The acquisition of Ruysch International by Damen Schelde Marine Services marked a substantial milestone in the history of the two companies. While the months preceding the takeover were largely spent dealing with legal and HR matters, the period since 1 March has seen further integration of the two companies on the two most important levels: the ‘business’ and the ‘personal’.

Regarding the business side of affairs, DSMS organised an interactive sales session involving the commercial teams from the company’s two offices in Vlissingen and s’-Gravendeel. “The aim of this session was to create a new commercial plan that uses the synergy between DSMS and Ruysch,” says Jeroen Caris, DSMS Commercial Manager. “DSMS is known for its 100 years+ of engine knowledge, quality and service. Ruysch is known as being one of the best workshops in the Netherlands where a large range of engine parts can be repaired and overhauled.”

Another critical point is that Ruysch International – now called DSMS s’-Gravendeel – has a complimentary scope of products to DSMS. “They work on exactly the brand names and types of engines that we don’t. This makes the acquisition doubly significant: we are broadening the scope of knowledge and experience as well as the scope of products. We were looking for synergy during this sales meeting and we definitely found it,” Jeroen adds. This synergy is extended past sales strategies due to the fact that DSMS s’-Gravendeel has a fully equipped workshop where they “can work on repairs of components from their original scope of products as well as ours”.

“They work on exactly the brand names and types of engines that we don’t. This makes the acquisition doubly significant: we are broadening the scope of knowledge and experience as well as the scope of products." Jeroen Caris

On the personal level, the integration of the two companies was seen in DSMS’ Easter brunch now also including the team from DSMS s’-Gravendeel. “This is a traditional annual event for us – and this was also the first time that all the staff from both locations were present,” says Jeroen. “It was a chance for everyone to get to know each other in a really nice informal setting.” Staff from DSMS s’-Gravendeel were first given a tour of the DSMS premises in Vlissingen to “show them a bit of the Damen Shipyards and Royal Schelde history”.

Are there any other activities planned for the future? “Yes, we are setting out the standard working practices for the different areas of work in the two locations; including the sales and operations,” replies Jeroen. “And we will be incorporating the new office into our certification processes. This is going to be quite straightforward though; we don’t expect any surprises. And we will definitely be organising more joint events: the summer barbecue is a good example. We are looking forward to working closer with our new colleagues at the DSMS s’-Gravendeel office. So far, the integration of the two companies has been a case of 1 plus 1 equals 3.”

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