Hhe Dutch VAN-Jorn, the largest Dutch producer of bus motorhomes, opened its new 3,000 m² factory in Groningen this month. The move allows the company to triple its production capacity and takes the next step in international growth.
VAN-Jorn expects to need the additional production capacity in the coming years for the Dutch, German, Belgian and possibly Scandinavian markets. The company will also open a new showroom in the new building where experience and design will be central.
What started in 2018 as a hobby of founder and director Jorn Hofman, has grown in eight years into a leading brand in the Dutch and German motorhome market. Where 2 years ago the company consisted of 10 employees, it expects to have over 40 employees by the end of the year. Last year VAN-Jorn bought the adjacent plot in Groningen, where last year has been busy building the new factory of over 3000 m2 and the new showroom of 250 m2. This increase in scale fits the ambition to grow to an annual production of 300 unique bus motorhomes by 2028. This year 140 camper deliveries are expected.
Innovation and design from Groningen
At the heart of its success is the modular rail system that all motorhomes built at the factory are equipped with. This allows customers to determine the equipment and fittings themselves, and the vehicle is customized for them in a color scheme of their choice. The motorhome remains flexible and can grow with the user. This approach was recently awarded the Red Dot Design Award and the title ANWB/NKC Camper of the Year 2025.
VAN-Jorn already has its own showroom location in Krefeld, Germany, and a dealer location in Den Bosch, the Netherlands. In Groningen, to complement the factory that could already be visited by appointment, it is now opening its own showroom where several different van camper models can be viewed. In the new showroom, visitors experience the modular system live: from color choices to flexible layouts. Customers can put together their dream camper here, with instant insight into the possibilities.
Despite its (international) ambitions, VAN-Jorn remains firmly rooted in Groningen. Cooperation with the Groningen social workplace Iederz remains an important part of the process. This is where the wooden slats for the interiors are carefully prepared. The composition of the team is also an important reason for VAN-Jorn to once again choose Groningen city. The employees have many different backgrounds – they come from office jobs to fresh from college – and often consciously choose the manufacturing industry. The average age is relatively low and over a quarter of the employees are women, something that is still unique in the manufacturing industry.
Grateful for the space
The move to the larger building, which offers three to four times more space than the old premises, feels like a reward for the team’s hard work over the past few years. Owner Jorn Hofman looks forward to the new place with pleasure. “We find eye for detail very important not only in our bus campers, also in our new factory you can see and feel that everywhere. We invest a lot of time and attention in creating a beautiful, comfortable workplace for our team. We are extremely happy to be able to take this step at a location that suits us so well. Here we show that the manufacturing industry is alive and well in the Netherlands, and that innovation and craft go hand in hand.”
Ready for the future
The new plant is also looking further ahead. For example, work is in full swing to further develop the system with new or improved interior modules. In addition, already more than 30% of the production includes fully electric motorhomes based on the Peugeot e-Boxer (range: 350 km, up to 2 weeks of autonomous camping), herewith VAN-Jorn responds to the growing demand for sustainable tourism. The company expects to further increase this share in the coming years.”
The new showroom can be visited by anyone who wants a closer look at the modular systems and award-winning design. The location at 44A-B Dunkirk Street is open Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Saturdays by appointment.
