Without past no present and future

It’s with gratitude and enthusiasm, but also with a mix of emotion that I after 37 years of entrepreneurship hand over LEOXX and Prints van Oranje to the new owner, the Hillfloor Group. This decision has matured in my mind for a long time. Now the moment has arrived, I would like to briefly take you through the past, reflect on the present and let this beautiful company go with ease of mind and a positive view towards the future.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

The origins of LEOXX come from the love of founder Leo Nekeman (1962-2013) for textile in all its facets. Different generations of Nekeman have been raised from 1828 with coconut and sisal weaving mills, dyehouse, looms and eventually by innovation with carpet. Looking back to the very beginning in 1986, I remember how we started in an attic room in The Hague. We didn’t have staff, no coffee machine, no customer base. What we did have was a deep-seated belief in our idea to start a ‘carpet company for commercial use specifically for the target group of architects’. Leo’s tireless enthusiasm and conviction have led to the creation of COLOR BOOKS and are until today the mark of LEOXX.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

In prosperity and adversity, including multiple economic downturns, LEOXX has grown with its custom printing label Prints van Oranje into a quirky company that stands for sustainable and innovative flooring for commercial use and a unique interior experience, with a strong vision on well-being and the environment. I’m proud of this company and where we are today. I fully realize this is only possible due to the faith of our customers, suppliers and the commitment of our dedicated staff, who from their own expertise and engagement have provided their valuable contribution and who will keep doing so.

LOOK TO THE FUTURE

The success of an organization is often measures by its capability to keep evolving and renewing. This is what we have always done with LEOXX and Prints van Oranje and what we now do again with this take over; LEOXX and Prints van Oranje are ready for the next phase of growth and new challenges. I’m happy we have found the perfect match in the Hillfloor Group, with Henk and Karst Beens at the head. For me this lies in a strong synergy regarding product level, quality, and market operation. But maybe even more in the fact that LEOXX and Prints van Oranje have now landed in a place I would call ‘home base’: at the core of the carpet industry. I’m looking forward to the future of this wonderful company and let it go with a restful heart!

Anja Nekeman