Blokland sees plenty of opportunities. When Frans and Corry Blokland started their company in 1987, they had one machine and a clear vision: work hard, think along with the customer, and do what you promise. Almost forty years later, Blokland BV from Ter Aar has grown into a well-known name in the civil engineering sector, with over a hundred employees and a fleet of 130 machines with a capacity of up to 100 tons.
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Video: Blockland
Yet the atmosphere within the family business has remained the same. “Doing our thing with a smile or a joke,” is how Frank Blokland aptly sums it up. Together with his sister Jennifer and brother-in-law Jan, he stands at the helm of the South Holland-based company. The foundation laid by their parents (who can still be found in the office daily) remains visible in their way of working. Blokland not only rents out machines with operators but also enjoys actively contributing ideas in all areas of civil engineering, road construction, and hydraulic engineering. “We really want to support our customers,” says Frank. “We did that in the past, and we still do it today.” That mentality is reflected in the choices the company makes. Blokland invested early on in tiltrotators, GPS, and specialized machines. By now, the fleet consists of much more than just excavators. From vacuum trucks to UHD demolition cranes, from bulldozers to tunnel excavators, and from grab trucks to electric equipment. The all-round rental company continues to evolve. Electrification is an integral part of this, featuring wheel loaders and excavators weighing up to approximately 25 tons.
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While many entrepreneurs view the switch to emission-free operation as a mandatory requirement due to regulations, Blokland sees it differently. “We actually see it as an opportunity,” says Frank. “In the past, the transition from fuel oil to diesel was also a huge adjustment. That is how we view electric equipment now. It actually offers opportunities to distinguish ourselves.” This vision led, among other things, to the deployment of two DX165W Electric units. These are leased via Staad for a period of two years and are fully utilized on various projects. The first 17-ton mobile excavator arrived at the company a year and a half ago, with the second following six months later. According to Frank, the choice of the DX165W Electric was a logical step. “We were already working on electric operation and wanted to expand further in that area. These machines fit our operations perfectly.” The mobile excavators are primarily deployed on demolition projects and infrastructure jobs. That is why Blokland deliberately chose a fixed CW quick coupler and BKT tires. Practical, robust, and suited to the work.
In practice, both electric machines prove to be surprisingly versatile. Thanks to the large 400 kWh battery pack, they can easily run for a day and a half on a full charge. “That is often more than enough,” notes Frank. “On most construction sites, electricity is not a problem these days.” If on-site charging proves difficult, Blokland utilizes Energy as a Service (EaaS) services. “Then the battery is swapped on-site, and work can simply continue after a few minutes. That is all well organized through Staad.” It is precisely this flexibility that Frank considers important in daily practice. Blokland is also happy to think proactively with clients. If a project comes to a temporary standstill, the machine can easily be deployed elsewhere. “The demand for emission-free machines is currently so high that we handle this very flexibly and do not rent out electric equipment any differently than diesel machines. That is quite unique. In that respect, we often operate as an extension of the client. They can switch our fleet on or off at their own discretion whenever desired.”
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Blokland notes that electric operation is increasingly in demand. On zero-emission projects in urban areas or on major infrastructure works, emission-free equipment is already a matter of course. A prime example is the WarmtelinQ project between Rijswijk and Leiden. There, Blokland is contributing to LOT C of the pipeline route along the A4 and the railway. “In addition to earthworks, we also handle the civil engineering completion,” Frank proudly states. “Operator Devin has been operating a DX165W Electric for Van Gelder on an emission-free project in Hoek van Holland for three-quarters of a year.” Zero emissions a matter of course. Devin Hovens, operator DX165W Electric.
The machines are quiet, respond quickly, and are pleasant to work with.
Meanwhile, experience with electric equipment is growing within Blokland. Last year, around the summer construction break, twenty electric excavators were operating simultaneously on various projects. “By specializing in this early on, we have built a strong position,” says Frank. “You learn an incredible amount in practice, and you take that knowledge with you into the future.” It is not only clients who are getting used to working electrically; operators are experiencing this development as well. While older colleagues prefer to hold off for a little longer, the younger generation is downright enthusiastic.
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“The machines are quiet, responsive, and pleasant to work with,” says Frank. For Blokland, the added value lies not only in the technology but also in the collaboration behind it. “Actually, every machine nowadays does what it is supposed to do,” he says matter-of-factly. “The company behind it makes the difference. At Staad, lines of communication are short and decisions are made quickly. That makes for a pleasant working environment.” In December, Blokland expects to take delivery of a STAAD 17W, the first mobile excavator developed entirely in-house by the Dutch manufacturer.
At Blokland, this will be the successor to one of the current DX165W Electric machines and will be primarily deployed in road construction. Frank looks forward to this with confidence. “We have high expectations for the 17W. Staad has put a lot of thought into the overall picture. Not only does the story hold true technically and in terms of appearance, but the pricing is also attractive. With this, Staad is charting a new course, and that is a path we, as an innovative family business, are happy to follow.”
This article was published in Grondwerk Magazine, Summer 2026 edition. Would you like to receive this beautiful magazine as well? Then click here.
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