Three Men from One Family Work for Crown Van Gelder, and Now Fear for Their Jobs

Article NH Nieuws (Trix Pieterse) / 2 August 2025 (translated by ChatGTP, hyperlink to Dutch article)

The papermakers of Crown Van Gelder enter the summer with a bad feeling after the news that in November they may have to look for another job. The 129-year-old company is not bankrupt, but suffers under the policy of the curators who guide the restart. That is why they protested for the second time in front of the law firm's door in Amsterdam.

When Ryan van Garrel (26) bought his dream home in Wormer, he did not expect that two years later he could lose his job. The idea that paper production may end as early as November makes the young employee quite nervous. "Will I still be able to pay my mortgage then?"

At Crown Van Gelder, he works in maintenance, just like his father Jean Robert van Garrel (57) and brother Levi (21). The three work in the same team, with the father as team leader and brother Levi in training.

Now the whole family's job is at stake. Until last week they had never protested. But now their jobs are at risk while the paper factory has enough work, the fire of the IJmond workers is ignited.

That anger is directed mainly at the curators of DLA Piper, who are supervising the restart of the company after its bankruptcy in 2023. Not only have eight thousand expensively billed hours already been declared to handle the debts, they also refuse to transfer important administrative records to the new owners, citing the privacy of the former directors.

Family Business with Good Food

"It's too sad for words that those guys, who really don't need to pinch a few cents, try to empty the whole pot," says Lars while looking at the dark windows of the law firm. "They have no eye for the families who depend on this company."

He has been around for twelve years and feels comfortable in the familiar atmosphere. He knows all the colleagues and from time to time with his department organises a drink on the beach or a bowling evening. Occasionally, another colleague cooks an extensive lunch. "Satay, wraps or nasi."

Next week he departs to Drenthe with his partner and two young children. Normally a moment to mentally set aside the pressure of work, but he expects that he will not be able to let go of this soap. "It stays on your mind."

Letter in the Mailbox

To persuade the curators of another path, Michèl Kaptijn this morning wanted to deliver a letter. But according to DLA Piper's receptionist, no one was available to receive the letter. "I had to drop it in the mailbox."

Although the facade is full of protest signs—"advantage of a paper factory"—not a single passerby stops, much to the surprise of employee Lydia (31). "This morning they all walked past with their faces to the ground."

Lydia, responsible for quality control mainly for book paper for six years, is demonstrating today for the first time. A bit strange, she thinks. "I also do it for my colleagues. Many are a bit older. I'm still young—there's enough work to be found for me. But they will also have to leave soon."

Since last week's announcement, she's thought about her future. She doesn't worry much. "There's a lot of production work around IJmond. But I'd rather keep my own job, because I think this is a great company to work for."

Lars recognises that. "You have to cross a mental threshold, because you don't want to leave. There may be enough opportunities, but it feels like you're being kicked out of your own house."