Dear Bolk Colleagues,

On September 15, 1966, Mr. J. Martens, then director of the Almelosche Coöperatieve Melkinrichting (ACO), laid the first stone for a new dairy factory on Plesmanweg. For thirty years, milk from affiliated farmers was processed here into butter, ice cream, custard, porridge, yogurt, and other dairy products. Electric delivery vans brought the dairy products in reusable glass bottles to homes in and around Almelo.

In 1973, ACO merged into the Organization of Dairy Merchants Twente, abbreviated as ORMET—the name the factory has carried ever since. Even after the takeover by Coberco and later FrieslandCampina, the building on Plesmanweg remained known among Almelo residents as “the Ormet.”

After the final acquisition, the factory was dismantled, and in 1996 Bolk purchased the site and its warehouse, located just across the street from the company’s base since 1986. The availability of extra storage and parking space provided Bolk with an important boost, and the arched warehouse—almost 20 meters high with a 40-meter clear span—offered new opportunities for storing and transshipping large machinery. Over time, more and more functions were relocated “across the road,” and in 2003 the former canteen and changing rooms were converted into the current planning office.

Both inside and out, the building’s history is still clearly visible. Many original details have been preserved, such as the large meeting room with its custom-built table and original ceiling lights. However, after nearly 60 years, we’re also dealing with some drawbacks—poor insulation and an impractical layout, for example.

Because the Ormet location still suits Bolk perfectly, we have decided to carry out a thorough renovation, sustainability upgrade, and redesign of the building’s office wing. At the end of June, we’ll temporarily relocate to CTT Almelo and temporary office units. Both the ground and upper floors will be completely stripped, and the concrete structure will be enclosed in a new, insulated façade. In doing so, we aim to create an attractive place to work and rest for our drivers and for the growing number of colleagues based here.

This temporary situation is expected to last about a year and will require flexibility from all of us. We’ll do our utmost to maintain our service quality and team spirit throughout the process. But we’re already looking forward to welcoming you all to the new “Ormet”!

Enjoy reading and watching this edition of the Bolk Magazine!

Bolk Management