Refining oils in Zaandam since 1930
Situated on the banks of river Zaan, near Amsterdam in The Netherlands, the Zaanlandse Oil Refinery (ZOR) has been refining oils on site since 1930. Historically an industrial region, windmills were originally used to crush grain, seeds and beans and to saw wood. Today, the area is synonymous with the food processing industry.
Key milestones
2019
Change in operations: refining of vegetable oils and fats only.
2018
Installation of new fatty acid storage tanks.
2017
Opening of new laboratory
2014
Installation of automated fat filling line.
2012
Receive FSSC 22000 certification.
2010
Investment in a new membrane filter press for cold filtration (winterization) processes.
2006
Installation of a pilot plant for small batches, from 100 kg.
2005
August 13th, the ZOR celebrates its 75th anniversary.
2004
Expansion of laboratory facilities. Upgrade of fat filling installation.
2003
Existing ISO-9002 certificate upgraded by Lloyd’s to the ISO 9001:2000 standard. HACCP study finalized. Major investments in environmental projects, including energy reduction and water treatment plant.
2002
A new cocoa liquor melting facility is commissioned to replace the existing melting unit.
1996
A third refining unit is constructed to further enhance the plant’s refining capacity.
1995
The quay alongside the premises is widened to provide access for ships to the tank storage area and to enable further expansion of the production facilities. A cocoa liquor melting and packing unit is commissioned.
1992
ISO-9002 certification with Lloyd’s as well as Skal-certification for organic production methods.
1986
Cargill acquires General Cocoa and its subsidiaries, including the ZOR.
1980
Growing demand is facilitated by investments in an additional crude oil storage tank and the commissioning of a second refining unit, doubling the plant’s refining capacity.
1979
By acquiring ownership of Stuurman Cacao, Gerkens Cacao becomes the owner of (what is now) the “Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij B.V.”. Gerkens Cocoa is fully owned by General Cocoa since 1975.
1964
The old processing facilities are replaced by a brand new refinery installation.
1957
Stuurman Cacao, the neighbouring cocoa company, acquires the majority of ZOR stocks. Its aim: to use part of its processing capacity to refine cocoa butter.
1950
After the war, the ZOR resumes the refining of vegetable oils and branches into the production of salad dressings.
1930
August 13th, founding of “N.V. Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij”, a company dedicated to the refining and trading of oils and fats.
May 19th, first meeting of founders and stockholders of the Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij in Sociëteit Parklaan in Zaandijk.