Joost Pijnenburg

My name is Joost Pijnenburg, an entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a strong connection to family businesses. Since 2000, I have been the owner of Gerla Products, a company that has specialised in the production of clogs, garden clogs, and medical clogs since 1904. Gerla is proud to be a Purveyor to the Royal Household, a prestigious designation recognizing our long-standing service to the Dutch Royal Family. In 2013, I also acquired Neskrid 4Allfeet because I saw the potential of this company to grow further and create value.

Following the acquisition, I transformed Neskrid into a leading specialist in (semi-)orthopaedic work and safety footwear. This led me to develop various innovative product groups that respond to the changing demands in the field of health and safety. My focus is always on delivering high-quality, individual solutions that meet the strictest standards.

I believe that innovation is the key to sustainable growth. Therefore, I continuously invest in the latest technologies, including robotics, direct injection molding, 3D scanning, 3D milling, 3D printing, and 3D spraying techniques. Additionally, I am also actively involved in certifications, including CE marking, ISO and NEN committees, ESF, and MDR, to ensure that our products meet the highest quality and sustainability standards.

With my companies in the Netherlands and Portugal, I focus not only on growth but also on creating long-term solutions that add value for my children, our employees, and society as a whole.