| 1930 |
May 19th, first meeting of founders and stockholders of the Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij in Sociëteit Parklaan in Zaandijk. |
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August 13th, founding of “N.V. Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij”, a company dedicated to the refining and trading of oils and fats. |
| 1931 |
January 26 th , commissioning of production and storage facilities on the eastbanks of the Zaan river, along 't Kalf in Zaandam . |
| 1940 |
During WO-II, vegetable oils are scarce and the ZOR is forced to switch its activities to processing the byproducts of the local dairy and cheese industry in order to keep the plant running. |
| 1950 |
After the war, the ZOR resumes the refining of vegetable oils and expansion is found in the production of salad dressings. |
| 1957 |
Stuurman Cacao, the neighbouring cocoa company, acquires the majority of ZOR stocks, with an aim to use part of its processing capacity to refine cocoa butter. |
| 1961 |
A new boiler house is erected as well as a new building for laboratory and offices. |
| 1964 |
The old processing facilities are replaced by a brand new refinery installation. |
| 1971 |
In order to facilitate expansion, the company invests in new storage tanks for finished products. |
| 1979 |
By acquiring ownership of Stuurman Cacao, Gerkens Cacao also becomes the owner of what now is the “Zaanlandse Olieraffinaderij B.V.”. Gerkens Cocoa is fully owned by General Cocoa since 1975. |
| 1980 |
Growing demand is facilitated by investments in additional crude oil storage tanks… |
| 1980 |
…and the commissioning of a second refining unit, doubling the plant’s refining capacity. |
| 1986 |
Cargill Inc. acquires General Cocoa and its subsidiaries, including the ZOR. |
| 1986 |
The ZOR continues to grow, building a warehouse for packed goods and new storage tanks. |
| 1992 |
ISO-9002 certification with Lloyd’s as well as Skal-certification for organic production methods. |
| 1993 |
Traditional Zaans warehouse “Anjer” is acquired, along with some small houses surrounding the plant. New offices are built in “Anjer”. |
| 1995 |
Quayside along the premises is widened in order to make tank storage area accessible for ships and to enable further expansion of the production facilities. A cocoa liquor melting- and packing unit is commissioned. |
| 1996 |
Third refining unit is erected to enhance plant’s refining capacity yet again. |
| 2002 |
New cocoa liquor melting facility is commissioned, replacing the existing melting unit. |
| 2003 |
Existing ISO-9002 certificate is upgrade by Lloyd’s to the ISO 9001:2000 standard. HACCP study finalized. Major investments in environmental projects, including energy reduction and water treatment plant. |
| 2004 |
Expansion of laboratory facilities. Upgrade of fat filling installation. |
| 2005 |
August 13th, the ZOR celebrating its 75th anniversary. |
| 2006 |
Installation of a pilot plant. |
