Kiwa: quality control and certification
In 2021, SHV acquires Kiwa, the Dutch Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) specialist. The two companies have been acquainted since 2011 through SHV’s investment wing NPM Capital.
Founded as a mains water certifier in 1948, Kiwa’s expertise has quickly grown to cover gas pipes, drinking water, and building materials. The company has expanded through acquisitions and rolled out its services on an international scale.
Inspection body for sanitary appliances
At the turn of the 20th century, the water supply is being steadily modernised across western Europe, transported by mains pipes and taps rather than wagons and buckets. It is against this background that the Dutch drinking water companies officially establish Keuringsinstituut voor Waterleidingartikelen (Inspection Body for Sanitary Appliances – Kiwa) in 1948. As a public company, Kiwa is tasked with controlling the quality of drinking water pipes and formulates the necessary requirements with manufacturers, clients, and specialists. Kiwa’s certification also covers water meters, gate valves, and taps.
As gas becomes an increasingly important source of energy, the next logical step is to branch out into the inspection of gas pipes approved with the GIVEG mark. Customers include large-scale Dutch manufacturers such as the IJmuiden steelworks, the National Gas Company, and Philips, as well as an increasing number of foreign companies.