Jan van Oosterhout: driven by passion for over 10 years at SAF-HOLLAND Benelux
Behind every successful company are dedicated people with a passion for their work. Jan van Oosterhout, Division Manager Aftermarket at SAF-HOLLAND Benelux, is a perfect example of this. For nearly ten years, he has been fully committed to providing customers in the transport sector with the best Aftermarket solutions. “Service is almost tattooed on our foreheads,” Jan says with a smile. “Our customers and employees are our greatest asset. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
A Career Dedicated to Aftermarket
Jan’s career in the transport sector began long before he joined SAF-HOLLAND Benelux. With years of experience in Aftermarket, SAF-HOLLAND approached him in 2015 to join the company as Division Manager Aftermarket and share his expertise. “After 27 years at a competing company as a Regional Sales Manager, I felt it was time for a new challenge. The opportunity to join SAF-HOLLAND came at the perfect moment,” he recalls.
Since then, Jan has played an important role in the growth and professionalization of the Aftermarket division. He leads a small yet powerful team of five internal sales representatives and two field sales colleagues. “We work directly with parts distributors, workshops and carriers to provide them with the right solutions. My role is to translate strategies and new product lines from the factory into practical solutions for our customers.”
Growing Through Collaboration
An important milestone is the acquisition of SAF-HOLLAND GmbH. “We are now a fully owned subsidiary of SAF-HOLLAND Germany, which has brought many positive changes,” Jan explains. “Our collaboration with the factory has become much closer, which allows us to be more involved in product development and strategy. This not only makes our work more efficient but also a lot more enjoyable.”
Jan sees that the integration with the factory has opened doors for further expansion. One of the biggest challenges was the successful integration of Haldex braking systems and Assali Stefen-axles&components into the existing Benelux product range. “By broadening our offering, we are increasingly becoming a more interesting partner for our Aftermarket customers.”
Dynamics and Innovation
What drives Jan in his work is the dynamic nature and constant innovation within the industry. “The Aftermarket is an international playing field where a lot is happening. Innovations such as electrically driven axles and the shift towards more sustainable transport solutions make it an exciting and challenging sector to work in,” he says.
International pricing and transparency also play a major role in his work. “We must remain competitive within Europe, which requires a strategic approach and close collaboration with our partners.”
The Future of SAF-HOLLAND Benelux
Looking ahead, Jan believes that SAF-HOLLAND Benelux will most certainly maintain its strong position in the market by continuing to invest in high-quality products, excellent service, and close customer relationships. “It’s still a people’s business. We may have the best product, but without the right people and service, we wouldn’t succeed.”
With a small but highly motivated team, SAF-HOLLAND Benelux works daily to translate complex technical solutions into practical applications for customers. “For every question and need, we have a solution – and that’s where our strength lies,” Jan concludes proudly.
