Celsium Powered by Brunel

1975

This was the year that Jan Brand, a graduate engineer himself, placed his first fellow engineer in a temporary position. With this first step, Jan Brand distinguished himself as a pioneer in the development of the temporary employment sector. Over the years this would become an international industry and an indispensable stabilising factor in local and international labour markets. This first placement, made when the company was operating under the name of Multec, also marks the beginning of Brunel's colourful history.

1978

The business of temporary placement of engineers experiences rapid growth. Companies are quick to realise how flexibility can enhance their processes. Newly graduated engineers know that working on a range of different projects for various companies will accelerate their own careers. This winning formula leads to new company offices. The Multec flag is soon waving in every Dutch city with a technical university or polytechnic. This operation runs with almost military precision: as soon as one office grows and flourishes, another one is in the works.

1987

The development of Brunel enters a new phase with the opening of its first office in a foreign city: Antwerp, Belgium. Brunel still remains true to the formula that had made the company so successful until then: small, highly motivated sales teams and the placement of highly qualified candidates in technical settings. At the same time, the company is aware that the formula for each new region requires adaptation to cultural differences as well as variations in labour market structure and legislation. These lessons learned, Belgium becomes a relatively small but solid business unit within Brunel. 

1989

From 1989, non-engineering markets were also entered into: IT, Finance, Insurance & Banking, and Legal. A name change was in order and Brunel was chosen for the well-known and innovative British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. This engineer is perhaps best known for his design of a series of bridges and the Great Western Railway. Brunel was renowned for the use of new, unconventional techniques and for creating works that would previously have been considered impossible. His technical genius paved the way for a new era in engineering. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is still acclaimed as the greatest engineer in British history.

1996

After opening its own office in Houston, Texas in 1994, Brunel enlarges its global network of offices in 1996 by acquiring two companies in Toronto, Canada. The demand for the temporary placement of high-grade technical specialists is growing in Canada, and Brunel has the ideal system for this market. These acquisitions serve two purposes: to capture a permanent position in the North American temporary employment market, and to create an important base of operations for Brunel Energy to serve the international oil and gas sector. Brunel Canada has experiencing steady growth since 1996, and is a permanent bastion in Brunel’s network of offices today. 

2000

Brunel’s rapid growth calls for a reassessment of its organizational and management model. The emerging economic recession also affects Brunel. Far-reaching changes in the company have to be taken to ensure that Brunel can look forward to a healthy future. On the 29th of September, Jan Arie van Barneveld is appointed CEO of Brunel. He becomes responsible for leading Brunel into a new phase of its development.  

2010

As of 2010, Brunel is a business with an annual turnover of EUR 730 million, an EBIT of EUR 45 million, and an international network of 90 offices in 32 countries. Brunel’s ambitions are only increased by this success, and its team of 8.000 professionals is ready for the next challenge, starting with the latest form of service: Brunel Global Professionals. Looking to the future in every aspect of the company, Brunel moves in this year to a new corporate headquarters. On the 19th of March, Brunel’s new offices are officially opened by Jan Brand, founder and major shareholder, and Jan Arie van Barneveld, CEO of Brunel International. 

2018

In late 2017, Jilko Andringa is appointed CEO at Brunel. On the 1st of March, 2018 he takes over the role previously held by Jan Arie van Barneveld. With over 20 years' international experience in our field, Jilko is ready to begin a new phase with Brunel. He looks to continue following our firmly-rooted cultural values: entrepreneurship, result-driven, integrity and passion for people. 

2020

Back in 1975, on July 1st, Jan Brand created Multec. Looking back at the rich and successful history, it should be concluded that being around for 45 years is no small feat and one that strengthens Brunel's reputation amongst current and future clients, specialist and colleagues.

2024

In August 2024, the Supervisory Board appointed Peter de Laat to take over from Jilko Andringa as CEO of Brunel on October 1, 2024.

De Laat joined Brunel in 2012 and became Chief Financial Officer in 2014. He had previously worked for sixteen years with Deloitte Accountants, where he was responsible for auditing Brunel. He therefore brings an extensive knowledge of and broad experience with the Brunel business to the CEO position.