Event Updates
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14 May 2025

Celebrating 100 years of can-making in Hoogeveen

By Trivium Communications
Celebrating 100 years of can-making in Hoogeveen
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Tiffany Schlarman
Tiffany Schlarman
Global PR & Marketing Communications Director
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Many manufacturing sites across Trivium’s European network share a rich, multigenerational history of can-making, and the Hoogeveen Nutrition plant is no exception. This year, the high-tech facility proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary. 

Hoogeveen History

It all began in 1925, when a team of just ten people started producing cans for the local dairy market out of a barn in the Netherlands. Since then, the plant has been part of nine different companies before joining Trivium Packaging in 2019. 

Today, the Hoogeveen Nutrition plant is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility employing around 300 FTE and proudly holding a BRCGS AA+ status. Thanks to a rigorous Operational Excellence transformation and a clear flagship vision, the plant has become a benchmark in the industry, attracting visits from companies eager to learn from its journey. 

On 1 June 2021, Koen Jacobs took over as Plant Manager. With a background in deep sea shipping, Koen has brought a nautical flavour to the plant’s culture. The central hub for daily production meetings is called The Wheelhouse, reflecting a ship’s command centre. “You should know,” Koen smiles, “that these nautical analogies are very much driven by the Hoogeveen team itself.” Each department within the expansive plant has its own dedicated meeting space, such as The Engine Room. 

Supply Chain Navigation

Stefan Wiersema, Supply Chain Manager, shares how the nautical theme continues: “Our Supply Chain team meets in The Navigation Room, a central hub for our daily standard meetings. Here, we review key KPIs, monitor the production plan, assess actuals on each line, and quickly address any deviations or risks.” 

Made in Hoogeveen

A unique feature of the plant is its very own can museum, showcasing hundreds of can designs produced at Hoogeveen over the decades — a tribute to the plant’s craftsmanship and heritage. 

The centennial celebrations include a variety of events and programs, welcoming the Mayor of Hoogeveen, as well as current and former employees and their families. A timeline stretching from the entrance to the production floor will illustrate the plant’s 100-year history, highlighting key moments and commemorative cans.