The story of the Oude Hengel family business. Over 100 years of love for wood.
Even we don’t know exactly what it is. Perhaps it’s the rustic look, the smell of sawdust or the sound of creaking. Perhaps it’s the unparalleled versatility, the ancient solidity or the sustainable CO₂-neutral character. But what we do know is that at Oude Hengel, the love for wood is in our DNA.
The Oude Hengel family business began a long time ago with the purchase of a corn mill in Ootmarsum. The company soon grew into a sawmill.
Now the fourth generation is at the helm, and the mill in Ootmarsum has been exchanged for a modern timber company in Gildehaus with its own sawmill, drying facility, workshop and extensive storage capacity.
We design to measure, give expert advice and make efficient use of all types of wood. This has made us a reliable partner in the woodworking industry, construction, real estate and everything related for four generations.
From stone corn mill to international company
The mill
It all started in 1911 when Herman Oude Hengel bought a stone corn mill right by the centre of Ootmarsum. Not because he wanted to start a sawmill; on the contrary, he equipped the mill with a bakery, shop, café and grain silo. Anything but a sawmill. But as agriculture in the region grew, so did the need for woodwork. That was when Herman decided to add a sawmill to the mill – and successfully so.
Sawmill
Herman’s sons Herman, Johan and Gerrit were the successors in their father’s company and focused on the sawmill. Because it was the only sawmill in the region, Oude Hengel became an important supplier for the construction of stables and houses. This expanded, especially in later years, when the focus was on mass production in construction. From then on, Oude Hengel’s focus shifted to the timber trade. And it showed – because from that moment on, Oude Hengel became even more successful.
Furniture industry
Another Herman (the third generation) then took over Oude Hengel. He already had in-depth knowledge of wood, different types of wood and efficient production. This knowledge came in handy at that time with the increasing demand for furniture wood and ships’ masts. With the sawmill, drying facility and innovative methods, he focused on high-quality beech, pine and oak wood for furniture. From wooden tables and chairs to cabinets and stairs, he could make exactly whatever was most in demand.
Wood specialist
In 2003, Valentijn and Douwe, two sons of Herman Oude Hengel, took over the company: the fourth generation. Together they ensure that the company continues to be successful to this day. The sawmill moved to Gildehaus in Germany, the birthplace of their great-grandfather, and developed into an international total supplier of sustainable wood and high-quality wood constructions. From ‘old-fashioned’ beams to full development of shell houses. With trading, design, drying and the sawmill all in one place, they can take care of customers from start to finish.
“The advantage of our location: We combine German solidity and craftsmanship with the Dutch commercial spirit.”
Quality
High-quality products at a fair price.
All-in-one
Advice, design and production in one. The solution for every problem.
Since 1911
With our years of experience and expertise, we offer assurance in every project.
Sustainable
Wood of reliable origin is processed on our own site to minimise transportation.
Sustainable production with consideration of people and the environment
Oude Hengel fells, saws, dries and processes honest wood in a sustainable way; so you can count on sustainable products with a reliable origin, provided with all certifications.