RZ-100-wt4-E-flipbook-240702 - Flipbook - Page 68
Against the odds
‘On the basis of the provisional 昀椀gures submitted,
All of the developments in sales, expansion of
the committee would like to express its satisfaction
the range, accommodation and personnel lead
and appreciation with regard to the results
to good results in the 1970s. Which shows that
achieved. Mr van de Merwe congratulates the
Rijk Zwaan is growing stronger than ever. For
Board on this excellent result. Especially if one
example, turnover doubles within a few years to
compares this result with that of other companies
14 million guilders in 1978 – exports have now
known to him, we can safely describe ourselves as
even overtaken domestic sales. This growth really
a ‘healthy, sprightly company.’
goes against the general trend of the economy.
In the Netherlands and on an international level,
The same report states that further investment is
economies are facing significant headwinds.
required in order to maintain a ‘top performance’.
Particularly the office and greenhouse complex
Advertisement for
As mentioned above, the growth of Rijk Zwaan
is in need of expansion. The elderly Mr Rijk Zwaan,
Ravel cabbage lettuce, 1977.
continues unabated during this period. The
who is still an adviser to the company, also makes
restructuring of the company is one of the main
himself heard at this point. The founder, who in the
causes of this. The breeding company want to
1960s had his representatives switch from a more
focus on a wider range, while segments that were
expensive car model to the cheaper Opel Kadet,
lagging far behind the competition are disposed
emphatically warns that the proportion of outside
of. Foreign markets are proving to be a success
capital used for future financing should not be
for Rijk Zwaan. In 1974, when most companies are
excessive. Although this advice does lead to
First greenhouse complex
facing stagnating incomes, the following passage
some delay, the approval of the investment plan
in De Lier, 1978.
appears in the minutes of the Foundation’s board:
becomes a reality by the mid-1970s.
66
Rijk Zwaan | Moving forward together
