'Even more variety in modular construction of temporary emergency kitchens'

Transparency in cost structure

Nieuwegein-based Noodkeuken.nl is always taking the next step. Director/owner Tjeerd van Schelven knows what innovation is, he listens carefully to the market and therefore always manages to very effectively achieve The Next Level. The Emergency Kitchen® as a product already seems to have well established its place in the market: a temporary mobile kitchen that a private individual, or a business party, can rent during a renovation of their own kitchen so that they can simply cook in the evening. "In the meantime, we have launched new versions," says Tjeerd. "It's also much easier and more transparent to configure via our website."

So we are sitting at the table with a satisfied entrepreneur. And, with good reason. Because the concept Tjeerd came up with was only put on the market three years ago. "Thus, within the concept of emergency kitchens, we rent out a Small Unit, a Medium Unit and a Large Unit. The Small Unit involves 'Rinse/Cook/Cool,' up to a width of 1 meter 80, which is ideal for those people who are having a kitchen remodeled, which might take a week, for example."

Preselected units

"With the Medium Unit, up to a width of 2 meters 40, there is the possibility of adding a dishwasher. And, with the Large Unit, up to a width of 3 meters, everything is included. So, from refrigerator to sink unit with Unito boiling water faucets, workspace and dishwasher. So we have a solution for everyone that fits within their budget. In short, a nice collection of preselected units to choose from. The variety in the modular construction of emergency kitchens has increased."

Tjeerd explains that it works on the principle of modularity. "This increases our chances of serving multiple markets in the future. Now we mainly focus on the kitchen specialty stores in the Netherlands, which can draw their customers' attention to this emergency kitchen service. Precisely because of the modular structure, we have also become more interesting for contractors, for example, for use at trade fairs, municipalities, shelters and even housing corporations, who benefit from the fact that they can already rent out a property despite the fact that the planned kitchen has not yet been installed. So then that's where it becomes the temporary emergency kitchen!"

Website configuration

Tjeerd understands better than anyone that you also have to have your story right online and that consumers can be enticed with digital convenience. "For example, the consumer can reserve a time slot at which he wants the emergency kitchen to be delivered. It is also no longer necessary to pay in advance and we no longer ask for a deposit. Furthermore, the transportation costs are included in the rental amount, so there are no costs afterwards. The configuration on the website informs the end user in the best possible way. We stand for optimal and transparent communication about the price."

Consistent rental company

When Tjeerd is asked how his company will look in ten years, he is positive. "Of course I know that nothing comes naturally, and of course I am aware that the kitchen industry is a fickle one, yet I am convinced that by then we will be known in the market as a consistent rental company, which has repeatedly succeeded in developing innovative products. Moreover, I see it as our mission to make the "temporary market" greener and more sustainable. There are many opportunities and -if you ask me- especially moral and social obligations. After all, the market is increasingly demanding sustainable and green solutions. We must also have an increasingly better answer to that in this rental segment. And that will succeed."