DeutschFlexible serial production: strategic advantages for Antonius’ clients
How can Antonius enhance clients’ resilience in fluctuating markets? The renowned Dutch manufacturer of vessel heads is now placing greater emphasis on serial production, thereby offering clients various clear benefits. In this article we discuss this strategic decision with Rob Derix, Antonius’ Commercial Director and co-owner. He explains why Antonius is making this adjustment and what it will mean for clients.
“Our expertise in specialized manufacturing, especially vessel heads, remains at the heart of Antonius. We continue to deliver exceptional quality and precision, adhering strictly to design codes like ASME, EN 13445, AD-2000, and Norsok. What’s new is our increased focus on serial production alongside these specialized services. By adding flexible batch production to our capabilities, we become a more complete partner to our clients. We offer them not only the agility of short lead times and manageable order sizes but also the highly specialized engineering knowledge and craftsmanship required for complex shapes. This combination positions us uniquely, giving our clients a comprehensive, resilient, and reliable manufacturing partner.”
Antonius has recently adjusted its approach to emphasize serial production, shifting towards contract-based manufacturing to enhance operational flexibility and service consistency. By embracing this strategy, Antonius aims to deliver substantial benefits to clients, including improved inventory management, reduced supply chain vulnerability, and greater responsiveness to market demands.
The strategic value of serial production
Antonius is placing greater emphasis on serial production to offer clients more strategic and operational benefits. According to Rob Derix, director at Antonius:
“We’re positioning ourselves clearly for contract-based serial production—larger series, typically batches of around ten or more per order, maintaining the same quality Antonius is renowned for. Beyond just high-quality manufacturing, our flexibility stands out. Our clients get quick, or even super quick turnaround times, combined with our deep engineering expertise and the extensive knowledge we’ve accumulated over 85 years. Rather than simply mass-producing, we’re actively thinking alongside our customers, optimizing their supply chains, and helping them order smarter in terms of lead times and material availability.”
By clearly defining their strategic intent, Antonius lays the groundwork for deeper, ongoing collaboration with clients.
Flexible collaboration tailored to client needs
Derix highlights Antonius’ tailored logistical approach and the direct benefits for clients:
“For example, we’ve made price agreements based on our clients’ annual needs—say, a client expects to sell fifty installations a year, each consisting of various components. Together, we develop a clear, market-conforming price list, often even sharper than competitors, without compromising our well-known quality standards. Clients can place smaller, more manageable orders, like batches of ten to twenty units, delivered with significantly shorter lead times. Unlike many competitors who require heavy commitments and large volumes upfront, we aim to remain agile, allowing our clients greater flexibility in their planning and stock management.”
This flexibility not only simplifies inventory management but also creates the foundation for resilient, strategic partnerships.
Reducing client vulnerability through strategic partnerships
Partnering with Antonius as an additional or alternative supplier significantly reduces client risk by ensuring continuous supply chain resilience. Rob Derix explains:
“We’re a credible alternative in the Western European market for serial production—offering superior quality, fast turnaround, and the agility many suppliers cannot match. Including Antonius as an additional supplier allows clients to minimize their risk and become less vulnerable. It means that if one supplier reaches full capacity, another option is readily available. Clients appreciate having choices, especially when those choices combine competitive pricing with consistent Dutch quality. We’re proactively engaged, supporting clients by transparently mapping material availability, lead times, and logistics. That’s the added value we offer—practical, responsive partnership that enhances clients’ resilience in fluctuating markets.”
Antonius as your agile serial-production partner
Antonius positions itself as a highly capable, agile partner offering clients high-quality manufacturing, flexible logistical solutions, and strategic resilience in their operations. Engaging with Antonius means benefiting from Dutch quality, competitive pricing, and exceptional agility, ensuring operational security and ongoing success.
