Our history
After World War II, the Netherlands faced a gigantic challenge: rebuilding the country. The need to transport goods was immense. Fortunately, a lot of wartime trucking equipment was available, making it easy to buy a truck and start a transport business. These trucks were mainly of the GMC and REO brands, which had made their mark during the war.
Albert Wijlhuizen joined the firm Jan Jongerius Carrosseriebouw in Utrecht after the war. He started first with telephone support and telephone sales. He soon made an impression and was deployed as a representative in the western Netherlands, the Randstad region. Later, he moved to the southern Netherlands to do the same work.
During his time in the Randstad region, Albert noticed that many transport companies urgently needed parts to repair their trucks. In the southern Netherlands, he discovered several locations where these trucks were being dismantled and the parts sold. Albert saw the connection between the high demand in the west and the supply in the south.
With this knowledge in mind, Albert consulted with his employer. He got permission to start working for himself one day a week. Albert started his own trade in used parts for GMC and REO trucks. He soon expanded his range to include much sought-after parts such as oil seals. Gradually, the range of parts kept expanding, making Albert Wijlhuizen a major player in the truck parts market.
N.V. Wijlhuizen is founded
N.V. Wijlhuizen is founded by Albert Wijlhuizen in Scherpenzeel. The original activity of the N.V. consists of trading in truck parts, G.M.C. and REO.
1952
1961
First takeover
Wholesaler Zeilinga in Emmen is acquired by Wijlhuizen. With this, Wijlhuizen will start nationwide distribution of truck and trailer parts.
New branch opened in Amsterdam
Wijlhuizen’s 3rd branch will open in Amsterdam.
1968
1973
4th branch opened in Rotterdam
A new branch of Wijlhuizen is opened in Rotterdam, home of the then representative.
Budel opens its doors
In 1976, Wijlhuizen opened its 5th branch in the North Brabant town of Budel. As with branch Rotterdam, the hometown of the then representative.
1976
1992
Father to son
Henk Wijlhuizen takes over Wijlhuizen B.V. from his father Albert.
New managing director
Jim Bronkhorst is appointed managing director by Henk Wijlhuizen.
1995
2000
Foot in the earth in Limburg
At the end of 2000, Heto B.V. in Venlo is taken over. The passenger car business is divested and the company continues as Wijlhuizen Venlo.
And that is 7
The Drachten branch, a spin-off from the Emmen branch, will start in new premises on the Dukdalf.
2002
2007
Innovation
The air spring bellows catalogue marks the beginning of a new generation of Wijlhuizen catalogues.
Relocation from Budel to Tilburg
The Budel branch is moving to Tilburg and will supply the west of North Brabant and Zeeland from there.
2007
2008
From Emmen to Almelo
As part of the new regional division, the Emmen branch is moving to Almelo.
New workshop concept
In 2010, Wijlhuizen started rolling out the workshop concept for free garages in the Netherlands. Within one year, 30 have already been appointed.
2010
2013
New building for head office and logistics
The new headquarters, logistics centre and branch in Arnhem will be inaugurated.
New ordering platform
Wijlhuizen’s modern digital ordering platform, Connects, goes live. It allows customers to find and order products quickly and easily.
2015
2021
We are expanding
Due to its rapid growth, Wijlhuizen has purchased an additional space to cope with this growth.
New branch opened
Wijlhuizen acquires Wago Parts, opening its 8th branch. This acquisition allows us to serve the area between our branches in Rotterdam, Tilburg and Arnhem much faster and better. In 2024, this branch moved to Leerdam.
2023
2024
Nieuwe CEO
Sander Bredewout will take over as CEO of Wijlhuizen Group from Jim Bronkhorst on 1 January 2024, who in turn will assume the role of Senior Advisor.
