“Working together with Peinemann to create a beautiful work of art” is the main focus for Roy Tijssen of property developer Van Wijnen. And we are doing just that, together. Van Wijnen is building the new train station in Ede, and Peinemann is collaborating on the realisation of the new platform roofing. The project is drawing a lot of attention.
Van Wijnen is using its in-house supplier for the hoisting work needed for the construction of the new station building. “But the hoisting work for the platform is really specialist work. Our suppliers don’t have the cranes for that,” says Roy. “Peinemann, however, does. We began discussions with them and another party during the tender phase. Peinemann eventually came up with the best proposal and stood out for its proactive attitude and team spirit. They understand that a project like this can only be accomplished by working together.”
Involved from the design stage onwards
The collaboration with Peinemann starts early, right from the design phase. “Even at this stage, you need to think about how parts will be picked up and moved. The construction has to be both moveable and strong enough to withstand the forces applied to the joints during transport,” Roy explains. “Peinemann is continuously involved in this process. They’re not a company that simply says ‘design it and we’ll do it,’ only to find out later that it’s not feasible. Peinemann is a true partner, thinking along from the initial design to the departure of the hoisting ramp of the platform.”
Walking out was not an option
After two years of preparation, the time finally came to hoist the first structural elements into position. “The wooden structural elements had to be placed over the track, so train traffic was halted for 76 hours. Walking out was not an option; Ede station is too important a junction,” says Roy. “Peinemann brought in about thirty trucks to deliver the crane parts. The crane was assembled in three days, and then we had three days to complete the hoisting. Everything went according to the plan within the stipulated time frame.”
Simply thrilling
The work did not go unnoticed. Roy recalls, “People stood watching the hoisting work from four in the morning until midnight. There was a constant audience. The council even set up a coffee corner, and the TV crews were there. It was simply thrilling. We felt immense pride being part of it. Later, we posted images of the event on LinkedIn, and the reactions exploded. Everyone thought it was something special.”
Still improving
So far, 13 of the 23 major construction parts have been installed. “The next 10 will be up soon. This time, we’re going to do even better,” Roy says. “The first phase went well, but we encountered a few minor issues. For example, we underestimated how much two cranes would affect each other’s turning range, and a cylinder broke with no spare on site. We evaluated everything together, and Peinemann is addressing the points for improvement very well.”
Peinemann again
As we head into the second half of the project, we do so with confidence. “And any projects after that,” Roy adds. “If another project with special hoisting work comes along, we will definitely be talking to Peinemann about it.”
"Working together to create a beautiful work of art."