After seventy years, Contracting Company R. van Vliet in Akersloot came to an end at the close of 2025. Founded in 1955, the family business stood for generations for craftsmanship, reliability and commitment. For Renate and Ruud van Vliet, the decision to stop was not an easy one, but it was a conscious choice.
A few years ago, it became clear that there would be no succession. The children did not wish to take over the business, and there were no internal alternatives either. “It was emotional,” Renate explains. “Especially because so many employees have worked here for such a large part of their lives.” Some had been with the company for 35 years; others had seen Renate and Ruud grow from the age of sixteen into seasoned professionals. Until the very last moment, everyone remained closely involved.
A conscious choice for Troostwijk Auctions
To conclude the business properly, Renate and Ruud deliberately chose Troostwijk Auctions. The scale of the organisation, its European reach and its expertise in complex business closures inspired confidence. Equally important was the personal connection with Troostwijk Auctions’ account manager Arjan Averink, as well as the support of Tom Hendriksen and Elio Egas, who provided excellent assistance with photography and the collection of equipment.
“In a process like this, you want people around you who feel right — both professionally and personally. That ultimately made the difference for us.”
Tight planning, strong interest
Initially, Renate and Ruud planned to hold the auction in the spring of 2026. On the advice of account manager Arjan from Troostwijk Auctions, they decided to move the auction forward. Towards the end of the year, investment appetite for machinery tends to be high — advice that proved valuable.
The auction went live on 18 November. The viewing day took place on the morning of 6 December. That same afternoon, Renate and Ruud celebrated the company’s 70th anniversary and said farewell to employees and business relations. The coincidence of these moments made it a special but emotionally intense farewell. The auction closed on 8 December.
Video footage (in Dutch) courtesy of the Van Vliet family.
Results well above expectations
The final proceeds exceeded expectations by a wide margin. “We were particularly anxious about the newer machines,” Ruud says. “But in the end, those also performed well. The result truly surprised us in a very positive way.”
A dignified farewell
The combination of the viewing day, the anniversary and the auction gave the farewell extra meaning. “It felt like a natural moment to close this chapter together,” Renate reflects.
Now that the business has concluded, Renate (61) and Ruud (63) are taking things at a slower pace. Ruud has kept a few small machines so he can continue to tinker from time to time, while Renate looks after the grandchildren one day a week.
“Thanks to Troostwijk Auctions, we were able to close this chapter with a very good feeling.”
1955
Willem van Vliet founded contracting company W.G. van Vliet. After working on the farm of his uncle, Pé Veldt, he decided to start his own business. With a Ferguson tractor and mower, he provided mowing services for local farmers.
1960s
Purchase of business premises with a residential home on the Sluis in Akersloot. Together with his wife Gaath, Willem expanded the company, working for livestock farmers and carrying out crane operations.
1972
Relocation to Boekel in Akersloot, where a new building with a residential home was constructed, offering space for future growth.
1970s – 1980s
The machinery fleet expanded and professionalised. The company transitioned to Fendt tractors and Atlas cranes.
In 1980, son Ruud joined the business.
In 1983, he became a co-owner. By then, the company employed around eight people, including a permanent mechanic.
1987
Expansion with a livestock farming business, providing a role for son Gerard. Willem remained a farmer at heart.
1999
Willem stepped back from the business. The contracting company continued under the leadership of Ruud and Renate van Vliet.
The livestock farm was taken over by Gerard and Tonny, with each continuing their own business.
2002
The old premises were demolished and replaced by a modern facility with a workshop meeting contemporary standards.
End of 2025
After seventy years of passion, craftsmanship and teamwork, Renate and Ruud made the difficult decision to close the business.
The complete company inventory was auctioned via Troostwijk Auctions.
6 December 2025
During the 70th anniversary celebration, they said farewell to employees and business relations.
End of an era.
About Troostwijk Auctions
Troostwijk Auctions believes that everything has value and is driven to make digital auctioning the best way to add value for business sellers and buyers. The digital auction platform optimally connects local, convenient and fast sales with global demand. They do this by combining the power of their people, technology and data. This is how Troostwijk Auctions builds a profitable business, rewards their people and extends the life of goods to reduce waste and emissions. Each year, Troostwijk Auctions auctions more than 1 million lots for companies in sectors such as agriculture, food, metal, construction, earthmoving and transportation & logistics. The company has an average of 4 million visits to the platform per month, local sector specialists throughout Europe and buyers in 175 countries.
For more information about Troostwijk Auctions: https://www.troostwijkauctions.com/
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