Hanzestrohm

What Hanzestrohm does

Hanzestrohm is a privately-held, family-owned Dutch industrial group headquartered in Zwolle, operating five wholly-owned subsidiaries — Hemmink, KWx Metercare, Fortona, Kairos, and Watch-E — across approximately 140 employees and six locations in the Netherlands and Belgium. Originally founded in 1951 as G.J. Hemmink Elektro Agenturen, the group was rebranded to Hanzestrohm in June 2020 to reflect a portfolio that has expanded well beyond its electrical-trading origins.

The group generates revenue through four distinct mechanisms: (1) specialized product distribution via Hemmink (fire safety, CO detection, cable management, pluggable installation systems through the Project Bureau, with partners such as Adels, Ei Electronics, JMV, Schnabl, and Grothe) and Astrolkwx (A-brand power electronics — solid-state DC breakers, rectifiers, blocking diodes, capacitors, laminated busbars — sold globally into maritime, e-mobility, renewable, and traction); (2) accredited services via KWx Metercare, an RvA-accredited laboratory under EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 providing brand-independent calibration and repair of electrical measuring instruments, with fixed rates and a 12% InstallQ member discount; (3) integrated energy solutions via Fortona, combining proprietary battery hardware (Nova salt battery, Zhero S6/S10, Titan, RE.ON) with the Fortona EMS and Fortona GridFit software for peak shaving and grid-congestion management in the Dutch SME market; and (4) minority equity returns via Kairos, which deploys €200,000–€1,000,000 tickets into innovative companies in RF sensing, immersive technology, machine learning, batteries, and energy monitoring, with disclosed investments in Wireless Value and Smart2IT.

Go-to-market is sales-led and multi-channel: direct enterprise sales for energy and calibration, technical wholesale distribution for Hemmink and Astrolkwx, an e-commerce product portal layer, and content marketing/newsletter/event programs (including Livestorm webinars). Customer concentration is diffuse across installation contractors, inspection firms, housing associations, maritime integrators, machine/panel builders, technical wholesalers, and Dutch SMEs in the energy-transition segment. The group holds RvA accreditation (valid through 1 August 2027), DNV-GL type approval for its solid-state DC breaker, and consecutive Best Employer in the Netherlands awards (2017-2018 and 2019-2020).

Name

Hanzestrohm

Legal name

Hanzestrohm

Website

https://hanzestrohm.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Hanzestrohm is a Dutch family-owned industrial group (founded 1951, ~140 employees) operating five subsidiaries — Hemmink, KWx Metercare, Fortona, Kairos, and Watch-E — that distribute electro-technical products, deliver RvA-accredited calibration services, and sell integrated battery/energy-management systems to Dutch and Belgian construction, industrial, maritime, and SME-energy customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Electrical Solutions and Energy Services

NAICS

Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (8112), Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423740)

SIC

Power, Distribution & Specialty Transformers (3612), Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)

akta.pro primary industry

HVAC & Refrigeration Contracting (IMAFALAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Energy & Renewables Specialty Contracting (Solar PV, Storage, EV Charging) (IMAFALAJ)

Keywords

• Electro-technical solutions
• Calibration and repair services
• Energy management solutions
• Battery energy storage systems
• Power electronics distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Zwolle

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Specialized Products Distribution: Hanzestrohm group companies distribute specialized technical products including electrical components, measuring instruments, and energy solutions. Revenue generated through product sales to installation companies, inspection companies, and industrial customers.
2. Calibration and Repair Services: KWx Metercare provides calibration and repair services for electrical test and measuring instruments. RvA accredited laboratory offering brand-independent calibration with fixed rates. Includes calibration interval monitoring and reminder services.
3. Energy Solutions and Systems: Fortona provides energy transition solutions including battery systems, energy management systems, and peak shaving solutions to Dutch businesses seeking energy optimization and independence.
4. Investment Returns: Kairos invests capital in innovative companies (€200,000 to €1 million initial investment) in exchange for equity stakes, functioning as actively involved minority shareholders with long-term focus on strategic growth.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hanzestrohm is a Dutch family-owned group of companies (founded 1951, approximately 140 employees) operating a portfolio of specialized subsidiaries that deliver electro-technical products, calibration and repair services, energy transition solutions, and strategic investments. The group's operating companies include Hemmink (electrical installation solutions for construction and industry), KWx Metercare (RvA-accredited calibration of electrical test and measurement instruments), Fortona (battery energy storage and peak shaving systems for Dutch businesses), Kairos (minority equity investments in innovative technology companies), and Watch-E (energy monitoring). Products and services serve installation companies, inspection companies, housing associations, industrial customers, and the maritime industry across the Netherlands and Belgium, with select power electronics distributed globally.

Product overview

Hanzestrohm is a Dutch family-owned group of companies (founded 1951) with approximately 140 employees, operating as a 'powerhouse of brands' offering specialist products and services across building solutions, industrial solutions, and infrastructure solutions. The group comprises five operating companies: Hemmink (electro-technical solutions for construction and industry), KWx Metercare (RvA-accredited calibration and repair services for electrical measuring instruments), Fortona (energy transition solutions including battery systems and energy management), Kairos (investment in innovative technology companies), and Watch-E. The product portfolio spans fire safety and CO detection (Hemmink), calibration services (MeterCare), battery energy storage systems including salt battery (Nova), residential/commercial batteries (Zhero S6/S10), industrial storage (Titan), circular battery (RE.ON), energy management (GridFit, EMS), and power electronics components (through KWx/Astrolkwx including DC breakers, rectifiers, capacitors, semiconductors).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hemmink: Elektrotechnische oplossingen en concepten voor woning- en utiliteitsbouw en industrie. Onderscheidend door persoonlijke aandacht, kennis over markten, toepassingen en regelgeving. Trainingen, evenementen en toolbox sessies.
• KWx Metercare
• Kairos
• Fortona
• Watch-E

Products and services

• Hemmink Electro-Technical Solutions Electro-technical solutions provider offering products and knowledge services for residential, utility construction, and industry. Specializes in fire safety, CO safety, electrical safety, cable management, and efficient installation methods. Includes personal engineering support, Project Bureau stekerbare engineering, rookmelderprojecties (smoke detector projections), training sessions, and toolbox meetings for installation companies and housing associations.
• KWx Metercare Calibration and Repair Services Accredited calibration and repair services for electrical test and measuring instruments under RvA EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017. Calibrates any reputable brand of clamp meters, multimeters, installation testers, PAT testers, earth testers, insulation resistance testers, power quality analyzers, thermal imaging cameras, and network testers. Offers standard procedures, customer-specific procedure development, calibration interval monitoring, reminder services, and fixed rates with obligation-free cost estimates for any required repairs.
• Fortona Energy Transition Solutions Energy transition solutions provider for Dutch mid-market businesses, offering battery systems (salt batteries including Nova, single-phase Zhero S6, three-phase Zhero S10, industrial Titan, and circular RE.ON), energy management systems (Fortona GridFit, Fortona EMS), and peak shaving solutions. Helps companies optimize energy usage, reduce costs, manage grid congestion, and achieve energy independence.
• Kairos Investment Services Investment company (acting as investing business developers) that invests between €200,000 and €1 million in minority equity stakes in innovative companies with technical solutions for a connected and responsible world. Investment focus areas include RF Sensoring, Immersive Technology, Machine Learning, batteries, energy monitoring, and AC-DC networks. Functions as actively involved shareholders with a long-term focus.
• Astrolkwx Power Electronics Components Distribution Distribution of A-brand power electronics components for maritime, e-mobility, renewable energy, and traction industries. The product range includes the 1.5kV solid-state DC breaker (DNV-GL type approved for marine applications), latching current limiters for battery string protection, air-cooled and liquid-cooled rectifiers, blocking diodes, supercapacitors, high-power resistors, and laminated busbars.
• Watch-E Energy Monitoring Solutions Energy monitoring and management solutions for businesses, operating as an operating company under the Hanzestrohm group.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12% discount for InstallQ members on calibration services
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MetrelcoreTechnology or IntegrationKWx is certified by Metrel as a service partner for the Benelux region. This partnership enables KWx to provide specialized calibration and support services for Metrel installation and appliance testers, including firmware updates, software updates, and calibration management for Metrel devices.
• Astrol Electronic AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative development partnership with Swiss-based Astrol Electronic AG for solid-state DC breaker technology. KWx/Astrolkwx collaborated on developing the 1.5kV solid-state DC breaker for marine applications, which received DNV-GL type approval. The partnership represents co-creation of innovative power electronics solutions.
• DNV-GLcoreTechnology or IntegrationDNV-GL provides type approval certification for the 1.5kV solid-state DC breaker developed by KWx/Astrolkwx and Astrol Electronic AG. This certification validates the product meets maritime safety and performance standards.
• Raad voor Accreditatie (RvA)coreTechnology or IntegrationRvA provides accreditation for KWx MeterCare's calibration laboratory under EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. This accreditation validates the laboratory's technical competence and quality management system for calibration services.
• InstallQminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInstallQ is a trade organization for installation companies. KWx MeterCare offers a 12% discount on calibrations for InstallQ members as a member benefit, promoting calibration services to the installation professional community.
• FMEminorOthersKWx is a member of FME, a Dutch industry association for technology companies. Membership enables network maintenance and keeps the company informed about guidelines, legislation, regulations, and market developments.
• FEDETminorOthersKWx holds membership in FEDET, the Dutch federation for technology companies, supporting industry engagement and market intelligence.
• 2BA (ETIM Nederland)minorOthersKWx participates in 2BA through ETIM Nederland, supporting standardized product data and classification in the electrical installation industry.
• NMT (Maritime Technology)minorOthersKWx is a member of NMT (Maritime Technology), the Dutch maritime technology industry association, supporting engagement with maritime sector developments and standards.
• Federatie Veilig NederlandminorOthersHemmink is a member of Federatie Veilig Nederland, supporting the company's fire safety and security solutions business.
• Greenworks AcademyminorOthersHemmink is affiliated with Greenworks Academy for sustainability and green technology knowledge sharing and professional development.
• The New BuildersminorOthersHemmink participates in The New Builders initiative, supporting innovation in the construction industry.
• EZ-BaseminorOthersHemmink works with EZ-Base for standardized data exchange in the construction and installation sector.
• Hygienic Design Network (HDN)minorOthersHemmink participates in the Hygienic Design Network for food safety and industrial hygiene solutions.
• AdelscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHemmink works closely with Adels for stekerbare (pluggable) engineering solutions, providing integrated installation systems for construction projects.
• Ei ElectronicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHemmink partners with Ei Electronics for rookmelderprojecties (smoke detector projections), providing comprehensive smoke detector planning and installation solutions for housing associations.
• JMV (Aardingsmateriaal)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJMV grounding materials included in Hemmink's smoke detector and electrical installation projections.
• SchnablminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchnabl fastening materials included in Hemmink's installation projections.
• GrotheminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrothe doorbell solutions included in Hemmink's building communication system projects.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Technische Unie: Largest Dutch technical wholesaler of electro-technical, lighting, and installation products serving installers and industry. Functionally the closest direct peer to Hanzestrohm's Hemmink brand in scope, customer type, and go-to-market through technical distribution.
• Solar Group Netherlands: Major Dutch technical wholesaler covering electrical, installation, lighting, and renewable energy products to installers and industry. Direct Dutch-market peer to Hemmink with overlapping customer base in installation and inspection companies.
• Alfen: Dutch-listed specialist in energy storage, smart grid solutions, and EV charging stations. Closest direct functional peer to Fortona, competing for the same Dutch mid-market customers facing grid congestion and energy-transition mandates.
• Trescal: Global accredited calibration and metrology services company with operations across Europe. Closest direct peer to KWx Metercare, competing for instrument calibration work in industrial and electrical measurement markets.

Broad incumbents

• Rexel: Global electrical distribution group and parent of Technische Unie. Competes with Hanzestrohm's Hemmink across Europe with a much broader product and geographic portfolio, providing a useful broad-incumbent benchmark for electro-technical wholesaling.
• Sonepar: World's largest B2B electrical distribution group with extensive Dutch and Benelux presence. Operates across the same electro-technical distribution space as Hemmink but at much greater scale and breadth.
• Würth Industry Netherlands (Würth Group): Dutch operating arm of the global Würth Group's industrial distribution business, serving MRO, production, and assembly customers with technical consumables and C-parts. Adjacent peer that overlaps with Hanzestrohm's industrial customer base at broader scope.
• ABB Electrification / ABB Marine: Global power and automation major with strong marine and DC-grid product portfolios. Overlaps with Astrolkwx's solid-state DC breaker, rectifier, and power-electronics distribution, although as a global incumbent across the broader power-conversion stack.
• Schneider Electric: Global energy management and automation major offering electrical distribution, EMS, and energy-monitoring solutions across European markets. Overlaps with Fortona's energy-management thrust and Hemmink's installer ecosystem at much broader scope.
• Eaton: Global power-management company supplying electrical, industrial, and power-quality components including transformers and power-conversion devices. Comparable to Hanzestrohm's diversified portfolio of energy, electrical, and industrial solutions at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/hanzestrohm
• Facebookfacebook.com/hanzestrohm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kairos-innovation
• Instagraminstagram.com/werkenbijhanzestrohm

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hanzestrohm