We are ZeeBoer. Since 1984, we have been helping manufacturers and suppliers of building materials make their expertise and product information accessible to the construction industry.
We combine technical knowledge with smart software and practical services. Because good product information is about more than just data. It is about helping people make the right choices.
Construction is a complex industry. Products need to work together, meet technical requirements and be suitable for specific applications. Architects, specifiers, contractors and distributors all need reliable information, but not necessarily the same information.
We understand these challenges. For more than 40 years, we have worked closely with manufacturers and suppliers of building materials. We know how construction products are specified, selected and used. And we know what it takes to make technical product information genuinely useful.
ZeeBoer started in 1984 with specification services for the construction industry. We helped manufacturers make their products easier to find and specify in construction projects.
As product information became increasingly digital, our services evolved. In 2000, we introduced Utopis PIM, a product information management solution developed specifically for the construction industry.
Today, we help manufacturers manage, enrich and distribute their product information. From technical specifications and product relationships to digital product data and specification services.
What sets us apart is our understanding of how building products work together. A product rarely stands alone. Its application often depends on accessories, combinations and technical requirements. We help manufacturers translate that knowledge into structured information that others can actually use.
Good construction information is not created in isolation. Manufacturers, distributors, contractors, software providers and industry organisations all play a role.
That is why collaboration has always been important to us. We actively contribute to initiatives that improve the exchange of product information throughout the construction supply chain. We support industry standards and believe in solutions that help information flow between different systems and organisations.
Our relationship with Ketenstandaard, for example, dates back to the year ZeeBoer was founded.
For us, collaboration is not simply about technology. It is about making reliable information available to the people who need it, when they need it.
Behind ZeeBoer is a team of people who know both the construction industry and the technology that supports it.
We combine construction expertise, software development, product data management and marketing knowledge. This allows us to look beyond individual systems and focus on what manufacturers really need.
We prefer short lines of communication, practical solutions and long-term relationships. Our clients know who they are dealing with, and we know their products, challenges and ambitions.
That personal approach has been part of ZeeBoer since 1984. And it still defines the way we work today.
“Until 2014 I worked for one of our clients. Here I was responsible for managing product information and website. ZeeBoer provided our specification texts. When we were ready for a new website in 2005-2006, Utopis was introduced. One of my first achievements was entering all product information in Utopis. That was great: all product information in one database.”
Peter has a background in data and information systems: “After hotel school, I started studying business management in Utrecht, where I chose information systems as a study variant. I developed websites at an early age and set up databases for more efficient use of product information.”
Peter was also involved in the development of Utopis PIM on behalf of the client. He developed various ideas together with Reindert de Boer, Maarten Hopman and Jeroen Jongebloed. Ideas that make Utopia software that has been developed for and by the construction manufacturer.
“In 2014 Reindert de Boer asked why I didn’t work at ZeeBoer yet and I made the switch. I have never regretted this. The best thing about ZeeBoer is that we can think along with manufacturers because we employ structural engineers,” says Peter.
When Reindert and Margreet indicated in 2016 that they wanted to stop, I decided to take over the company. Colleague Antoon Siebert has been co-owner since 2018. “I’m still very happy with this as well.”
Jeroen works at ZeeBoer as a front-end developer. You can read his story below.
Jeroen was working as a warehouse employee in 2005 when he was asked if he knew anyone who wanted to work as a front-end developer at ZeeBoer. With a background in middle automation, that seemed interesting to him, so he applied and was hired. This was quite a big step. In the beginning he had to learn a lot and at ZeeBoer he was given plenty of room for this.
The way of working at ZeeBoer really appeals to Jeroen: “You get a lot of freedom here. Together with the project leaders, we discuss every two weeks what needs to be done and what the result should be. Then I can get to work. I get a lot of freedom. , I can put my ideas and own input into it. In between, we regularly visit each other to discuss progress and make adjustments.”
He made the appearance for at least 90% of the 120 customers. Besides design, he also picks up on other things. “If you have ideas about your career, this will be discussed openly. For example, training and courses can be followed if necessary.”
Jeroen thinks the atmosphere at ZeeBoer is very good, he always enjoys going to work. “There is a lot of mutual interest in each other. For example, we always inform about each other’s weekends. I myself like to make a trip on the Veluwe on my racing bike. At noon we have lunch together and Friday is French fries day with us.”
