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BEGE celebrates 75 years of reliability, innovation and growth
From attic room to international player: what a journey! BEGE started in 1950 in a modest attic in The Hague and has grown into a leading partner in drive technology and automation. From the first electric motors to high-tech customized solutions: for 75 years, we have been committed to innovation, reliability, and personal interaction. Now, three generations later, we look back proudly on a rich history and look forward to a promising future full of energy.
Strategic evolution
Bernardus Gerardus Paulides – whose initials B.G. formed the company name BEGE – saw opportunities in Baumuller electric motors and laid the foundation for what would become a respected family business with customers in more than 65 countries.
The deliberate transformation from a local pioneer to an international drive partner marked a breakthrough in our history. “As long as you’re just an agent, you remain vulnerable. We have shifted emphasis to more customer-specific jobs. Then you’re unique,” says Gerard Paulides, who took over the helm from his father in 1984. Under his leadership, BEGE tripled from 18 to 50 employees and gained a strong position in various sectors, including food, packaging, logistics, marine and offshore.
The introduction of our own line of geared motors in the 80s was the springboard for this remarkable growth. The strategy of providing customized solutions is proving its worth every day, ensuring our continuity and distinctive position in the market.
A smooth leadership transition
In early 2023, we wrote a new chapter with the transition of leadership to a dynamic three-man team: Coen Paulides (General Manager), Alex van den Berg (Commercial Director) and Marcel Biesma (Operational Director). With more than 35 years of joint experience in all disciplines, this trio is confidently steering BEGE towards new successes.
“We are three people, but we always act as one,” says Coen Paulides. This seamless transition demonstrates the strength of the family business values that are deeply rooted in our corporate culture, where continuity and reliability are at the core.
“We have shifted emphasis to more customer-specific jobs. Then you’re unique.” – Gerard Paulides
Human power: 75 years of engagement and trust
75 years of BEGE is not only about technology, but above all about people. Employee loyalty tells the true story of the corporate culture that BEGE has built and strengthened over the years.
Eric Beekveldt, the cooperative foreman for logistics, has felt welcomed at BEGE ever since he started working there five years ago: The atmosphere is warm, and here, professionalism and having fun go hand in hand. Everyone is treated equally, whatever your age.”
Marja Kruik, who has worked as a receptionist and accountant for years, beams as she tells us: “I don’t see my job as work, it’s a privilege. Contact with customers and suppliers is my favorite part of my job. You bond with people you’ve known since you started working here.”
Our long-term customer relationships reflect the same values.
Oos Kesbeke, known as “the Pickle King,” has relied on our drive technology for more than twenty years: “BEGE is always ready to resolve malfunctions quickly and effectively. Their experienced technicians are just as passionate about their work as we are about our pickles.”
Ron Mulder of JOZ is impressed by our proactive approach: “Alex van den Berg called me to discuss problems that might arise because of the situation on the Red Sea. Nothing was happening yet, but they were already thinking about alternative solutions. They look ahead with you – that’s how you can tell it’s family business.”
Marijan Juric of InterBridge, our US distributor, is enthusiastic about how the professional relationship has become personal: “It’s not just business, it’s also a friendship. Every time I look at my classic BMW, which I bought from Gerard, I think of BEGE.”
Innovation as DNA: developing distinctive solutions
“If the customer wants a solution that isn’t available yet, we simply create it ourselves.” – Joost Paulides
Innovation has been in our blood since the early days of BEGE. Our engineering department translates market needs into concrete solutions every day, from smart adjustments of existing products to completely new developments. Joost Paulides, engineer at BEGE, summarizes our philosophy in a nutshell: “If the customer wants a solution that isn’t available yet, we simply create it ourselves.”
This customer-centric approach has already resulted in numerous innovations. A striking example is the MIG flange encoder, a product we acquired from Ströter and then developed in-house into several variants perfectly suited to different industrial applications. This acquisition and further development shows how we identify and refine high-opportunity products for optimal market relevance.
Another success story emerged when a loyal customer remarked: “If you have it, we’ll buy it from you.” This challenge put us to work and resulted in a shaft mounted gear motor that perfectly matched the market’s needs.
Ready for the next 75 years
Building on 75 years of expertise, we are setting the course for the future with three strategic pillars: customer-specific innovation, global expansion, and sustainable business operations. Our focus is on early involvement in project development, where we contribute to integrated solutions.
“We want to sit around the table with customers more intensively and at an earlier stage to develop solutions that optimize their processes,” emphasizes Coen Paulides. He illustrates our international growth ambition: “My grandfather worked regionally in The Hague, my father internationally in the Benelux, and we are now conquering the world market. There are so many opportunities.”
Throughout these changes, we have remained true to our core values of listening to our customers and designing and manufacturing unique solutions in-house. And we will continue to do so for the next 75 years.
75 years of BEGE: celebrating together
In our 2025 anniversary year, we want to take a moment to look back, but above all to look ahead. We invite our customers, partners and employees to celebrate this special milestone with us.
Throughout the year, we organize anniversary activities that highlight BEGE’s rich history while sharing our vision for the future.
Keep an eye on our channels for more details about these festive events.
“My grandfather worked regionally in The Hague, my father internationally in the Benelux, and we are now conquering the world market. There are so many opportunities.” – Coen Paulides
Share your BEGE story
Do you have any special memories of BEGE that you would like to share? Or are you perhaps the proud owner of the oldest BEGE engine still in operation? We are curious about your unique experience with BEGE over the years.
Tell your story on LinkedIn with the hashtag #BEGE75 or send your memory directly to us.
75 years together: a word of thanks
We would like to thank all our customers, employees and partners for 75 years of trust and cooperation.
Without you, this milestone would not have been possible. The journey from attic to global player has been a collaborative one, and we look forward to the next 75 years of working with you.
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