RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 15
Amateur gardeners are still welcome, of course,
19
28
Ailsa Craig
Tomato
but they are less important than before in achieving
the desired turnover. Rijk Zwaan therefore decides
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to move into new office premises at Zaagmolenkade 28 in Rotterdam. Premises with enough room
for future growth. This property is the domain of
Rijk Zwaan’s second-in-command, Arie Vijn, head of
The 1927-1928 catalogue includes six custom
the company’s finance department. Arie Vijn was
selections. Two years later, that number has already
probably employed at Rijk Zwaan from the start. In
doubled, and another two years later the catalogue
any case, we find him on the books as early as 1926.
almost exclusively lists custom-selected varieties
To outsiders, the smart, slightly philosophical Vijn
(around eighty varieties). By this time, Rijk Zwaan
with his strict financial management style and the
has almost stopped supplying agricultural and
generous Rijk Zwaan are a duo who complement
grass seed. It is clear that at a certain point
each other perfectly. Arie Vijn is the contact person
Rijk Zwaan started to focus entirely on horticultural
in the office, while Rijk Zwaan spends most of his
seeds, a market in which he managed to gain an
time in the gardens where he is carrying out the
increasingly prominent position through breeding.
important selection work.
New office building
In the meantime, Rijk Zwaan’s social standing has
The business is thriving. In 1929, profits have
also improved considerably. Whereas he is still
doubled to around 13,000 guilders compared to
lodging with a certain Mr Verbeek in 1924, after
those of 1927. Rijk Zwaan displays the first signs
his marriage to Mina Margareta Henstra in 1925
of his prosperity to the outside world when
the young couple move into their own home in
he purchases an automobile, a Flint costing
the Exercitiestraat, number 13b. Three years later,
2,000 guilders, a considerable sum at the time.
after two children have been added to the family,
In addition, he invests even more money
they acquire a new home at 27b Paradijslaan, in a
in the company.
considerably more upmarket neighbourhood.
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19
29
New office
building on
Zaagmolenkade 28
Rotterdam
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‘Neat handwriting
and the ability to
add and subtract’.
By 1929, the little shop at Zwaanshals has become
Nieuwe Rotterdamsche
too cramped for the expanding business, which is
Courant, 1929.
now focusing almost exclusively on horticulture.
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Ms. M. Zwaan-Henstra in
1927-1928
the shop at Zwaanshals in
Rotterdam.
Turnover
Omzet
34
0000
1924-1940 | On the eve of breeding recognition
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FTE
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