A Brief Look Back
VETUS was founded by Willem den Ouden in 1964. Since that period of time, this wholly Dutch company has grown into a truly international business, being a manufacturer and trading company selling marine diesel engines, marine accessories and technical equipment, for pleasure craft and smaller commercial vessels. From the beginning, the company’s principle has been the in-house design and development of exclusive VETUS marine accessories, leaving the manufacturing and assembly to specialised third parties. Export business has been taken up at an early stage.
Apart from the head office in Schiedam, there are currently subsidiaries in Friesland (also in the Netherlands), Great Britain, Spain and the United States. VETUS products are also available – and are being serviced - in more than 100 countries, through distributors or agents world-wide. In May 2007 the Dutch investment bankers of AAC Capital Partners acquired the shares of the enterprise.
The Present Position
VETUS occupies a unique position in the water sports business, particularly as the company develops and sells only its own brand items - total of more than 2500 different products, all shown in the well-known yearly catalogue. Approximately 450,000 copies of this publication are printed annually, in 11 languages. The unparalleled broad range of exclusive VETUS products, their high quality and reliability, optimal applicability and of course an excellent worldwide service network have created a superb reputation in professional circles as well as among boat owners. The philosophy that after sales service is de facto inseparable from sales has led to an extensive service network operating worldwide with local centres where boat owners can expect optimal service.