Struik Interiors has been in business for over half a century, specialising in interior outfitting for yachts and residential projects. We were founded in 1964 by Koos Struik and his partner Jan Hamerslag, who started their business with a shared moped, a couple of toolboxes, and unbridled optimism. They were specialists in wooden decks, and their first job came from the ship repair field. Despite a lack of resources, they built a successful business through hard work and determination.
In the beginning we were hired to adapt the living quarters on many of the primitive drilling vessels. The sleeping quarters were large and simple, without any privacy for the crew. In 1975 we expanded the company by building a new shed in Strijen, where the company is till located to this day. We performed repairs on larger motor yachts, and in 1977, we received the first order from one of the leading Dutch yards for creating the largest yacht built in the Netherlands, at that time.
Struik Interior’s role gradually changed as we worked on more SuperYachts. In the 1980s, we expanded operations to include the design and production of high-quality furniture and interior solutions for luxury homes and commercial properties.
We were involved in several projects, including the construction of two sailboats for a Luxembourg-based company, the design of a carriage for the Dutch royal family, and the development of aircraft interiors for Fokker.
As the years went on, we contributed to many award-winning yacht interior projects, with a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Struik Interiors remained a family-owned business throughout its history, up and until the end of 2022 where ownership changed and former CEO, Marco Struik, retired.
Marco has worked hard to maintain the company’s traditions while also embracing new technologies and innovations in the industry. One of the challenges we faced was the creation of our own yacht veneer department. We have worked with a veneer supplier, but when the supplier went bankrupt, Struik Interiors decided to invest in their own veneer department. We hired a specialist to train their staff in the process, and it was successful, with the company being able to offer a unique product to their customers.
In the early 2000s, we faced a shortage of competent staff, specifically joiners. To meet the expected needs in capacity, we looked to see if there were companies in the Netherlands or abroad that they could take over instead, resulting in the creation of their English subsidiary Struik & Hamerslag UK Ltd, which closed down late 2021 to make room for a repositioning of the company.
The terrorist attacks of 9/11 also had an impact on the yacht building sector. Assignments for passenger vessels were cancelled, leading to increased competition for ferry builders. Orders were cancelled, and large yacht construction projects were put on hold. At the same time, competition from other countries such as Italy, France, and Germany became increasingly fierce. Despite these challenges, Struik Interiors continued to innovate and grow.
Today, Struik Interiors is one of the leading companies in the yacht and interior outfitting industry, with a focus on luxury yachts and residential project. We have a team of skilled craftsmen and women who create bespoke interiors that meet their clients’ exacting requirements. Our reputation for excellence, and work has won numerous awards.
In recent years, we have expanded into new markets, including the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. Also, we have embraced new technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality to enhance the design and production processes. Struik Interiors is a shining example of a successful business that has adapted to changing times while staying true to its core values of quality, craftsmanship, and customer service.