Dreams come true for Blanche Dael

Maison Blanche Dael, named after the youngest daughter of its founder Guillaume Dael, was founded more than 140 years ago. The coffee roasting company is a household name in and around Maastricht. Its shop, in Wolfstraat in the heart of the city, dates from 1878. It is usually crowded with regular customers and passers-by intrigued by its nostalgic interior.

Maison Blanche Dael and the well-known Coffeelovers chain are run from the company’s office-cum-studio in Sint Gerardusweg in Maastricht. At least for now that is, because Albert Berghof, who has owned the family business for more than 20 years, has big plans.

Coffee roasting fanatics

Albert Berghof and his team are fanatical about buying, roasting, packaging, delivering and serving the very best coffee. They also train baristas, because it would be a shame to serve anything less than the very best cup of coffee with such outstanding ingredients. It’s to the company’s credit that it has devoted considerable attention to sustainability. The three Ps - People, Planet, Profit – are important business drivers.

Quest for a new building

After a quest of more than ten years, the company decided some time ago  to leave the building in Sint Gerardusweg and move to an old brickworks formerly owned by ceramics manufacturer Sphinx. After renovation and a new extension, the freestanding building, known locally as the ‘Brikkenbouw’, will become the home of Blanche Dael’s Coffee and Tea Concept Store.

'Honesty in business and mutual respect for expertise and commitment – that’s important to me,’ says Albert Berghof.

Coffee and Tea Concept Store

 ‘We were looking for a distinctive building to welcome visitors in the way we envisage,’ says Albert. ‘The coffee and tea experience is central to our concept. Having more space will allow us to put our ideas into practice. We have an appealing and inspiring concept in mind. Architect Josef Bischofs (Trans Form) produced the structural design. Unfortunately, turning the concept into reality turned out to be more difficult for the then project manager than we had expected.’

Changing of the guard

Blanche Dael’s high hopes were left unfulfilled. On the architect’s advice, Albert Berghof decided, after two years of hard slog, to engage another, more experienced firm of project managers. He chose MJb Group B.V. “I already knew Jo Mans and we clicked,’ says Albert. ‘He and his team know the ropes and aren’t afraid of complex projects.’

From scratch

MJb resumed preparations and consulted and made agreements with all the stakeholders. ‘That took time and money and put a strain on our budget, of course, but we realised that it was the only way,’ Albert says. ‘MJb deciphered concepts and clarified them. They came up with a well-defined structure and a tight schedule for the work.  All our consultants, including our architect and contractor, now know exactly where they stand and what they need to stick to. It’s all about the schedule. I can only say that MJb’s approach to process management is truly professional.’

Clarity and no dodging responsibility

 ‘Honesty in business and mutual respect for expertise and commitment – that’s important to me. If that has financial implications, then so be it. You have to be realistic. In return, though, I should be able to rely at all times on professional and reliable advice that promotes the interests of Blanche Dael.’ Albert is adamant: ‘The role of the project manager is crucial.  “You’re working in the eye of the storm”, as MJb itself describes it. As a professional, you shouldn’t have to spend too much time deliberating. You should be able to take decisions when the situation so demands. The construction team has to anticipate potential issues at an early stage in the process. These are not easy choices. Bring it out into the open. I appreciate clarity, not avoidance.’ Albert’s final words ring with confidence. ‘We can now assume that in early 2020, the Blanche Dael Coffee and Tea Concept Store will see the light of day in the Brikkenbouw.’