Koehl Germany