Ter Haak Group opens new head office

The new head office of the Ter Haak Group was officially opened by Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam and Mrs. Ter Haak Sr. on Friday 5 September.

The new Ter Haak Group head office is situated on Ruigoordweg in the America Harbour and houses five companies that were previously located across four different offices. “The move to the new head office is a milestone in the history of the Ter Haak Group," commented Director Richard ter Haak. “I am proud to be able to celebrate the opening with so many relations. It is due to our employees, clients and business partners that we have been able to play a valuable role in the dynamic market of Amsterdam port and transport services for almost 100 years."

The continuous movement of the terminal, the water, the surrounding companies and the rough weather conditions provided an exciting and adventurous setting for the opening act: Hans Riemens, cabaret producer of various popular Dutch television shows, appeared on stage to the tune of The Onedin Line and welcomed the 350 guests as James Onedin himself, skipper of the schooner Charlotte Rhodes from the famous BBC television series that was once in the hands of the Ter Haak family.

Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen then gave a speech in which he emphasised the importance of businesses such as the Ter Haak Group to the Port of Amsterdam. The mayor also complimented Richard ter Haak on his Dutch entrepreneurial spirit and individual character, for which he was named ‘Port Man of the Year’ in 2007. He then invited Mrs. Ter Haak-Jurgens to jointly perform the official opening of the new building.

Another spectacular act started with the beating of an Odaiko, a two-metre diameter Japanese drum. Accompanied by the sounds of an captivating drum show, a crane carrying two 20-feet containers moved over the offices. As the music continued to build, four abseilers exited the containers and defied the heavy winds and rain to unveil the company name on the building façade. The festivities were completed with fire canons, dry ice and confetti.  

After a word of gratitude by Richard ter Haak and a champagne toast, the guests entered the building for a tour and a variety of delicious culinary specialties. All in all it was a very memorable day. Milli Lagerweij