The Hacon highlights of 2023
It's a wrap! Well, almost. Just a little while longer and then the year will be over. 2023 was an eventful year in which we at Hacon Containers experienced some special highlights. We covered miles, consumed tons of iron, pushed our boundaries, and embraced the power of the sun. We look back on 2023 with pride and would like to relive all those moments with you in this overview.
Family (day) on 1
If you ask our colleagues, there is one highlight that stands out every year: Family Day. This fun day took place on a sunny June 10. With no fewer than 150 colleagues, friends, family, and children, we made it another unforgettable edition. From bouncy castles to VR games and from a photo booth to various games. All the ingredients for a successful afternoon for young and old were there. And speaking of ingredients, we had an appropriate theme: Italy. The most delicious pizzas, pastas, and gelatos were therefore a must during the family day.
Spending time with family and friends is the most important thing there is. Working at Hacon Containers therefore feels very familiar. We are, as it were, one big family. So, in fact, it's family day 365 days a year at Hacon.
10th edition of the Harbour Run
Hacon has been a proud partner of the Harbour Run for many years. This 10-kilometer run through the port of Rotterdam is right up our alley. The depot on Bunschotenweg is an important part of the route. During the Harbour Run, participants could hydrate and refuel on our premises between the containers and draw mental energy from the rousing music of a real DJ. Afterwards, all participants ended their visit to our depot with a dip in the Hacon blue ball pit.
Afterwards, we ended the afternoon in style with all participants and helpers with the best fuel there is: wine, beer, and pizza.
Hacon Solar launch at the Energy Trade Fair
The launch of Hacon Solar is by far the most remarkable moment of 2023. Hacon Solar is a container with integrated solar panels and smart energy storage. The containers are plug & play, location-independent, and emission-free. This makes Hacon Solar the smartest and most versatile container of the future!
After months of preparation, October 10 was finally the day: the launch of Hacon Solar. During the Energy Trade Fair in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch, our container specialists Kim, Kimberly, and Fabian, together with our partner Wattsun, unveiled the latest innovation in the container world. Our new pride and joy was born.
During the launch period, we not only blew away visitors to the Energy Trade Fair, but we also went on HacOn Tour throughout the country to personally introduce our ray of sunshine to partners and customers.
Team building in Willemstad
Still buzzing with adrenaline from the Energy Trade Fair, another important activity was planned just four days later: a team-building day in Willemstad. We didn't stay dry, because most of the day was spent on the water. We completed an escape room on a sailboat and took a trip on various lifeboats. To get our brains working, a pub quiz was organized, and of course, a nice dinner was a must to end the day in style. After October 14, this team was completely in sync again!
Hacon Containers B.V. expands
One of the most recent highlights is the acquisition of Best Containers in Purmerend. Or rather, one of the upcoming highlights. From January 1, 2024, Best Containers will become Hacon Containers. With the acquisition of Best Containers, an established location with more than 30 years of experience will be added to our container B.V. And with this third location, we are literally and figuratively pushing the boundaries. From now on, North Holland will also be unable to ignore the name Hacon!
Partnerships and charities
Container rental, sales, and modifications are our core business. But corporate social responsibility is also an important part of our vision. In addition to the Harbour Run, there are a number of other activities and initiatives that we proudly support. Not least of which is Blijdorp Zoo. In 2023, we were even a gold partner. Did you know that we adopted a red panda? Soma is our softest and cutest colleague. You could call her our office panda. Not really, of course, because she lives happily with her sister on the Himalayan rocks at Blijdorp Zoo.
In addition to Blijdorp Zoo, we have also supported other local initiatives, such as scouting and Sports for Sophia at Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital.
Finally, every year we choose a charity that we support throughout the year. In 2023, the charity was Stichting Wees Gelukkig (Be Happy Foundation). This foundation is committed to making wonderful wishes come true for children who have been orphaned or lost a parent. A truly wonderful cause. During the Harbour Run, we raised € 5.000 for Stichting Wees Gelukkig.
55 cheers for our Hacon colleagues!
For some colleagues, 2023 was an extra special year. No fewer than four of our Hacon friends celebrated an anniversary this year. Sales manager Fabian and forklift driver Charles reached the remarkable milestone of 12.5 years of service this year. Administrative manager Agnes and Director of Operations Leen even reached 15 years. Together, they blew out no fewer than 55 candles this year!
In addition to celebrating the anniversaries of these top performers, we also said goodbye. Or so we thought. Jan Niehof reached retirement age in August. However, he is far from leaving his place at the round table of sales specialists. Jan will happily remain a permanent member of the Hacon team for a while longer. We can only be very proud of such loyal service!
There's no time limit on fun
The year has flown by. We look back on an eventful year with many wonderful highlights. That calls for a spectacular finale. On December 21, we will close the year with all our colleagues during a tasty winter barbecue. Something that fits perfectly with Hacon and our corporate culture. Cosy, warm, Burgundian and, of course, cool. We will not only look back, but also forward. Because with fresh energy and a healthy dose of daring, we will do everything we can to surpass 2023. And before you know it, another year will have passed. So keep following us, because there are great things to come. For now, we wish everyone happy holidays and a fantastic and healthy 2024!
