A year ago, warning signs were already evident at Lensvelt. The project furnisher and furniture manufacturer, founded in 1962, saw its revenue decline and had to reinvent itself. However, it turns out that this is easier said than done. This week, both Lensvelt Label B.V. and Lensvelt Contract B.V. were declared bankrupt. Hidde Reitsma will delve into both bankruptcies as the appointed trustee in the coming period.
Lensvelt Label B.V.
Lensvelt Label B.V. is a Dutch furniture brand known for its innovative, sustainable, and aesthetically appealing office furniture and design objects. The company, founded by Hans Lensvelt in 1962, focuses on creating high-quality furniture pieces that are both functional and artistic, often in collaboration with renowned designers and architects. The collection includes a wide range of products, from chairs and tables to lighting and storage solutions, all designed with attention to detail, sustainability, and innovation. Over the years, Lensvelt has won various design awards, contributing to its reputation as a leading brand in the design world.
Lensvelt Contract B.V.
Lensvelt Contract B.V. operates as a leading player in the project furnishing market, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable, and innovative office furniture and solutions for corporate clients. The company, a sister company of Lensvelt Label B.V., specifically addresses the needs of businesses and organisations, from small offices to large, open workspaces. Lensvelt Contract offers a range of products and services, including custom solutions, to create an optimal working environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The company works closely with architects, interior designers, and end-users to realise projects that combine innovation and design, with an emphasis on sustainability and comfort.
Recurring problem
This is not the first time the company has faced financial difficulties. In 2012, it also encountered problems. Almost immediately after the bankruptcy, a restart was made, which cost quite a bit of money, as owner Hans Lensvelt, also co-founder of the label Moooi, explained. "A lot of cash went into that restart, more than I had expected when I started it right after the bankruptcy. I had to buy back a lot from the trustee—inventory, orders, etc.—and I had to pay for everything in cash," he told Quote about twelve years ago.
Officially, the 64-year-old Hans, known for his hearty laugh, has been retired for a while. It's no coincidence that he drives cars with the license plates HAHAHAHA (in Belgium) and HOHOHO (in South Africa). But letting go of the business world completely has proven difficult. The entrepreneur and bon vivant remains involved in the company's operations.
Designers, architects, and artists
Lensvelt is a furniture label based in Amsterdam and Breda (showroom and warehouse). Lensvelt's customers use the furniture both professionally and privately. The company offers both architects and interior designers tools to create interiors. Therefore, the products are designed by designers, architects, and artists. Lensvelt collaborates with renowned names such as Marcel Wanders, Atelier Van Lieshout (AVL), Piet Hein Eek, Richard Hutten, Studio Job, Luc Binst, Maarten Baas, Fabio Novembre, Maarten Van Severen, Baranowitz + Kronenberg, Space Encounters, i29, and OMA.
Locations
Lensvelt's head office is located in a 17th-century canal house at Herengracht 178. The building consists of a front house, a back house, and a garden. The offices are located in the back house on the first, second, and third floors.
The Lensvelt warehouse is located parallel to the A27 highway. The warehouse was designed by Wiel Arets in 1996 and consists of a rectangular glass box with a cross-section. The facades are made of glass U-profiles and aluminium, including the large revolving emergency exit door. At the special request of Hans Lensvelt, Wiel Arets designed a patio in the centre of the building. The entrance is located at the end of this spacious patio on the north side.
More information:
Lensvelt BV
www.lensvelt.nl