The history of Comhan
A journey of innovation, craftsmanship, and reliability
For 75 years, Comhan has been building enduring relationships and providing innovative aluminium solutions. What started as a two-person operation in the heart of Amsterdam has grown into an international player, always maintaining the same core principles: craftsmanship, reliability, and a focus on the customer. Curious about our history? Read more.
From Amsterdam start-up to serious trade
In the heart of Amsterdam, 1950: an office on the Singel with a small warehouse on the Oudekerksplein. This is where founder Jan Beekman took the first steps, selling non-ferrous metals. Comhan quickly grew into a trusted partner for machinery manufacturers and construction companies. Short lines of communication, delivering on promises, and seizing opportunities: this mindset continues to form the foundation of our company.
Growth through innovation
Increasingly large clients found their way to Comhan, including aluminium facade builders. These customers were often unable to process the systems and semi-finished products themselves as required. To better serve them, we introduced Maatmetaal (Custom Metal) in the 1970s: tailor-made products delivered precisely to the customer’s specifications. With the introduction of CNC machines and modern surface treatments in the following decades, we became increasingly specialised and efficient.
Photo: Comhan MaatMetaal in the 1980s
New markets and international expansion
Our no-nonsense approach persisted: reliability, craftsmanship, and a constant eye for new opportunities. In 1975, we left the Lijnbaansgracht in Amsterdam, and Comhan relocated to Uithoorn. Growth continued here, and in 1990, Comhan moved into a completely new, modern facility on the Joh. Enschedeweg, covering a total area of 5,000 m2. We developed profile systems for the illuminated advertising sector that firmly established us in the market.
These systems for illuminated advertising also garnered international attention and formed the basis for export. In 2012, this ambition was solidified with the opening of our branch in Hagen, Germany, enabling us to serve the German market directly.
Photo: Location in Uithoorn on the Provincialeweg
Leading the way in a changing world
Digitalisation and evolving customer demands necessitated new investments in machinery, processes, and service. In 2020, we took a significant step forward with the commissioning of a new energy-neutral high-bay warehouse and a virtually CO2-neutral head office. Today, Comhan is an international wholesale company with nearly 100 employees and 12,000 m2 of warehouse space, combining high-quality aluminium systems and semi-finished products with speed, reliability, and customer focus, precisely what we started 75 years ago.
