The machinery and business inventory of Lolaar Spuitgiettechniek B.V., based in Helmond, are currently being offered through an online auction. With the decision to cease operations, the family business, active for more than four decades in both the Dutch and international plastics industry, is coming to an end.

From one generation to the next

Lolaar Spuitgiettechniek was founded in 1982 by the parents of the current owners. Carolien van Bommel-Loverbos and her brothers Twan, Wilco and Anthony grew up in the business and took over the company together four years ago.

“We grew up in the company and have always been involved in the work,” says Carolien van Bommel-Loverbos. “Working with family can sometimes be challenging, but it is also a great strength. Communication is direct and you know what to expect from each other.”

Over the years, Lolaar developed into a well-established name within the injection moulding sector. With the closure, not only does a business come to an end, but also a family story that has been closely tied to it for decades.

A conscious decision to wind down in a controlled way

According to the owners, the decision to cease operations was carefully considered.

“We have only owned the company for four years,” says Van Bommel-Loverbos. “During that time, we have faced both a raw materials crisis and an energy crisis. As a new generation, this has left us with limited opportunity to build reserves. The investments now required to comply with new laws and regulations are not feasible for us.”

Broader economic and geopolitical developments have also played a role. The competitive position of Dutch manufacturing companies is under pressure, partly due to lower costs abroad.

“Energy and labour costs are often lower abroad, making it increasingly attractive for customers to move production there. That combination forced us to take an honest look at the future of our company.”

Ultimately, the owners chose to take control of the process themselves, rather than waiting until a potential bankruptcy would become unavoidable.

“We believe our company is too valuable to let it go bankrupt,” says Van Bommel-Loverbos. “That is why we chose a controlled shutdown. As an entrepreneur, you should be able to look everyone in the eye until the very end.”

A broader trend in the sector

Lolaar’s closure is not an isolated case. Across the Dutch plastics and manufacturing industry, especially medium-sized companies are facing increasing pressure due to rising costs, stricter regulations and international competition.

“This auction not only shows that valuable machinery is becoming available, but also highlights the level of pressure currently affecting large parts of the Dutch manufacturing industry, including plastics processing,” says Tjerk Douna, account manager at Troostwijk Auctions.

Giving machines a second life

Through the online auction, the injection moulding machines and other assets are made available to other market participants. This gives equipment that has been used in plastics production for many years a second life, either domestically or internationally.

For the family, this is an important aspect of the process.

“I mainly hope that others can continue working with our equipment,” says Van Bommel-Loverbos. “We have always worked with it with great pride and enjoyment. There is still a lot of heart in this company, and it is good to know the machines can be used again elsewhere.”