Approximately 96% of the trade and industry in Limburg consists of ‘average to small-sized companies’ commonly known as the ‘MKB’.
According to Herman Vrehen, a member of parliament for the department of economic affairs: The MKB represents the majority of employment in the county and without it unemployment levels would grow out of proportion. That is why the County of Limburg is prepared to do everything in its power to support the MKB and especially in the area of innovation. This support shall be given in the form of a sound and well thought-out innovation programme to be put into operation in the coming years and aimed at the MKB.

At the beginning of this month 3 MKB companies were presented with an innovation cheque from the County of Limburg. Van Aarsen Machinefabriek in Panheel was one of these companies. Since 1949 Van Aarsen has been active in the animal feed industry. The company has recently developed a new technology for the production of shrimp feed,
an innovation project which qualified for more than €200.000,= representing approximately one third of the financing.

Since the 1980’s Van Aarsen has been giving extra attention to worldwide markets and their international activities have been growing ever since. From 2000 onwards the emphasis has lain with expanding efficiency and innovation. A separate research and development department came into being and now counts for 9 employees. On a worldwide basis Van Aarsen is one of the top 5 suppliers of animal feed equipment.
Their new technology for the production of shrimp feed makes it possible to produce shrimp feed locally, on a small scale and at low temperatures. It involves the development of a new process with a new technique.