Since the summer of 2024, Eenzet (1Z) from Scherpenzeel has been part of Spectro. With its cleaning and maintenance products, the brand has been a household name for decades in the automotive, transport, and industrial sectors. High time for a conversation with former owner Brigitte Nihot.
Brigitte’s father, Bob, founded Eenzet in the Netherlands eighty years ago. “He imported cleaning products from the German company Einszett, such as the revolutionary cockpit spray, and introduced them to the Dutch market,” Brigitte explains. “It wasn’t easy at first, since products from Germany were not particularly popular just after World War II. But he persevered.”
Three Companies
And persistence paid off. After Bob pitched the idea about five times, companies eventually agreed to try a small batch. “They were often so pleased with the results that they started purchasing other products as well,” says Brigitte. “Eventually, the company grew so much that my father became the official importer for the Netherlands. But serving the entire country alone wasn’t feasible. So he found two business partners, and three companies were formed: Enzo, Eenzet Holland, and Eenzet Doorwerth. The latter was owned by my parents and operated in the regions of Gelderland, North Brabant, Zeeland, and Limburg.”
Second Generation
Eenzet has become a well-known name—not only in the Netherlands but around the world. “Werner Sauer Jr., the founder’s son, later found importers in no less than 42 countries,” Brigitte explains. “What’s interesting is that not only did Einszett remain a family-run business, but so did the three Dutch companies. Each was eventually led by the second generation. I ultimately merged them into Eenzet Handelsonderneming.”
Key Developments
In 2008, a part of the company was split off: Eenzet Carwash. Today, it operates as Istobal Nederland, a supplier of car wash installations. Brigitte adds: “Another major event in recent decades was the destruction of the German Einszett factory due to a fire. After that, we continued entirely as an independent company.”
“The very first license plate issued in Cologne read 1Z”
“Many people ask me where the name comes from,” the former director continues. “Here’s the story: the very first license plate ever issued in Cologne was 1Z. It was registered to one of the first Ford models. Later on, all company cars at Einszett carried license plates with that same number-letter combination.”
The Best Feeling with Spectro
In 1984, Brigitte took over the company from her father after 39 years. She herself remained at the helm for one year longer. “My children weren’t interested in taking over, so I began looking for a buyer,” she says. “To my surprise, there were thirteen interested parties, but I had the best feeling with Spectro. They immediately said they wanted to keep the name and logo because of the strong brand. That meant a lot to me after 79 years.”
Bright Future
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason Brigitte chose to partner with us. “Laurens, Quintus, and Alissa are in their thirties and still full of ideas and energy to keep innovating. They also have all the facilities they need and, like us, are a family business. Thanks to this acquisition, Eenzet has a bright future ahead. I am absolutely convinced of that!”