FAMILY VALUES
With family ties dating over 100 years back in time, subsequent generations all have been -and still are- involved in international maritime merchant shipping. Current maritime business operations are under pressure everywhere in the shipping market as result of overcapacity and the slowdown of the economy.
All who ever sailed experienced the dependence on nature, being it either the forces of weather or the necessary human companionship to survive the worlds grand seas and oceans. As it concerns exactly those two pillars of maritime trade, the awareness of a sustainable transition to sustain the next generations of seafarers and their offspring in a hospitable natural environment is steady on the increase.
The niche market Switijnk is operating in, enables the family to take its responsibility in times where stagnation only means decline. As the pace of change is increasing everywhere in our world, one cannot afford to play the sitting duck. Instead, innovation, responsibility for our seafarers and the search to reduce pressure on our environment, anticipates on future demands on competitiveness, sustainability and social responsibility.
Family run companies are characterized by
Long-term planning to maintain family owned capital rather than short term profit, to allow family members to move into the company.
Anti-cyclical investment policy – family run businesses generally emerge better from years with bad trade.
Large resilience by creativity and innovation. Decision making in the company is less delayed by formal structures and young family members have a say early.
Strong company identity due to family loyalty (traditions, customs) and navigating private and business interests bonds family members
Focus on the transfer of experience and knowledge to the next generations.