Dick Schalekamp Sr passes away at 95

One of the founding fathers of the European access industry, Dick Schalekamp Sr, has passed away at the age of 95.

Schalekamp, who in addition to his business achievements became a major figure in the community of Dordrecht, first became involved in the lifting industry in 1968 as part of the Netherlands operation of Richards & Wallington, a UK crane hire business.

He took on the business in 1980 and renamed it Riwal, with aerial platforms added in 1986. Riwal subsequently became one of Europe’s largest MEWP rental businesses, with Dick’s son, Dick Jr, leading the operation.

Dick Schalekamp Sr pictured during the early days of Riwal.

Riwal was later acquired by Doron Livnat’s ProDelta Holdings business before being sold to Boels Rental in 2024.

In addition to his business activities, Dick Sr became a well-known figure in Dordrecht, the Netherlands town where Riwal was based.

Dutch newspaper AD (Algemeen Dagblad) reported that he had a long association with Dordrecht FC, with Riwal being its shirt sponsor in 1997 and main sponsor from 2006. For many years, Dick Sr was on the club’s supervisory board.

In recognition of his passing, the club observed a minute’s silence before its match on Friday against Jong Ajax in the Dutch second tier division.

KHL Group extends it sympathies to Dick Shalekamp Sr’s family and friends.