The story behind the Van Gelder family business

GVG Oliehandel is the company of the third generation of the Van Gelder family in the oil business. We have to thank our forefathers for much of our identity. We were brought up on ‘Learning-by-doing’, and the unconditional love of oil and technology is clearly in the genes.

The first litre of oil

1933

The first litre of oil

The first litre of oil is sold by Piet van Gelder, in Deest, under the name Olie-import GEDO. After the Second World War, he sells the enterprise and makes a new start in Beek: Van Gelder Olie-import. It turned out to be the basis for a sound enterprise with a loyal circle of clients.

Acquisition of fuel depot and filling stations

1968

Acquisition of fuel depot and filling stations

When Piet van Gelder has to take a step back owing to health problems, his sons continue the company as Van Gelder Aardolieproducten NV. They build a fuel depot on the canal in Nijmegen, so that ships from the refinery can be received with their loads. The company gets oil dealers as clients, and filling stations and a gas depot are purchased in Tiel. In the fields of waste oil collection and tank cleaning, Van Gelder innovates with much success.

First, diesel and petrol that is better for people and the environment

1990

First, diesel and petrol that is better for people and the environment

With the import and sale of clean fuels, Van Gelder is way ahead of its time. For a while, they are the only supplier in the Netherlands which supplies sulphur-free diesel and low-benzene petrol. Among others, McDonald’s and bus companies are the first to reduce the harmful emissions of their lorries with this diesel fuel. In 2010, in various sectors, there follows an obligation to use low-benzene petrol in machinery.

The three sons go further

2000

The three sons go further

The Van Gelder companies are sold and the next generation starts its own enterprise: GVG Oliehandel BV. Big oil companies dominate the market in conventional fuels and the new generation sees itself challenged to use its technical knowledge and business relationships of many years’ standing in the oil world in order to serve niche markets. They specialise in lubricant products (Agialube) and alkylate-based petrol (Aspen).

Quick growth: more room needed

2003

Quick growth: more room needed

The sales of alkylate-based petrol increase rapidly and the range of lubricants becomes ever larger, with the result that the initial location in Weurt is no longer adequate. GVG carries on from a larger building in Heumen. A great deal of attention is attracted with Aspen and a number of new products are introduced which are still among the best-selling: Aspen biological chainsaw oil, Agialube Bio Cleaner and Bio Hedge Trimmer Spray.

Realisation of the aimed-at logistical efficiency

2008

Realisation of the aimed-at logistical efficiency

The quick growth continues and GVG can no longer carry on in Heumen. Back in Nijmegen again, GVG obtains a licence for the construction of a fire-resistant PGS shed. Because of the logistical efficiency, multiple sorts of products can be sent to the clients quickly and simply. From that moment on, GVG also markets filling aids and clean heater fuels under its own brands Fillpartner and Firelux. With the development of the Fillpartner Autofiller, GVG acquires its first patent. There is more and more work and so more people are being taken on in order to have the GVG organisation run smoothly.

GVG’s path is becoming steadily clearer

2011

GVG’s path is becoming steadily clearer

The focus on product development and marketing is becoming ever greater. Close collaborative arrangements are being entered into with parties in these specialist fields. This professionalisation is quickly recognised by others, such as the producer of Aspen: Lantmännen Aspen Petroleum AB. GVG is blossoming into a serious partner in the area of development and the marketing of fuels, lubricants and cleaners in niche markets.

Expansion of GVG: specialist in cleaning agents

2014

Expansion of GVG: specialist in cleaning agents

GVG takes over the company C-inco. The acquaintance with cleaning-agent specialist C-inco derives from the fact that GVG was already carrying cleaners in its range. The two companies encountered each other within the sector and it turned out that it would offer both companies many benefits if C-inco were to proceed further under the wings of GVG.

Registration of our new brand Ecomaxx

2015

Registration of our new brand Ecomaxx

GVG is convinced there are more niche markets for clean, fuels with a long shelf life. GVG develops several product lines under its new private label Ecomaxx, each for a specific type of motorcycle. It starts with specially designed two-stroke fuel for motocross and race motorcycles, quickly followed by special fuels for mopeds and road bikes, classic cars and motorboats.

Introduction of Fillpartner Combihandle

2016

Introduction of Fillpartner Combihandle

Several years earlier, GVG had introduced the Autofiller onto the market for use on the Aspen 5-litre jerry can under its own brand name: Fillpartner. 2016 sees the introduction of the Combihandle. A portable solution for keeping your jerry can of two-stroke fuel, bottle of chainsaw oil and accessories at hand. Specially developed in-house for the professional who works a lot with chainsaws. During that year’s Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the Fillpartner Combihandle wins the Special Award of Excellence for Ergonomics.

Introducing Aspen D

2017

Introducing Aspen D

The Swedish company behind Aspen introduces a new product: Aspen D. A clean, sustainable diesel fuel for small diesel engines. Made from renewable hydrocarbons, it offers all the benefits Aspen is known for. Aspen D offers an excellent alternative to regular diesel fuel, especially for professionals who work with smaller diesel engines or diesel engines that are only used in season. GVG is the first importer to market the product.

New label and Aspen logo update

2020

New label and Aspen logo update

Good packaging never stays the same. How can it? You have to move with the times. The time had come to review the looks of the Aspen jerry can and Aspen logo. Once again, GVG was the first importer to announce the news. In 2020 we proudly introduced the new Aspen product design to the Benelux market.