Driessen Aerospace Group NV
Ir. Ad Eijkelenboom, head of engineering, explained the scope of Zodiac Aerospace of which Driessen is part. Zodiac makes and supplies all aircraft interior components, Driessen concentrates on galleys with accompanying trolleys as well as crew rests (sleeping containers for crew on intercontinental flights) and luggage containers. The company started in 1938 when plumber Gerard Driessen made his first racks for glasses for KLM. Since then, the company has grown into a world player in the field of "aircraft kitchens", the so-called galleys where pre-prepared meals, etc. are stored, heated or cooled and presented to passengers using the well-known trolleys. Meanwhile, production no longer takes place in the Netherlands, Manufacturing sites are located in Pilsen (Czech Republic), near Los Angeles and in Thailand. Branches are also planned in locations where Zodiac Aerospace already has a presence. Discussed the relationship between the supplier, the aircraft manufacturer and the airline with sometimes another leasing company as an additional intermediary. To contain the large amount of customisation, modules are offered from which a complete galley can be assembled. The need to comply with aviation regulations was also explained: both design and material selection and manufacturing are subject to strict regulations. The evening was attended by around 20 members who - as was evident from the extensive question round - followed the presentation with great interest.
Description
Our February activity is a lecture on 29 February at Driessen Aerospace Group NV in Alkmaar. The board has asked Ad Eijkelenboom to give a presentation on the company's success. Among other things, Driessen makes the well-known trolleys used to serve meals in aeroplanes. In the presentation, you will hear how this field of work has developed.
Until recently, Driessen Aerospace Group had a production company in Wieringerwerf. It is now part of world-wide company Zodiac Aerospace with production locations in various countries but no longer in the Netherlands.
Speaker(s)
ir. Ad Eijkelenboom
Location
Toermalijnstraat 16, 1812RL Alkmaar
Organiser
Region North-Holland
Name and contact details for information
ir. Joop Barwegen