Founding - drinks and coal trades
The story of the Bolk transport company began in 1934 with the establishment of the Looms & Bolk company, which provided transport for the drinks and coal trades and were run by families. At the start of the 1950s, business partner Looms died and Jan Bolk ran the company independently from his parents’ home on the Kerkhofsweg (now the Sluitersveldsingel) in Almelo.
After the death of Jan Bolk in 1962, Henk Bolk, then 20 years old, took over the helm. With the support of his mother and sister, the company was gradually expanded, with financial independence and diversification of activities as its guiding principles.
1934
Distribution of beer - Heineken
As early as the 60s and 70s, Bolk was transporting Heineken beer from Amsterdam, Den Bosch and Twente to Almelo, from where it was reloaded for distribution in the region. The relationship with Heineken still exists. Since 1995, Bolk has handled Heineken’s catering distribution for the eastern Netherlands, currently on behalf of Sligro from their distribution center in Deventer.
1960 -1970
By rail, road and water - containers
In 1985, at the invitation of NS Goederenvervoer (rail freight), a start was made with the transshipment of shipping containers by train from Rotterdam to the station yard in Almelo. Additionally, Bolk Container Transport provided both the pre-transport and post-transport of containers by road.
1985
New branch - further growth
As the company grew steadily, Bolk decided in 1986 to build a new site on the Beatrix de Rijkweg in Almelo. The new building provided space for planning, administration, a company house and a storage hall that is currently used as a workshop. After the Ormet dairy complex closed in 1996, its site on the Plesmanweg was bought, providing Bolk with spacious office, storage and warehouse facilities.
1986
Founding Combi Terminal Twente - Hengelo, Rotterdam, Almelo
At the end of the 1990s, the NS decided to stop running domestic container trains and Bolk was forced to operate the connection to Rotterdam itself. To do this, Combi Terminal Twente was founded to take care of the transport of sea containers by inland waterway, first from Emmerich and since 2001 from the new terminal in Hengelo. Meanwhile, CTT has developed into a leading player in the intermodal transport sector with offices in Hengelo, Rotterdam and Almelo.
1990
Start of 21st century - Developing and specialiasing in different transport markets
In addition to the container and catering distribution, Bolk continued to develop the regular covered transport, with clients such as Vredestein, Grolsch, Hartman and Ten Cate. Bolk also increasingly specialised in exceptional transport over longer distances (e.g. Italy) and in projects (e.g. silos). At the begining of the 21st century a start was made with the transport of windmill components – a new activity in which the limits of dimensions and weights will always be pushed further.
2000
Independent continuity - expansion of activities
In 2007, the Bolk family decided to sell to management in order to ensure the independent continuity of the company. After this acquisition, the expansion of the Bolk’s activities continued undiminished with, amongst other things, branches in Germany, Austria, Romania and France and a warehouse next to the terminal in Hengelo.
2007
Future - stable and highly innovative
Bolk has become a stable and highly innovative transport company with diverse activities, clients and collaborations. No challenge is too great. Bolk provides clear added value in every aspect of transport. Because the Bolk team helps you think things through, looks for solutions and breaks new ground. This personal touch is crucial for the organization and execution of our services. Our people produce our quality. They form the basis of our success.
2024
Groundbreaking and versatile
Quality without compromises
A high standard
A good partner building strong relationships
Let us know how we can help you.
Bolk will always provide the right solution for your transport or warehousing needs.