1966

Start with LDPE production

In the autumn of 1966, the first production of flexible plastics based on polyethylene took place in a modest factory on Julianaweg in Volendam. The start of KIVO (Kunststof Industrie Volendam) led by founder Dick Kwakman was thus a fact. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus, many types of LDPE films and bags have been produced for a wide variety of applications from the start. KIVO was soon regarded as a leading producer and the foundation was laid for continuous growth and development.

1984

Start with HDPE production

We started producing HDPE films and bags back in 1984. The machinery and product portfolio were expanded, enabling further growth to be achieved. Even today, KIVO is still one of the largest producers of HDPE films and bags in Europe.

1995

ISO certification

The importance of consistent product quality, continuous development and professional service has always been pursued and led to ISO certification in 1995. In the same year, formal measures were already taken as a precursor to the BRC-Packaging certificate to increase and guarantee food safety

1998

Start with 3-layer production (coex)

Also in the field of production techniques and the development of better materials for existing and new applications, KIVO was not idle in the 1990s. It is therefore typical for KIVO that with the introduction of multi-layer coextrusion, not one, but two new 3-layer coextrusion lines were purchased.

2008

Robert Kwakman general manager

In 2008, founder Dick Kwakman passed the baton to his youngest son Robert as General Manager, after which in 2010 the shares were also divided equally among Dick's three sons: Robert, Henry and Louis. The beautiful family business could thus be continued successfully and with the same élan.

2010

Transfer of shares to 3 sons: Louis, Henry and Robert (Second Generation)

Over the years, KIVO Plastic Verpakkingen has grown from a modest factory to a genuine group of companies and partnerships. Currently there are more than 320 employees spread over 3 locations in 2 countries. There is still continuous investment in people, machines, development, growth and cooperation.

In 2012 Polaris in Zwolle was acquired. In the meantime, Zwolle has already moved to a larger factory hall to accommodate the extensive production of printed bags for bread packaging.

In 2015, a new extrusion, flexographic printing and conversion factory was opened in Kacanik (Kosovo) together with our Kosovar partners. There, too, there has been a major expansion in order to be able to realize the growth plans.

In 2016, KIVO started with 3-layer thermo-lamination for a prominent customer.

In 2015 and 2016, KIVO was awarded the first prize in the Benelux and 2nd winner in Europe for its excellent quality in flexo print.

Taking on all these great challenges, in combination with a very open, curious and progressive attitude, ensures that new possibilities and opportunities always arise. Also in the future, KIVO will be constantly on the move to further expand and strengthen its leading position in Europe.