Develon will restructure its Dutch dealer network starting in 2026 to strengthen its market position. With Anema, ELM Bouwmachines, and Staad, the company will establish a clear regional division. This strategic move will shorten the lines of communication with end users and optimize local support throughout the sector.
While the distribution structure was previously different, the partners have now opted for a structure with three strong importers, each serving its own distinct region. For Anema from Arum, the situation remains essentially unchanged; they remain the trusted partner for the northern provinces of Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, and Flevoland, as well as the North Holland region.
The most significant shifts are taking place in the central and southern parts of the country. ELM Bouwmachines is taking over its familiar dealership territory and becoming its own importer: the provinces of South Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland, and a western part of North Brabant (west of the A27). Staad is concentrating on the regions of Limburg and North Brabant, with its operating area bordered by the A27. This new structure clarifies the underlying responsibilities, increasing the brand's impact in the Netherlands.
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From left to right: Sijmen Staadegaard, Sander de Regt, Almer Anema, Frank van Asseldonk, Jelco Wijsman
"For customers, the end users, nothing will change on a day-to-day basis," the three companies explained during a joint interview. While familiar faces will remain, the new structure will allow dealers to operate more effectively within their own territories to optimally serve the market.
The choice for this new division is a strategic move by Develon. By shifting responsibilities, the route to the end user is shortened. While Staad previously held broad importer responsibility for all southern provinces, ELM now acts as a direct importer in its original dealer area. This provides greater focus and even better support for the growing machine fleet in the region.
There was, is, and will continue to be close cooperation between the three companies. Together, they form a nationwide service network, ensuring that entrepreneurs can always count on support, regardless of the machine's location. When a contractor from the north carries out a project in the south, local dealers are ready to assist with maintenance or repairs.
The synergy between Anema, Staad, and ELM also extends to the technical side. Mechanics participate in joint training sessions to maintain their knowledge of Develon technologies at the highest level. "We try to bring together the technical aspects of topics that are common to the guys," they explained during the interview. By sharing knowledge and parts, machine downtime is kept to a minimum.
Develon has experienced strong growth in the Dutch market in recent years. Its mobile excavators, in particular, are considered market leaders, but its ambition extends beyond the tracked segment. With the introduction of its new series of tracked excavators, the brand aims to achieve a leading position there as well. The Develon DX260LC-9 was independently tested in Norway and achieved the highest score ever measured compared to other major brands.
In addition to traditional diesel engines, electrification is playing a growing role in the strategy. Develon is steadily expanding its line of emission-free machines, from mobile excavators to larger tracked models. While political uncertainty sometimes causes hesitation regarding investments, importers are ready for the transition. "If the projects coming onto the market are emission-free, then emission-free purchases will be made," is the sober conclusion regarding market demand.
What distinguishes the three dealers is their identity as a family business. They maintain direct contact with both the operator and the machine owner. This translates into short lines of communication and a personal approach that is highly valued in the market. In the Netherlands, machines are often specifically adapted to the high demands of local operators, a specialty that distinguishes these three partners.
The partners' combined experience is considerable. With both Anema and ELM celebrating their centennials this year, and Staad having been active for over ninety years, the network boasts nearly three hundred years of expertise. This rich history forms the foundation for a stable future in the industry. Together, they form one large family, where the voice of the customer remains paramount in business operations.
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