History

VWS Export-Import of Flowerbulbs BVstory began in 1972 in Egmond, Netherlands when it was founded by Voss, De Waard and Sijm; specializing in Tulips and Gladiola and exporting to 4 countries. In 1983 they established a subsidiary in Wervershoof adding Lilies to their specialties and increasing the export market to 10 countries. 5 years later, in 1988, Piet Sijm together with his wife took over the business and centralized their premises in Broek op Langedijk increasing their specialties with Irises and their export market to 15 countries. 1997 is a year of expansion for the company; not only by building new premises but by exporting to more than 30 countries. In 2000 his son Gert Sijm joins the management team adding a “fresh” taste to the business. 

Present

Nowadays in 2012 VWS has turned into a family business owned by father and son. Exporting more than 100 million flower bulbs which generates 99,9% of the businessto more than 60 countries amongst others: South American countries, Italy, Vietnam, China, Japan, Australia, India, Russia, Eastern Europe.

2012 is a special year for VWS. They believe that is thanks to their customers and employees that they have achieved the 40 years of experience needed to be where they are today; for which they are grateful and will ‘host  a toast’ during the Dutch Lily Days with their customers and employees.

Blooming bulbs all year around

VWS main core business is exporting and importing top reliable quality programmed flower bulbs amongst others Lilies, Tulip, Gladiola and Irises; - Lilies’ being their main product in quantity and turnover – they also provide pre/post sales service by phone, social media or in person; paying regular visits to the cultivation areas of their customers and suppliers to ensure top quality, as well as testing the bulbs in-house by planting samples of all batches and new varieties on the market.  Also theirindustrial processes are fully automated from washing, packing to testing; continuously improving their products and industrial processes is a must for them, in order to comply with the quality requirements amongst others from the ISO 9001:2008 and AEO certification.

Concerning the production of the flower bulbs for the flower industry  85% is outsourced in Europe and the remaining 15% is in the Southern Hemisphere (Chile, Brazil, New Zealand and France)  which guarantees their commitment to delivery on time their large assortment – “Yes, we are proud that we can make bloom our bulbs anywhere in the world at any time – no matter the season we can always guarantee the best quality of bulbs and the best services; ready for our customers wherever they are. “-  said Piet Sijm

Worldwide Economic situation affecting the business on credit terms

The flower-bulb market is becoming more and more difficult. Based on the economic situation worldwide, many companies in order to survive are giving long term credit conditions which unfortunately end being a ‘’business killer’’, not only for the company giving the long term –they then are short in cash liquid – but the purchaser who might choose whom to buy from based on credit conditions and not product quality, this a dilemma. “Don’t depend on one big client and/or country, be open and flexible to new developments/trends; listen to your customers by understanding their culture and speaking the same language, by being a partner working together to generate business – the truth is, when in crisis,  long term partnerships always work best” – said Piet Sijm.

As a new year lays ahead, their main goal apart from providing top quality products, will be achieving the same level of business as last year based on the current economic situation. Last but not least, is a challenge for the coming years which is a daily concern and they believe will continue to be for 50 years is how to find motivated hard working people willing to work in the fields or in the production centres as nowadays foreigners are doing the job in comparison to the local people who have a different perception about the agricultural business.

@ flower bulb company that is trendy in Twitter, Facebook, YouTube

When talking about promotional tools, VWS becomes a trendy flower bulb company. They not only focus on a re-freshed website and brochure but take the next step to social networking by building their own online community with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and a Blog. Their main goal is to be there whether it is for their actual customers or new ones; publishing news, information, developments, tendencies, challenges and overall sharing knowledge. Since they started using the social media they have seen an increase in their business not only for new customers but also for actual customers through Twitter and/or Facebook; providing information in real time so quick response is a must and well appreciated, therefor adapting their business to the actual and future needs and tendencies in the social media market, a strategy not taken by many companies in the flower business.

To summarize: We are not just a company that exports and imports flower bulbs- we are friendly, pleasant, passionate and motivated people who listens to you, making you feel at home, looking for solutions together with a vision for the future with our doors open. – Piet Sijm