CAE has been around since 1986 and has a long history in the design and supervision of building constructions in complex residential and utility construction. Iv-Bouw and CAE have known each other for a long time and have previously worked together on projects such as the HAKA building, the sports park above the A4 motorway in Schiedam and the tender for the maintenance & repair building JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) Aircraft Engines. These were collaborations that always went well and whereby both parties complemented each other. With this acquisition, Iv-Bouw can now offer a total package of technical installation consultancy and structural design in the utility construction sector. A distinguishing factor compared to many other companies that often possess only one of the two specialisms. 

Why does CAE fit Iv so well? Erik explains: “It’s an enthusiastic, young team of people, with a number of experienced employees who coach and guide well. They are highly educated and ambitious people with a wealth of experience in a market that is similar to that in which we operate. They also thrive on working on projects that really matter and like us at Iv, they have a real passion for technology. A good match! Furthermore, half of the CAE employees are women, which is quite special for an engineering company. We welcome a good mix of employees and are proud of this addition. I also think it is good for the atmosphere in the workplace.” During the acquisition, Erik was given a pink construction helmet, symbolising the ladies of the company. “Marjolein Crone, former Director of CAE, had received this helmet as a symbol of the female influence in construction. She handed it over to me. I will certainly do my best to maintain diversity within the company. We are convinced that both CAE’s customers and employees will benefit from this acquisition as it provides access to a wide variety of technical knowledge within Iv.”

Iv-Bouw has also gained an office in Delft through this acquisition. Close to the epicentre of technology. “We consider our contact with the Technical Universities very important and are pleased with this new, well-placed office. Finding technical talent is difficult and this location provides opportunities to attract new people and to strengthen our relationship with TU Delft”, says Erik. 

In terms of what the future holds, Erik explains what the plans are: “By adding this strong construction department to Iv-Bouw, we are expanding our expertise, making us an even more desirable partner for our customers; as a consultant and designer and as a risk-bearing partner in D&C (Design & Construct) projects. The combination that we can offer in the tender phase for a structural engineering contractor is of great added value.” In the utility construction sector, it is usually the structural engineering contractor who takes the lead in D&C requests. Since the installations are becoming an increasingly important part of the work, and the structural engineering contractor is generally unfamiliar with this kind of matter, the contractor already requires support from an installer or a consultancy company in the quotation phase. Given the impact that the construction and the installations have on the price and quality of the offer, it is important that the structural engineering contractor makes a wise choice in this. Erik: “As a risk-bearing partner, we enter into collaboration with the contractor and assume full responsibility for the design.”