“Royal” Designation for Smeva Group

On 15 October, Smeva has awarded the “Royal” designation by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. It is the jewel in the crown that recognises the work the Brabant family business has been doing for 100 years to develop, produce and supply customers all over the world with high-quality (self-)service counters, cooling and freezing cells, and turn-key refrigeration furniture.

Smeva is proud to receive this Royal seal of approval and sees it as a reward for generations of passionate work. The third generation of the Smets family is now at the helm of the Valkenswaard company, and with 230 employees, Smeva is an important part of the Brabant community. Charles Smets (CEO Smeva Group): “I grew up with Smeva, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We have been developing, manufacturing and supplying our products across the globe for 100 years. The involvement of the family can be felt throughout the organisation. My grandfather, Marcelis Smets, founded the company in May 1920 under the name Stoommeubelfabriek De Nijverheid. My father, Frans Smets, then expanded the company in refrigeration technology. Unfortunately, he recently passed away, but this Royal designation is the crowning glory of his work.”

Stay cool: Smeva 100 years

The refrigeration industry has undergone significant development in the past century. Smeva has grown into a well-known innovative company in refrigeration solutions. In the early days of Smeva, cooling was still achieved using cooling rods; nowadays environmentally-friendly natural refrigerants, such as propane and CO2, are used for cooling products. Smets: “How do you remain a successful refrigeration technology company? Smeva stands for quality, solidity and reliability. Our customers often confirm that. He also introduced ground-breaking refrigeration innovations in prefabricated modular refrigeration and freezer units and fully integrated refrigeration (self-)service counters. We have always maintained that innovative character.” 

Royal in COVID-19 time

While strict corona measures still threw a spanner in the works for the festivities surrounding the 100th anniversary last year, Smeva has celebrate the special milestone with all its employees and their partners on Friday 15 October in the Evoluon. “Last year we commemorated our anniversary in a special online broadcast, but as a family business we find it extremely valuable to celebrate this highlight with our employees and their partners. This designation is also a reward for their work and a fantastic milestone for Smeva. Reflecting on past achievements and jointly celebrating successes help our company chart the course for the future,” says Smeva director Henk Dibbets.

Investing in sustainability

Part of this new course is an ambitious new-build project on the John F. Kennedylaan in Valkenswaard. In the coming years, Smeva will invest here in the radical modernization of its office building and production halls. “Smeva has stood for high quality and sustainable innovations for a century and now, in addition to the Royal predicate, will also receive facilities with a premium appearance,” says Dibbets. “This investment is in line with our company's sustainability goals and provides savings on operational costs, contributing to Smeva's further future-proofing. And of course it is also fantastic for our employees.”

Note for editors:
If you would like more information, please contact Sabine v/d Dungen (s.van.den.dungen@smevagroup.com).