Grafische groep van der Eems

What Grafische groep van der Eems does

Grafische groep van der Eems is a fourth-generation family-owned commercial printing company founded in 1906 and headquartered in Easterein, Friesland, Netherlands. The company operates two production facilities (Easterein and Heerenveen) with 65 employees, providing a full-service print offering that spans offset printing (Heidelberg Anicolor, Man Roland 500), digital printing (HP Indigo 7900, Canon varioPRINT iX-series), desktop publishing, finishing (including a 15-meter MKW line unique in the Netherlands), warehousing/fulfillment, direct mail, and a web2print portal (xpressionmanager.nl). It serves both B2B customers across industries (schools, real estate agencies, advertising agencies, museums, sports organizations, government, banks, industrial firms) and B2C individual consumers via a webshop (hierdrukken.nl), and retains the Siersema Vlaggen brand acquired in 2017 for printed flag lines.

The company's business model is primarily transactional fee-based printing services with relationship-driven direct sales in Northern Netherlands, supplemented by self-service e-commerce channels. Revenue streams include offset printing for large runs, digital printing for small/medium runs and personalized mailings, design and DTP work, finishing, warehousing/fulfillment, direct mail, and a B2C webshop. Notable customers have included Kaartje2go (printing 10,000+ cards/day by 2009), sc Heerenveen, Aris Leeuwarden, Rabobank, Poiesz Supermarkten, and Aquatec Industries; the company also operates in the flag and event promotional segment via Siersema Vlaggen (clients include Kruidvat and Fiets4Daagse).

Grafische groep van der Eems has invested heavily in modern, sustainable production: cumulative equipment investment of €2.25M+ since 2013 across digital presses, finishing lines, and inkjet capacity, plus green electricity (since 2019, reducing CO2 footprint by 50%+) and solar panels (2023). It holds Hofleverancier (Royal Court Supplier) status since 2006 and certifications including ISO 9001 (since 2011), ISO 14001 (since 2009, with a 9.4/10 audit score), FSC, CO2-neutral printing (via Stichting Trees for All, Gold Standard), NIS2, and AVG OK. Reported revenue was €7.5M in 2013 across four locations; the company has since consolidated to two locations while maintaining headcount near 65 employees.

Name

Grafische groep van der Eems

Legal name

Grafische groep van der Eems

Website

https://vandereems.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Grafische groep van der Eems is a fourth-generation family-owned commercial printer in Friesland, Netherlands, founded in 1906. Operating from Easterein and Heerenveen with 65 employees, it offers offset and digital printing, DTP, finishing, web2print, direct mail, and warehousing to B2B and B2C customers, plus the Siersema Vlaggen flag brand.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Printing Services

NAICS

Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) (323111), Printing (32311), Stationery Product Manufacturing (32223), Converted Paper Product Manufacturing (3222)

SIC

Commercial Printing (2750), Converted Paper & Paperboard Prods (No Contaners/Boxes) (2670), Manifold Business Forms (2761)

akta.pro primary industry

Stationery & Office Paper Products (notebooks, pads, forms) (IMAMAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paper Converting Services (slitting, sheeting, coating, laminating, rewinding) (IMAMAHAJ), Sustainable Labels, Adhesives & Inks (Wash-Off Labels, De-inkable Inks, Low-VOC) (IMALAMAJ)

Keywords

• Commercial printing services
• Digital printing solutions
• Offset printing services
• Web-to-print platform
• Print finishing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Easterein

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Offset and Digital Printing Services: Traditional offset and digital printing services for commercial and print-on-demand work, serving large and small print runs. Offset is used for large-volume high-quality work while digital printing handles smaller runs, partial deliveries, and personalized mailings.
2. Web2Print Services: Online self-service portal where customers order and customize existing templates (business cards, brochures, newsletters) through a secure, personalized ordering environment.
3. DTP and Design Services: Desktop publishing and design services covering file preparation, layout, and design work for customers who need assistance creating print-ready materials.
4. Warehousing & Fulfillment: Storage and on-demand delivery of printed materials from the company's logistics center, allowing customers to maintain inventory and receive supplies as needed.
5. Direct Mail Services: Printed marketing and advertising materials mailed directly to target audiences, leveraging the tangibility and personal nature of print over digital channels.
6. Print and Copy: Single or multiple print copies and copying services for walk-in and small-scale orders.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Grafische groep van der Eems is a family-owned commercial printing company operating offset (Heidelberg Anicolor) and digital (HP Indigo 7900, Canon varioPRINT iX-series) presses, offering integrated services including DTP design, finishing, print-and-copy, direct mail, web2print online ordering, warehousing/logistics, and a custom flag product line (Siersema Vlaggen). The company produces brochures, flyers, business cards, magazines, books, posters, direct mailings, and personalized prints for both business and individual customers in the Netherlands.

Product overview

Grafische groep van der Eems is a family-owned printing company (drukkerij) offering a comprehensive portfolio of printing services and products. The company operates two main production facilities in Easterein and Heerenveen with approximately 65 employees. Core services include offset printing (using Heidelberg Anicolor presses), digital printing (HP Indigo 7900), DTP, finishing, print-and-copy, direct mail, web2print online ordering, and warehousing. The company also operates Siersema Vlaggen (acquired 2017), a brand specializing in printed paper flag products. Through subsidiaries Hanzedruk (acquired 2011), the company serves the broader print market with a complete chain from design through finishing and delivery. The company positions itself on quality, sustainability (CO2 neutral), and modern technology including Canon varioPRINT iX inkjet production.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Offset and Digital Printing (Drukken offset/digitaal) Traditional offset printing via aluminium plates for high-volume premium runs and digital printing for smaller runs, partial deliveries, and personalized mailings. Suits both B2B and B2C customers needing brochures, flyers, magazines, books, and other printed materials.
• DTP (Desktop Publishing) Full-service design and file preparation from first concept to print-ready files, including design, layout, and editing by a specialized team. For customers who need assistance preparing or designing print materials before production.
• Finishing (Afwerking) In-house post-press finishing services including gathering, stapling, and production of magazines and booklets, supported by a 15-meter fully computer-controlled finishing line with ultra-low set-up times and minimal waste. For customers requiring completed, bound, or assembled print products.
• Print and Copy Single or multiple print copies and copying services, including neighborhood mailings of 50 or more copies. Serves walk-in and small-scale orders from individuals and SMBs.
• Direct Mail Printed marketing and advertising materials mailed directly to target audiences, leveraging the tangibility and personal nature of physical print versus digital channels. Includes personalization via digital print capabilities.
• Web2print (xpressionmanager.nl) Secure, personalized online ordering environment via the xpressionmanager.nl web2print portal where customers can order and customize standardized templates such as business cards, brochures, and newsletters. Enables 24/7 self-service ordering for B2B account customers.
• Warehousing and On-Demand Delivery Storage of customer printed materials in the company's logistics center with on-demand delivery in desired quantities, to specified locations, at specified timing, via the company's own CO2-neutral biofuel delivery fleet with track-and-trace.
• Siersema Vlaggen Custom Printed Flags Acquired brand specializing in printed paper flag lines, bicycle flags, and waving flags for events (Fiets4Daagse), retail chains (Kruidvat, garden centers), and promotional campaigns. Sold via the dedicated siersemavlaggen.nl e-commerce site.
• Print Portfolio (Brochures, Flyers, Business Cards, etc.) Range of printed end-products offered across the production stack, including brochures, flyers, posters, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, books, folders, cards, magazines, calendars, menus, doordruksets (carbon sets), writing pads, presentation folders, and stickers.

Quantifiable outcome

• CO2 footprint reduced by more than 50% from January 2019 by switching to green electricity
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Aris Leeuwarden (Eredivisie Basketbal)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 June 2019Van der Eems became a partner of Aris Leeuwarden Eredivisie Basketbal from the 2019 season. The company supplies all print materials for the basketball club and is visible on LED boarding. Also a partner of Aris Industry, further embedding the relationship.
• NHL-Stenden LeeuwardenminorOthers · 1 January 2019A group of second-year NHL-Stenden commercial economics students won first prize for their research project on Siersema Vlaggen (part of Van der Eems), investigating how the company could expand from B2B to B2C markets.
• Siersema Vlaggen (acquisition)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 3 July 2017Van der Eems acquired Siersema Vlaggen from Harlingen in July 2017. The company had no family successor and Van der Eems (already the printer of Siersema's printed paper flags for 20 years) took over. The brand continues as part of Van der Eems group, with clients including Fiets4Daagse, Kruidvat, and various events.
• Fries KoploperprojectminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Van der Eems participates in the successful Fries Koploperproject (Friesland Frontrunner Project) for 8 months, collaborating with other frontrunner companies to think about being even more sustainable in People, Planet, and Profit.
• sc HeerenveencoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2013Van der Eems has been official house printer (huisdrukker) of sc Heerenveen since December 2013. The company was an OSSH member since 2004 and became co-sponsor in 2008. The partnership was renewed in November 2017 for an additional three years, keeping Van der Eems as the club's printer through at least 2020. The company provides all printing needs for the football club.
• Hanzedruk (acquisition)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 February 2011Hanzedruk from Bolsward and Sneek was acquired by Grafische groep van der Eems effective February 1, 2011. Hanzedruk continued under its own name at its existing locations. The acquisition brought total staff to over 60 and enabled optimal use of combined knowledge and capabilities. Continuity for the long term was ensured.
• VV-SDScoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010Van der Eems has been main sponsor (haadstiper) of VV-SDS football club since 2010. The sponsorship was renewed in 2021 for another 3 years, with Van der Eems branding on the shirts of SDS 1 team.
• Circulair Friesland (Vereniging Circulair Friesland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVan der Eems is a member of Circulair Friesland, a collaboration between companies, governments, and knowledge institutions working towards a circular economy in Friesland. The company participates in circular initiatives including furniture revitalization with OPNIEUW! and cardboard pen production.
• Stichting Trees for AllcoreOthersVan der Eems compensates its remaining CO2 emissions through purchase of CO2 certificates via Stichting Trees for All, the only Dutch foundation with CBF certification for sustainable forest projects. Projects have economic, ecological, and social value and contribute to a healthier climate. Trees for All meets Gold Standard.
• Canon (varioPRINT iX-series)coreTechnology or IntegrationCanon supplies the varioPRINT iX-series inkjet sheet press (€750,000 investment in 2021). Canon's 'kyosei' philosophy (living and working together for the common good) aligns with Van der Eems's sustainability vision. The technology enables CO2-neutral, chemical-free, minimal-waste production printing.
• Heidelberg (Anicolor Press)coreTechnology or IntegrationHeidelberg Anicolor presses installed in the Heerenveen facility, suitable for large and small runs with frequent job changes. Minimal make-ready waste, fast color setting, and CO2 neutral operation align with MVO ambitions.
• HP (Indigo 7900)coreTechnology or IntegrationHP Indigo 7900 digital press (€500,000 investment in 2018) operating 24/7 for internet-ordered print work, capable of thousands of daily orders with automation and personalization. Also prints in special inks including metallic and white.
• Technasium Bogerman SneekminorOthersVan der Eems participates in Technasium programs at Bogerman Sneek, where 100 students worked on finding new applications for paper cutting waste. The company hosts school visits and provides real-world research challenges for students.
• Oost West Friesland On Stage (ZWFonstage)minorOthersVan der Eems participates in On Stage Zuidwest Friesland programs where VMBO students visit the company to learn about printing professions and explore which careers suit them.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Drukkerij Tielen: Dutch regional commercial printer offering offset and digital printing, finishing, and DTP services with a similar B2B customer base of schools, associations, and SMEs in the Netherlands.
• Zwart op Wit: Dutch commercial printer focused on offset, digital, and finishing services for B2B customers with a strong sustainability profile (FSC, CO2 compensation), closely mirroring Van der Eems' positioning.
• Koninklijke Drukkerij Em. de Jong: Royal Dutch commercial printer (Koninklijke title) operating offset and digital printing, finishing, and web2print services for B2B customers across the Netherlands, directly comparable in service mix and target segments to Van der Eems.
• Rouwmaat Groep: Dutch family-owned printing group with offset, digital, large-format, and finishing capabilities plus a webshop; comparable in scale, technology mix, and family-business profile to Van der Eems.

Others

• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen: German manufacturer of offset and digital printing presses and a key supplier of Van der Eems' Heidelberg Anicolor equipment; an enabling/infrastructure peer rather than a direct competitor, but its technology roadmap directly shapes Van der Eems' production economics.
• Canon Production Printing: Supplier of the Canon varioPRINT iX-series inkjet press that Van der Eems installed in 2021 (€750K investment); a critical technology partner whose product roadmap, ink, and service economics directly influence Van der Eems' digital print unit economics.

Emerging players

• Print.com: Online-first Dutch printing aggregator offering offset and digital print via a web2print platform targeting SMBs and consumers; competes with Van der Eems' hierdrukken.nl webshop on price and convenience rather than full-service relationships.
• Onlineprinters (druckspiegel): European online printer specializing in web2print commercial print products (business cards, flyers, brochures) for SMBs; overlapping product mix with Van der Eems' web2print and webshop offerings but a pure-play e-commerce model.

Broad incumbents

• Roto Smeets: Larger, established Dutch commercial printing group with offset, digital, and magazine/book printing capabilities; broader national/international footprint and more diverse product portfolio than Van der Eems.
• Graphius: Belgian-headquartered printing group operating in books, magazines, and commercial print across the Benelux; comparable in offset/digital/finishing capabilities but at materially larger scale and broader geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/grafische-groep-van-der-eems

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 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 Grafische groep van der Eems