Ventura is derived from the Latin word for ‘future’. This meaning inspired the founders of Ventura Systems when naming the Dutch door systems manufacturer, as they set out to bring innovative door solutions to the world. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the brand’s official establishment in Australia, forming an important milestone in its growth vision.
We spoke with Ventura Systems Australia general manager Wolter Meijerhof while he’s in the midst of celebrating the company’s 10-year anniversary in a unique way. He says the brand is taking the next step in supporting local OEMS and operators by opening a new office and warehouse in Queensland.
The early years
Originally from the Netherlands, Wolter had already spent time living in Australia before officially emigrating and establishing Ventura Systems Australia in 2016.
“Through my network, I was approached by Ventura, who were looking for someone to set up the business in Australia to support local OEMs and operators,” he told ABC.
“We had already decided to return to Australia after our time in the Netherlands. Although I had limited experience with door systems at the time, my background as a product design engineer in the Australasian automotive industry made this a great opportunity to step into a new field and become Ventura’s local extension for Oceania.”
Building on an existing customer base, the business initially operated from his home office with support from a third-party warehouse. Ventura quickly gained momentum and, within four years, was supplying door systems for public transport vehicles from most bus OEMs. With its plug sliding door systems, the company introduced a fresh and innovative solution to the local market.
Over the years, Ventura has reached several important milestones, working closely with OEMs to supply door systems for the first electric buses in Australia as well as for buses exported outside Australia. In addition, Wolter and his team focused on door systems for special projects.
“We’ve worked on many specialised applications, ranging from ambulances and special-purpose buses to rail maintenance vehicles used in mining operations, as well as trucks and government vehicles,” Wolter says.
“One of the more recognisable projects is the Victorian Police ‘Booze Bus’, which is specially equipped with two or three Rapid Sliding door systems and is still in operation today.”
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Growing with the industry
Ventura has always had strong confidence in the potential of the Australasian and New Zealand bus industry, particularly its focus on improving quality and passenger experience while transitioning towards zero-emission fleets. This belief has driven a strong emphasis on adapting door systems to local requirements and operating conditions.
“Australia and New Zealand are very unique in terms of operating conditions and requirements. Our door systems need to operate reliably in heat, sand, storms and at varying elevations,” he says.
“There are also specific regulatory requirements, such as TS 160 (previously TS 155), that we must comply with. We maintain close contact with various government authorities to help advise on best-practice guidelines for door systems in modern public transport.
“With our worldwide experience, we understand the challenges of urban mobility and how these can impact door system reliability. By working closely with the industry, we can grow together to deliver safe, reliable and comfortable journeys for passengers.”
A few years ago, Ventura made the decision to focus on supplying electric door systems rather than pneumatic versions. While the shift towards electric door systems was already well underway in Europe, Wolter recognised it as the next step for the Oceania market.
“The benefits of electric door systems over pneumatic systems are now very clear to the market, and we’re seeing their adoption increase rapidly,” he says.
Opening the new office
Currently Wolter is supported by his son Josh, who is responsible for logistics and parts, alongside a team of specialists providing support to OEMs and operators across Australia and New Zealand. One of them is Nigel Wilson, who has worked with Wolter since the early days of Ventura Systems Australia in 2016 and remains a dedicated service partner.
“The days of a one-man show are long gone,” Wolter says.
“As we’ve grown in the market, we’ve been able to expand our network of service partners and agents to support both direct and indirect customers nationwide.”
With the addition of Josh, Wolter now also has, quite literally, an in-house team member supporting the day-to-day running of the business, ensuring he has the time needed to visit OEMs, operators and authorities.
Read more:
- Ventura acquires another major Victorian operator
- Panorama Coaches acquires Jacobsons school service runs
- FlixBus announces NSW snow services
- Buses to replace trains amid Victorian level crossing works
- Victoria’s newest electric bus depot officially opens
