What Nijhuis Engineering does

Nijhuis Engineering Dronten B.V., founded in 1979 by Hans Nijhuis and headquartered at Pioniersweg 80-82 in Dronten, Netherlands, designs, manufactures, and certifies electronic safety systems, on-board weighing systems, and mechanical machine conversions for heavy mobile equipment — specifically excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, agricultural trailers, conveyor belts, and harbour cranes. Its safety portfolio comprises the Helics, Whelics, Thelics, Railics, Forklics, Heighlics, Arealics, and Vibralics rated-capacity and work-area limiters, together with the patented ESVB failsafe hose-break protection system (European patent EP 0404271); its weighing portfolio spans Hex-Load, Loadrite (for wheel loaders, forklifts, telehandlers, and cranes), Agri-Load, and Belt-Load. Under the TM (TeleMast Dronten) brand the company also produces lifting masts, access platforms, rail-wheel sets, rail trailers, and complete Hi-Rail conversions, including the jointly-patented BE-AR automatic rail slant-correction system developed with BErende Spoorwerken.

All design, electronics manufacturing, hydraulic integration, CNC machining, ABB robotic welding, and assembly occur in-house at the single Dronten facility, supported by a proprietary multifunction simulation test platform used to certify load charts. Products are certified to European and Australian sector standards — EN 13000, EN 15954, EN 15746-1/2, EN 280, NEN-EN 16228/474-5, UIC15-2, AS 1418/7502 — by Notified Bodies including TÜV and Aboma Rail/HHC Aboma. Go-to-market is direct, quote-based, project-by-project B2B sales to construction, railway-infrastructure, agricultural, and material-handling operators, primarily in the Netherlands and Benelux with certified exports into Australia. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales, machine-conversion projects, and recurring periodic maintenance and re-certification service work. Willem van Arkel serves as the current director; the company is privately held with no parent, subsidiaries, or external institutional funding on record.

Name

Nijhuis Engineering

Legal name

Nijhuis Engineering Dronten B.V.

Website

https://nijhuisengineering.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Nijhuis Engineering Dronten B.V. designs, manufactures, and certifies electronic rated-capacity limiters, hose-break protection, on-board weighing systems, and Hi-Rail/access-platform conversions for heavy mobile machinery, serving construction, railway, agricultural, and material-handling operators from its Dronten facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Dronten

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Safety System Sales: Design, manufacture, and sale of electronic safety systems (RCLs, height/area limiters, hose break protection) and weighing systems (Loadrite, Hex-Load, Agri-Load, Belt-Load) as built-to-order solutions for specific machines. Revenue is generated per machine conversion or retro-fit, with lead times of approximately 1 week to 1.5 weeks for standard systems.
2. Mechanical Construction Products: Manufacture and sale of mechanical products under the TM (TeleMast Dronten) brand: lifting masts, access platforms, rail-wheel sets, rail axles, Hi-Rail conversions, and rail trailers. Products are sold as finished goods or as part of full machine conversion packages.
3. Service and Maintenance: Periodic maintenance, inspections, and after-sale support. Parts are kept in stock. Periodic maintenance and inspections can be combined; defects corrected immediately to avoid re-inspection costs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Nijhuis Engineering designs, manufactures, and installs electronic safety systems (Rated Capacity Limiters, height/area limiters, hose break protection), on-board weighing systems, access platforms, and mechanical constructions (lifting masts, Hi-Rail conversions, rail components) for heavy mobile machinery including excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, and agricultural equipment. All design, electronics manufacturing, hydraulic integration, CNC machining, welding, assembly, and certification are performed in-house at the Dronten facility, enabling build-to-order machine conversions certified to EN-13000, EN-15746, EN-280, and Australian AS standards.

Product overview

Nijhuis Engineering Dronten B.V. is a manufacturer of electronic safety systems, weighing technology, and mechanical constructions for heavy machinery. The product portfolio consists of multiple interconnected systems under proprietary brands: Safety Systems (Helics, Railics, Whelics, Thelics, Forklics, Heighlics, Arealics, ESVB, Vibralics) providing rated capacity limitation, height/area limitation, and hose break protection; Weighing Systems (Hex-Load, Loadrite, Agri-Load, Belt-Load) for onboard weight measurement; Access Platforms for converting excavators, wheel loaders, and telehandlers into mobile work platforms; and TM (TeleMast) Mechanical Constructions including lifting masts, hi-rail modifications, BE-AR rail systems, rail wheels, and rail trailers. All mechanical products are designed in-house using 3D CAD engineering, with machining and welding performed in their own facility. The company also offers remote control systems and machining services as additional product lines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Helics: Rated capacity limiter (LMB) system for excavators used as cranes, conforming to EN-13000 standard.
• Railics
• Whelics
• Thelics
• Heighlics
• Arealics
• ESVB
• Forklics
• Vibralics
• Hex-Load
• Loadrite
• Agri-Load
• Belt-Load
• BE-AR System

Products and services

• Helics MkII - Excavator RCL Rated capacity limiter system for excavators used as cranes, compliant with EN-13000 and AS-1418 standards. Features a 7-inch colour touchscreen, datalogger, stainless steel CAN-bus angle indicators and pressure sensors, and calculates radius and hook load across up to seven moving or extending arms. Standard build time approximately 1 week for equip, calibrate and test.
• Railics MkII - Rail Excavator RCL Rated capacity limiter for excavators working on rails, complying with EN 13000 & EN 15954 (European) and AS 1418 & AS 7502 (Australian). Includes height, slew, area limitation, virtual wall, cant, gradient, and axle/rail set position monitoring. Uses a custom test platform to certify correct load charts.
• Whelics MkII - Wheel Loader RCL Rated capacity limitation system for wheel loaders operated as cranes, conforming to EN-13000. Uses stainless steel angle indicators and CAN-bus, with integrated ESVB hose break protection on all load-bearing cylinders. 7-inch touchscreen display with load/radius monitoring.
• Thelics - Telehandler RCL Next-generation rated capacity limiter for telehandlers used for hoisting, conforming to European standards. Includes standard integrated height limiter, 7-inch touchscreen showing actual load, radius, permitted load, and height, plus stainless steel angle indicators on each arm and quick coupler connected by CAN-bus.
• Forklics - Forklift LMB Load moment protection system (LMB) specifically developed for forklifts operating as cranes. Features digital percentage stability indication, load display with ESVB hose break protection, and inspection by recognised bodies such as Aboma or TÜV at commissioning. Fully built, calibrated, and certified in approximately 1.5 weeks.
• Heighlics - Height Limiter Universal height limiter using angle indicators for hydraulic excavators. Touch screen operated with up to six variable arm calculations and tool storage capability.
• Arealics - Area Limiter Area limiter combining height limiter with slew restrictor using magnetic pulses. Creates virtual walls and can reduce speed proportionally as parameters are reached.
• ESVB12 - Hose Break Protection System Failsafe hose break protection system patented in Europe (no. 0404271). Unique in being testable from the cabin in seconds before use. Electric/hydraulic valves are the most compact on the market (even 800 L/min valves are only 170x100x100 mm), fully open or closed with no effect on normal operation or heat development.
• Vibralics - Excavator Overload Signaling Overload signaling system for excavators with vibroblock used in foundation work. Detects machine stability and hydraulic overload with yellow warning at 90% and red maximum warning at 100% load. Executed according to NEN-EN 16228 and 474-5 standards with TCVT W6-01 inspection.
• Hex-Load - Excavator Weighing System Weighing system for hydraulic excavators and material handlers, based on the Helics safe load limiter. Uses angle sensors on each boom section and quick coupler plus pressure sensors in lift cylinders. Touchscreen cab display with USB data storage and automatic or manual trigger weighing.
• Loadrite - Wheel Loader Weighing System Dynamic weighing system for wheel loaders, telehandlers, front-end loaders, lift trucks, excavators and harbour cranes. Features high accuracy and optional material management set for load flow monitoring.
• Loadrite - Forklift Weighing System Dynamic weighing system for forklifts with high accuracy and clearly readable screen. Optional printer and material management modifications available.
• Agri-Load - Agricultural Trailer Weighing System Universal weighing system for agricultural trailers including fertilizer spreaders, silage wagons, and semi-trailers. 1-2% accuracy with touchscreen display and USB data transfer.
• Belt-Load - Conveyor Belt Weighing System Modular weighing system for conveyor belts fitting all belt widths. Single-roller version accuracy ±0.5%; double-roller version 0.25%. Weatherproof computing box. Two working modes: Active Weighing Mode (bar-graph display) and Load Management Mode (customer/product data).
• Excavator Access Platform 360-degree slew access platform for excavators and Hi-Rail excavators. Auto and manual levelling, reaching up to 8.5 m height. Platform controlled via radio remote control with safety redundant monitoring for all safety-critical movements.
• Wheel Loader Access Platform Man platform adaptation for wheel loaders meeting EN280 standard for platforms. Equipped with the required safety devices and controls.
• Telehandler Access Platform Mobile work platform for telehandlers with patented 1WW overload protection. Meets BS EN280 standard for platforms.
• TM Lifting Masts Extension jibs for various machines manufactured under the TeleMast brand, available as fixed, mechanically or hydraulically telescopic with fixed hook and/or winch. Complying with the Machinery Directive and supplied with mandatory documentation and certificates.
• TM Hi-Rail Modification Complete in-house conversion of hydraulic excavators to Hi-Rail (KROL) configuration enabling machines to work on both road and track. Full 3D CAD engineering, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic adaptations performed internally, with unique simulation test platform for all positions and loads. Compliant with EN 15746-1 and 2 and Railinfra requirements, with failsafe hydraulic rail wheel disc brakes, certified by TÜV and Aboma Rail.
• BE-AR Rail System Patented automatic rail slant correction system for rail-rail machines, jointly patented with BErende Spoorwerken. Parallel suspended rail-wheel set creates rail guidance without a complicated self-levelling system. Supports points placed near rail wheels for stability, enables pick-and-carry work over the side, and allows both high (rail-wheel) and low (rubber tire) running via hydraulic drives. Complies with EN-15746.
• Rail Wheels Forged and hardened rail wheels made from C40 steel in diameters 400, 470, 600, and 700mm. Standard UIC15-2 appendix B3 rail profiles suitable for ProRail infrastructure. Custom profiles available.
• Rail Trailer 20-ton rail trailer for cost-effective transport of materials on rail. Features 5m x 2.5m dimensions with air or hydraulic braking system. Optional 25-ton reinforced version available. Supplied with CE certificate and type approval.
• 1D & 2D Digging Indication System 1D and 2D excavation guidance systems for excavators. 1D shows continuous bucket height; 2D adds slew measurement for double slope and tilt bucket functions. 7-inch touchscreen with IP67 stainless steel angle sensors.
• Remote Control System Radio remote control systems for safer and more efficient machine operation. Custom configured to customer requirements with all machine functions controllable via remote unit.
• Service and Maintenance Periodic maintenance, inspections, and after-sale support for installed systems. Periodic maintenance and inspections can be combined and defects corrected immediately to avoid re-inspection costs, with most parts kept in stock.
• Machining Services Contract machining services including CNC and conventional milling, turning, and welding. Equipment includes Fanuc Tape Center CNC mill, Cincinnati and Jarocin conventional mills, Potisje and Les Innovations Mecaniques lathes, and ABB IRB 1500 AW welding robot. Supports single-piece and small-series production.

Quantifiable outcome

• Standard RCL build time of approximately 1 week (Helics)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• BErende SpoorwerkencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development and co-patenting of the BE-AR Rail System. BErende Spoorwerken and Van ARkel (of Nijhuis Engineering) together developed a patented automatic slanting correction system for rail-rail machines. The system is sold as a product of the partnership and fitted to rail-rail excavators and cranes.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Palfinger: Palfinger is a major global manufacturer of cranes, lifting platforms, and rail-handling equipment with integrated safety systems - a broader incumbent that competes with Nijhuis' TM-branded mechanical construction products and access platforms at scale.
• Topcon Positioning Group: Topcon provides machine control, weighing, and guidance systems for construction equipment at global scale - competing broadly with Nijhuis' weighing and 1D/2D digging indication products across multiple geographies.
• Liebherr: Liebherr is a major manufacturer of construction equipment, mobile cranes, and rail machinery with integrated safety systems - Nijhuis' customer base includes Liebherr rail machines being retrofit with Hi-Rail conversions and RCL safety systems.

Direct peers

• RDS Technology: RDS Technology manufactures the Loadrite brand of on-board weighing systems for wheel loaders, forklifts, excavators, and material handlers - a direct overlap with Nijhuis' Hex-Load and Loadrite weighing products for the same mobile equipment segments.
• MOBA Mobile Automation: MOBA is a German manufacturer of mobile automation systems, including weighing, machine control, and safety solutions for construction equipment - directly comparable technology and target customers to Nijhuis' weighing and safety product lines.
• IMET: IMET is an Italian manufacturer of load monitoring systems, load cells, and electronic weighing solutions for lifting equipment and industrial machinery - directly competing with Nijhuis' weighing and load-sensing safety products in the European market.
• Hirschmann (Terex): Hirschmann provides load moment indicators and crane safety systems, including integrated LMI solutions for mobile cranes - directly comparable technology and target customers to Nijhuis' RCL safety systems portfolio.
• Geodynamik: Geodynamik is a Swedish specialist in load moment indicators (LMI) and rated capacity limiters for cranes, directly competing with Nijhuis' Helics, Whelics, and Thelics RCL systems for crane and lifting equipment OEMs.

Regional players

• Robel: Robel is a German specialist in railway construction machinery, track maintenance equipment, and Hi-Rail systems - comparable to Nijhuis' rail construction and rail wheel offerings within the European rail maintenance ecosystem.
• Geismar: Geismar is a French manufacturer of railway construction and maintenance equipment with Hi-Rail and track machinery - comparable to Nijhuis' Hi-Rail conversion and rail wheel product lines, primarily serving European rail contractors.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/nijhuisengineering
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nijhuis-engineering

Compliance13 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Nijhuis Engineering