Vincent Kleintjens’ history as an entrepreneur
On November 17, 2023, Entrepreneur’s Day, we are putting Vincent Kleintjens in the spotlight. An entrepreneur who has made his mark on the world of batteries for three decades. In this article, we share not only the success of Intercel, but also the entrepreneurial spirit of Vincent Kleintjens. His vision, courage and ability to recognize opportunities make him not only a business leader but also a true entrepreneur at heart.
Three decades of pioneering
Intercel began in 1988 as a small company in a living room in Bloemendaal, the Netherlands. Vincent soon took the lead in introducing new battery technologies. At a time when the market was still selling traditional batteries, Intercel was the first to launch fully sealed battery systems, making refilling unnecessary. A move that caught the attention of customers in critical industries such as banking, insurance and travel. This early recognition of market trends and the courage to take unconventional paths characterize Vincent as an entrepreneur who leads the way.
Entrepreneurship in times of change
In 2000, Vincent took over Intercel, amid the millennium bug and the introduction of the euro, this was no small task. Vincent, however, was not deterred. He led the team through challenging periods, such as the 2001/2002 crisis, with determination and resilience. His entrepreneurship proved to be the catalyst behind Intercel’s rapid growth.
In a rapidly changing world, Vincent continued to adapt to new challenges. His understanding of the importance of automated processes led to the implementation of an ERP system, making Intercel more agile and flexible. This ability to move quickly and adapt operations illustrates his entrepreneurship.
The evolution of Intercel
Vincent’s entrepreneurship is evident in the choices he made to respond to changes in the market. He saw Intercel not just as an electrification enabling company, but as a transforming force in the marketplace. This vision led to the creation of three major business units within Intercel.
- Intercel Batteries
Vincent’s leadership ensured that Intercel Batteries always remained focused on providing high-quality, long-lasting batteries. Vincent’s constant commitment to quality and willingness to adapt to changing market conditions reflect Vincent’s entrepreneurial vision. Under his leadership, Intercel Batteries continues to be a standard-setting force in the world of energy storage.
Vincent Kleintjens’ entrepreneurship has shaped Intercel Batteries into an essential player in energy storage, where innovation and customer focus go hand in hand. The story of Intercel Batteries is a reflection of Vincent’s ability to recognize opportunities, innovate and grow his business.
- Intercel: Electrification
With changing market dynamics, the need arose to electrify machines that traditionally ran on diesel. This resulted in the establishment of Intercel’s Electrification business unit. Here, it develops -tailored- batteries that enable the conversion from diesel to electric for various equipment. Vincent’s visionary approach positions Intercel as a pioneer in this shift to renewable energy.
- Intercel: Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Another important development under Vincent’s leadership is the creation of the Energy Storage Systems (ESS) business unit. This business unit offers battery systems ranging in size from refrigerator to shipping container. Energy storage systems play a crucial role in the current issue of grid congestion and storing sustainably generated energy, such as that generated by solar farms or wind turbines.
Vincent Kleintjens:
More than just an entrepreneur
Vincent’s strategic decisions have transformed Intercel into a multi-faceted company that not only anticipates today’s needs, but also paves the way for a sustainable future. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative direction are the basis for Intercel’s mission; “To develop, produce and deliver the most appropriate energy solution, using high-quality batteries and accessories and by building valuable long-term relationships.”
But Vincent stands out not only on the shop floor, but also outside it. He is a colleague you enjoy having a beer with, always up for a good conversation, not only about work, but also about what is going on outside. His approachability and enthusiasm create an atmosphere in which you immediately feel at ease.
He is not only the Managing Director who sets the course; he is also the man who makes sure we do not forget to celebrate. As a party organizer, he takes the team spirit to the next level. We recently celebrated Intercel’s 35th anniversary on Terschelling, an experience we won’t soon forget. Vincent makes it clear that Intercel is not just about work; it’s also about the people who make that work possible.
