Interview with Erwin van Limpt, CEO Haval
Started as a fry shop, grown into an international player in the field of disposables and packaging for the food industry. From trend-following to trend-setting. Erwin van Limpt's father founded Haval in 1984. Erwin joined in 1993, and together they have put Haval on the map. We speak with Erwin van Limpt about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the role of GBO Innovation makers in all of this.
Erwin describes himself as an unconventional entrepreneur who looks for opportunities. He likes to work efficiently and aims to achieve the maximum result with minimal effort. Erwin pays attention to trends and developments and strives for ever-improving results. For this, he enjoys collaborating, as he believes that together you achieve more than alone.
Haval originally started as a fry shop. A regular customer at the time had an unused injection molding machine. This is how it all began. The van Limpt family started producing their own fry forks. Soon, renowned foodservice wholesalers showed interest in their products. From that moment on, things progressed quickly. Haval currently produces 600 million products for the food market each year. The focus has shifted from plastic and single-use products to sustainable products and processes.
With Circulware, Haval is setting a new standard in the market.
The collaboration with GBO Innovation makers began about 30 years ago. Developing something beautiful together has been in our DNA for many years. Driven by the desire to create ever better and more beautiful products, I joined forces with GBO Innovation makers. It has evolved into a long-lasting partnership.
In the past, my father was a loyal follower. He looked around carefully to see what was happening in the market. Then we tried out such new developments, but faster, smarter, and cheaper. Our market is very price-driven. If all products cost 10 euros, people choose the most beautiful or unique product. Developing a unique product is not done by copying something. We are always looking for innovations.
GBO understands Haval's customers very well, allowing us to work efficiently. After a 30-year collaboration, you know what to expect from each other. During our meetings, the designers from GBO sketch their ideas on paper during the conversation. This quickly creates a picture or vision of what we have in mind. It greatly accelerates the development process.
We are known for our distinctive designs, with which we have already won many prestigious design awards. We develop products with the right choices of materials and constructions, using knowledge of the latest technology and always with attention to people and the environment.
