History Hanab
Origins and history
Although Hanab is a new name, the company builds upon a solid foundation. In 2024, the operations of Visser & Smit Hanab, HOMIJ and VWTelecom were brought together under a single brand: Hanab. The three companies previously formed the Connections & Networks division at VolkerWessels.
History
Hanab’s roots run deep in Dutch infrastructure. In 1865, Gerrit Meeszoon Visser, together with his son Martinus, started a contracting firm in Papendrecht: the beginning of Visser & Smit. They specialised in water pipelines, steam pumping stations and, later, in non-residential construction and pipeline installation.
In 1945, Hanab – which stands for Handels- en Aannemingsbedrijf – was founded with a clear focus on gas, water and electricity networks. In the decades that followed, the company grew into a renowned specialist in underground infrastructure.
Around the same time, electrical engineering was making great strides forwards. Companies like Mijnsen and Van Heemstede, precursors to the installation firm HOMIJ (founded in 1969), made a significant contribution to technical progress.
Mergers and growth
In the 1970s, Visser & Smit became part of Baggermaatschappij Adriaan Volker, whilst Hanab joined the Stevin Group. Following the merger of both companies in 1978 to form Volker Stevin, Visser & Smit and Hanab came together under one roof. A year later, in 1979, they continued as Visser & Smit Hanab B.V.
Over the decades that followed, Visser & Smit Hanab evolved into a leading specialist in above ground and underground cable and pipeline infrastructure. The company pioneered innovative techniques such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and made a crucial contribution to the Dutch energy transition.
Under the VolkerWessels umbrella, the company was later strengthened by the addition of telecommunications specialist VWTelecom and installation firm HOMIJ. Together, they formed the internal Connections & Networks division, with a single shared goal: to create connections – both above and below ground.
The launch of Hanab marks the start of a new chapter. The well-known names Visser & Smit Hanab, HOMIJ and VWTelecom have given way to a single strong brand that brings together innovation, a people-focused approach and craftsmanship.
A young organisation with a long history – and with the energy to keep the Netherlands sustainably connected.