On August 1, 2026, Jaap Vaandrager passed away at the age of 90. The Dutch engineer and entrepreneur founded Hydrauliek Vaandrager (Hyva) in Alphen aan den Rijn in 1979 and built the company into a global leader in transport hydraulics. Today, Hyva is present in over 110 countries – a legacy based on technical innovation and an employee-centered corporate culture.

From rented workshop to global corporation

In 1979, Vaandrager took the leap into self-employment and founded Hyva in a small rented workshop. His entrepreneurial courage and belief in his employees' capabilities shaped the company's development from the start. Within a few decades, Hyva expanded from the Netherlands and established itself as a leading provider of hydraulic components for transport applications worldwide.

Technical innovation: The field-repairable hydraulic cylinder

Among Vaandrager's most significant technical achievements was the development of the on-site repairable hydraulic cylinder. This innovation revolutionized maintenance logistics in the transport industry: instead of replacing entire cylinders, operators could perform repairs directly on the construction site or in their own depot. This not only reduced downtime but also significantly cut spare parts costs and transport expenses. The design makes it possible to replace seals and wear parts without special tools – an approach that set industry standards and continues to be followed today.

Leadership philosophy: Success lies with people

Vaandrager understood his company as a social organism. In the official statement from the Hyva team, he is described as "an extraordinary leader who believed that a company's success is ultimately the success of its people." This philosophy shaped the corporate culture for decades and is considered the foundation for long-term retention of skilled workers. This leadership style distinguished Hyva from many competitors and was crucial to its global expansion.

A legacy for the future

The death of the company founder marks the end of an era. For Hyva, the question now arises of how the company will carry Vaandrager's legacy into the future. The corporate culture and technical innovation power he established will be decisive for how the company will thrive in a changing market. Vaandrager's life's work stands as an exemplary case of a mid-sized company that achieved global significance through technical competence, entrepreneurial courage, and international orientation.