Machinefabriek Boessenkool from Almelo has become the winner of the Dutch Innovation Award 2018. The presentation was Wednesday evening 13 June in the TV programme De Wereld van Morgen. The machine factory was particularly praised for its tractor drone.
In the Scheveningen Kurhaus, the prestigious prize was handed over by astronaut André Kuipers. Jury praised Boessenkool for its progressive position in its market. "The company excels in creativity and innovativeness and invests heavily in various technologies." Other nominees for the award were KPN and internet company Youwe.
Flying tractor
Boessenkool developed a huge drone that can lift and move a weight of 500 kilos. This drone can be used to spray crops, for example, but also to supply disaster areas. "At Boessenkool, we not only design and build innovative solutions for customers, but our employees are also allowed to come up with their own products. The huge drone was also created that way. Our employees came up with a product on their own initiative and also one in which the Dutch army has serious potential. The drone can be used for all kinds of logistics purposes. For its development, we are working closely with Defence, and it is also called a flying tractor.' Defence plans to use the drone for transporting wounded soldiers.
Boessenkool considers the innovation award as a huge support. "Great that we won this prize," director Eelco Osse told Tubantia. "It gives us enormous support. These are long-term projects that require substantial investments. And in this, you do take some risk."
Crown Jewels
The jury had nice words to say about all the award nominees. "These companies all have unique characteristics. They have a strong passion for technology, invest heavily in research & development. The top management is not going for short-term profitability but long-term innovativeness. You can only do that with very good employees. All companies invest a lot in the talents of their employees. That makes them all crown jewels for the Dutch economy. We wish we had more companies like this."
