Robots and cheese go hand in hand at Visser Kaas.

Visser Kaas in Huizen is one of our first customers. The special relationship between Visser Kaas and DERO GROEP began about 30 years ago with the purchase of the first robot cheese treatment line. Visser Kaas is a pioneer in the field of robotization in cheese and after the first robot installation more followed, every one of them being innovative. Daring, respect and trust characterize the partnership between Visser Kaas and DERO GROEP.

Visser Kaas has more than 100 years of experience in the cheese business and operates both nationally and internationally. This family business exports cheeses all over the world, with most export activities going to Germany. From a modern warehouse in Huizen, with a storage capacity of approximately 3.000 tons, Visser Kaas is able to let about 10 million kilos of cheese find its way to consumers every year. 

First cheese robot

To treat and prepare the cheeses, Visser Kaas has been using robots for decades. "In 1995 we had to make a choice between a traditional line and automating using robot technology," says Mees Visser, director of Visser Kaas. "Pretty soon we came to the conclusion that automating with a robot saved a lot of floor space and was therefore also a cheaper solution."

Thus, the very first 'cheese robot' was installed at Visser Kaas. And this is also where the special relationship between Visser Kaas and DERO GROEP started. Mees: "DERO GROEP is an innovative club with vision and a clear view in the field of automation. That is why we decided to do business with DERO 30 years ago. This was followed by several discussions about the future and how the lines could be further improved, during which all kinds of ideas came up. From those ideas, our bond grew. And that bond is still there today." 

Various robots in action at Visser Kaas.

Established partner

Many robots followed. "We have already bought 10 at least," Mees says with a laugh. Visser Kaas deploys the robots for cheese handling, but also for waxing, palletizing and packing cheeses. By deploying robots, all these activities can be carried out fully automatically on limited floor space.

DERO GROEP is a solid partner in this. Mees: "At DERO GROEP, they are able to turn something we (the customer) find complicated into a simple customer-specific solution. They think in solutions and not in problems. And the know-how in the company in the field of cheese has become huge, giving them an edge over the rest."

New robot treatment line

A few years ago, DERO GROEP delivered another new robot treatment line to Visser Kaas. This is a multifunctional line for coating and decorating cheese and cleaning shelves. Robots unload and load the racks and turn the cheese, which also makes it possible to transfer the cheese from external to internal racks and vice versa. The line can handle five different rack types and five different cheese sizes.

"With this line, Visser Kaas can fulfill its ambitions: expanding its activities and thereby strengthening its relationship with CONO Kaasmakers in Middenbeemster," says Maro Dedel, director of DERO GROEP. "Visser Kaas and DERO GROEP are therefore very proud of this treatment line."

Royal Warrant

In 2016, Visser Kaas celebrated its 100th anniversary and was awarded the prestigiousthe Royal Warrant ‘By Appointment to the Court of the Netherlands'. This anniversary was celebrated grandly, with robots taking a starring role. "We programmed a whole show at the time," recalls Robert Jan Samson, former colleague at DERO GROEP. "The other day I was back at Visser Kaas for an adjustment, and then I was reminded of that in a funny way. You see, the 'show on' option is still in the robot. At the touch of a button, it can re-enact the entire performance." So special moments live on not only in memories, but also in our robots.

Unique collaboration

"We are grateful for our relationship with Visser Kaas," says Maro Dedel, director of DERO GROEP. "Not only because we have been the preferred supplier for new lines to Visser Kaas for over 30 years, but also because our service department takes care of the maintenance of the existing lines."

Mees adds: "DERO GROEP is a very well-established company in the cheese industry, with new developments all the time. The basis remains service and attention to the customer."

Click here for more information about Visser Kaas.