History & heritage

West End was founded in 1947 in Leiden as a repair business for combustion engines. Besides maintenance and minor jobs, we noted a growing need for the manufacture of replacement parts. That is why we developed into a machine works and invested in knowledge and experience in production technology. The confidence of our customers encouraged us to invest more in new instruments and possibilities, including the training of employees. This confidence led to larger and more extensive assignments and diversification into new markets.

Our refurbishment department is still an important section of our family business.

The West End name

In the 1950s, the growing activities and expansion into foreign markets created the need for a name with international appeal. West End refers to the well known theatre and entertainment district in the heart of London and as a name is readily remembered.

‘Our family has a long name that is not very handy overseas. So we chose a short, strong name that sounds familiar to an international public.’

Challenges

West End Machinefabriek has overcome many challenges over the past 70 years. We are proud of the flexibility with which we tackled these challenges. During the crisis years in the 1970s and 1980s, and later in 2008, we were able to keep going each time.

‘In the 1970s, we suddenly needed a drawing office. And before we knew it, 2D drawing had to make way for 3D engineering.’

Our family business is flexible, and this has enabled us to shift our focus from growth to job protection in difficult times. That same flexibility also enables us to embrace new – and sustainable – technologies. We have therefore always been able to respond to the changing requirements and wishes that arise in our markets. Examples are the transition from drawing office to 3D modelling at the start of this century, and the expansion to new customers and markets, nationally and internationally.

‘With our background in mechanics, it was a challenge to construct with adhesive bonds.’

Ben van Berge Henegouwen, MEng, is the third generation in the family heritige of West End Machine Works.

Highlights

1947

Founded bij Josef van Berge Henegouwen

1950s

Production of more than 600 process tanks
Relocation from Leiden to Sassenheim

1970s

Introduction of the drawing office

1980s

Development of Yoke LSS
Relocation to Lisse

1990s

WHG (Wasserhaushaltsgesetz VMG) (Water management and HSE) Work for Dutch Space: Era
Environmental certification Wasserhaushaltsgesetz
Expansion of building 4 in Lisse
Mushroom slicing machine
Tulip bulb machine

2000s

Investment in water jet cutting and implementation of 3D modular system design in our design department
Construction, manufacture and assembly of aerospace exhibitions in Edinburgh and Berlin

2010s

Manufacture of more than 100 precision frames for flight simulators
CPT machine (Cone Penetration Testing)
Cleanroom, refurbishment, engineering and newbuild, in-house clean assembly
Certifications ISO 9001, ISO 1090, ISO 3834-2
Certified adhesive bonding, Delft University of Technology

2012

Opening of second site in the ESA Business Incubation Centre in Noordwijk

2014

Further international growth, emphasised by the stand in the Holland Pavilion at the Hannover Messe
Faro measurement arm
3D printing

2016

Precision Fair
3D measurement Faro laser tracker

2017

Participation of LiS (Leiden Instrument makers School) in the Aerospace Cluster

2018

Orbital welding

2020

Environmental certificate

‘Not a single test is done in our aerospace test centre without West End being involved, either in the equipment, the interface adapters or the hardware of the test object itself.’

Future

West End continually develops its long term vision.

West End Machinefabriek always focuses on improving efficiency and increasing knowledge. Our aim is to continue to stand out on the national and international stages as a reliable and expert partner for refurbishment, manufacturing and detailed engineering.

West End continues to invest unabatedly in new technologies and combinations of materials. We invest in hardware and knowledge so that we can use the potential of these innovations for our customers.

West End is keen to work increasingly with hybrid materials and technical plastics, and with the integration of mechatronics in complete systems.

• Cryogenic technology
• 3D printing applications
• Use of pneumatics in ATEX environments
• Mobile and large scale 3D measurements
• Vacuum technology
• Quenching techniques during thermal test phases
• Adhesive bonds

We always provide customised services, creating added value for our customers with our combination of competences. This enables our customers to achieve innovations which we see in the processing industry, aviation and aerospace, shipbuilding and science.

‘West End often literally supplies the basis for innovation.’