Our history dates back to 1927. It all started small in Amsterdam and within almost 100 years NRF has grown enormously. Today we serve customers all over the world. View our history to discover how NRF became what it is today.
In 1927, R. Bloksma senior founded the Nederlandse Radiateuren Fabriek (Netherlands Radiator Factory, NRF) in Amsterdam. The factory was originally only directed towards the repair of radiators, but in the 1930s NRF also started its own production department.
In 1954, NRF opened a second production site in Mill (the Netherlands) for the production of radiators that were intended for export. Besides this, Netherland Railways (NS) gave the order to develop the first high capacity radiator for a train (the Blue Angel). In the same year, NRF introduced the first box cooler, our own invention that is still widely used in the shipping sector. In 1962, the Amsterdam site closed its doors and Mill became the headquarters of NRF. Almost immediately, DAF placed an order for the production of 18.000 radiators for the DAF 55. At this time NRF was also the OEM radiator producer for the Volvo 300 and 400 series.
At the beginning of 1980, NRF opened its first location abroad in Valenciennes (France). In the following years we opened new locations across Europe. In 1989, NRF became a subsidiary of the American Modine Manufacturing Company. NRF became Modine’s head office for aftermarket products in Europe. Nine years later, NRF started producing aluminium heat exchangers.
In 2010, NRF became a full subsidiary of Banco Products (I) Ltd. Banco has been a supplier to NRF B.V for more than 15 years and is familiar with its market, products and management. Due to the takeover, NRF has been able to strengthen its global position with new factories and warehouses.
In 2018, NRF expanded its French location with the construction of a brand new warehouse. The warehouse is 3.700 m2 in size. It’s the central warehouse for all customers in France as well as for part of Belgium.
In 2020, NRF opened a new warehouse in Valencia. Previously, NRF had 3 smaller warehouses in Spain. With this new 8,000 m2 site, NRF centralized their supply chain for the Iberian market. In addition, the warehouse in Valencia also serves the overseas customer base. So from here NRF parts are distributed to countries around the world.
In 2021 NRF relocated their aluminium production facility from the Netherlands to Poland. At this factory NRF produces a large variety of custom-made oil, water and air coolers for the Automotive Aftermarket, as well as for OE customers. In addition, NRF produces cooling parts and solutions for the railway industry, agricultural applications, off highway machinery and gensets.
NRF is constantly growing. That’s why NRF needs larger warehouses to serve their worldwide customer base. In 2022, NRF opened a brand new 30.000 m2 warehouse in Gdańsk, Poland. The warehouse serves as NRF’s new European distribution center. In fact, it is the largest European warehouse with a stock of engine cooling and climate control parts.
NRF becomes an expert in the field of sensors. NRF has built a new sensor laboratory in Granada, Spain. The laboratory includes an ISO-certified clean room where NRF can test, validate and develop all kinds of products. With the main focus being on sensors, it will help NRF to expand its sensor range even further in the future.
In 2023, NRF will open a brand new technical and training center. It consists of a fully equipped workshop for cars and trucks. In addition, NRF has a multimedia training room where they can train up 50 people. The center also has dedicated product testing areas where NRF can test their parts under various procedures and conditions.