40th Anniversary Special: As Cargo Care Solutions continue sits celebration of its 40thanniversary, we wanted to hear from the original team members who made it happen. Ton Peltenburg, former owner and director of the company, retired this year.
Q: Where lie the roots of Cargo Care Solutions? And where did it start for you?
“Cargo Care Solutions traces its roots to hatch cover technology, which evolved after WWII as cargo volumes increased. The MacGregor brothers developed a patented steel hatch cover system that revolutionized cargo protection, leading to global adoption and the rise of licensed manufacturers, laying the groundwork for market dominance in the1970s.
In the 1970s, I was just starting my career. After completing a technical education in electrical engineering, I was offered a job at the Dutch branch of MacGregor. This branch had 80 employees at the time and operated in an era when European shipbuilding was still thriving. I started in aftersales and worked there for nine years.”
Q: Fast forward to 1985, how was the company established?
“In the 1980s, following the expiration of MacGregor’s patent and its merger with Navire, organizational changes led to the departure of several employees. Encouraged by former license holders seeking independent service capabilities, I joined a small group in founding anew service station in the Netherlands in 1985, which became Macor Marine Systems. Our first location was on Opijnenstraat in the Waalhaven area of Rotterdam.”
Q: What can you tell us about the developments of Macor Marine Systems?
“In its early years, the company benefited from steady hatch cover service demand in a declining European shipbuilding market. By the late 1990s, growing competition from larger and more cost-efficient Asian shipyards began to impact business. In response, Macor entered a partnership with Neptune Werft in 1997, forming Macor Neptune to maintain continuity. Despite these efforts, the global shift toward Asian manufacturing remained a significant challenge. In the periods following I visited these shipyards, and then saw with my own eyes how big these companies were compared to the ones in Europe.”
Q: What was the next chapter in the company’s history?
“In 2003,key assets in Europe were acquired from Macor after bankruptcy, forming the foundation for a new venture aimed at building a global service network. This laid the groundwork for the official launch of Cargo Care Solutions in 2010,with offices in Denmark, Hamburg, and Rotterdam. From that point onward, my son Peter entered the stage and laid the groundwork for the company’s continued growth.”
Q: What do you think made Cargo Care Solutions successful? How did the company stand out?
“From the start, Macor Marine Systems set itself apart by introducing innovative products, like bronze pads with a Teflon layer to reduce hatch friction. While groundbreaking, these pads had limitations. They were costly and prone to theft. Cargo Care Solutions developed its own UltraPad: a certified alternative that addressed those issues. Its success attracted major shipping companies, who began requesting additional products and services. This ability to innovate and respond to customer needs played a major role in the company’s growth and success. It is something you still see every day.”
Q: Are there any other milestones in the history of Cargo Care Solutions?
“I believe that the expansion of the company to Asia is another huge milestone. About 13 years ago, we expanded into the Chinese market to address challenges in Europe. Before that, I spent significant time building relationships and exploring opportunities. What began as small-scale shipments quickly grew, leading to the establishment of a local branch. This marked a major step in our international development and presence in Asia. Next to China, we now also have offices in Singapore and Houston.”
Q: How much impact would you say your actions had on the development of the company?
“While I take pride in my role in the company’s development, I recognize that success depends on many external factors, such as the global economy and good personnel. My good fortune was making the right decisions at the right time, such as acquiring assets from a bankrupt company, which later proved invaluable. But one must also dare to invest and take risks. At the same time, it’s important not to overinflate one's accomplishments, as luck always plays a role.”
Q: That is a humble way to look at it. Now that you have retired: What do you expect from Cargo Care Solutions?
“Since 1976, I’ve accumulated extensive knowledge about hatch covers and am still approached by old clients with specific questions. Yet, I realize that my knowledge is becoming less relevant as ships and technologies evolve. The new generation, including the new managers and employees of Cargo Care Solutions, has since built the expertise to take over. As I always say: the student must eventually surpass the master, otherwise the world stands still. I am confident that with Peter’s and his team’s knowledge and dedication, the company has a bright future, despite the unpredictable factors everyone faces.”
Thank you, Ton!
Thank you for your dedication, Ton! Your journey reflects the heart and history of our company as we continue to support the maritime industry to this day.
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