People at the Heart of Progress
As we celebrate Rioned’s 70th anniversary, I would like to personally thank our customers, partners, and colleagues for the trust and support you have shown us over the years. From our early beginnings to where we are today, your confidence in Rioned has shaped our journey and continues to guide our commitment to reliability and innovation.
Rioned has always been built on people. The expertise and dedication of our engineers, production teams, service specialists, dealers, and operators are at the heart of everything we do. Many have spent years, even decades, with Rioned, passing on knowledge and craftsmanship that define the quality and dependability of our machines.
As the drainage and sewer cleaning industry continues to evolve, driven by efficiency, sustainability, and digitalisation, Rioned remains focused on supporting professionals with practical innovation and trusted solutions. We look forward to building on 70 years of experience and shaping the future of sewer and drainage cleaning together.
Jan Pieters
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Our Customers
"Rioned and Anglian are a perfect match. We like to buy locally, so the fact that Rioned is just around the corner is a big plus for us. Of course, that’s still something we only do if the products meet our standards.
Our collaboration with Rioned is intensive, and we’ve been involved in developing several new machines. The relationship with Rioned’s head office in the Netherlands is also very good.”
David Leggett | Anglian Water
Our Dealers
“I’ve been selling Rioned machines in Denmark for over 15 years. We now offer the full range, from spring machines to combi-units. Rioned often involves us in product development, and our feedback has shaped several new models.
Their innovative machines help our customers adapt to new demands, including stricter environmental rules. That’s why Rioned remains a key part of our offering.”
Johnny Nicolaisen | JKL Teknik A/S
Our People
“I joined in 2008 to improve how we build machines. We found nearly half of assembly time was wasted on repetitive tasks. By switching to subassemblies, we sped things up and increased output.
We’ve kept improving by standardising parts of the process. That’s helped us grow while still offering custom options.”
Kees Van Giersbergen | Production manager
The Rioned Story: A Brief History
1950s - 60s
In the beginning
- In 1956, Jef Poos founded his one-man welding business in Tilburg
- In the mid 1960s, Jef invented the first motorised spring machine.
Rioned’s journey began in 1956 when Jef Poos established a welding business in Tilburg. Starting out in a converted pigeon shed in his backyard, the company initially focused on general welding and hand-pump manufacturing. In the mid-1960s, Jef Poos revolutionised the industry with the invention of the first motorised spring drain-cleaning machine. This innovation replaced the manual hand-cranking method and marked a significant breakthrough for the company. In 1967, this success prompted the company’s rebranding from Tilburgse Lasinrichting J. Poos to Rior N.V., setting the stage for future growth.
1970s - 80s
Two Decades of Growth
- In 1973, Rior opened a new factory in Goirle.
- In 1989, Rior and Rioned merged under Heico’s ownership.
The 1970s saw rapid growth for Rior, driven by innovative technology and rising demand. In 1969, the company showcased its first high-pressure machine at the Düsseldorf trade fair, setting the stage for future success. To meet increasing demand, Rior expanded its production capacity by opening a new factory in Goirle in 1973. The 1980s brought increased competition and industry consolidation, and in 1989, Rior and Rioned merged under Heico’s ownership, marking a significant shift in the company’s evolution.
1990s - 2000s
Building Expertise and Stability
- In 1990, Jan Pieters joined Rioned as export manager.
- In 2001, all departments were relocated to the Tilburg site.
The 1990s marked a period of consolidation and growth as Rioned worked to integrate the previously separate companies after the merger. A key development was the addition of experienced individuals like the current MD, Jan Pieters, who joined in 1990 as Export Manager. The company also began working towards ISO certification, which enhanced documentation and process control. In 2001, Rioned took a significant step by relocating all departments to the Tilburg site, promoting better collaboration and improving operational efficiency. Many of the people who joined during this time remain with the company, continuing to bring invaluable expertise and experience.
2010s - 2020s
Shaping the Future of Drain Cleaning
- In 2015, Rioned won a prestigious Red Dot Innovation Award for its eControl system.
- In 2019, the world’s first fully electric van-pack jetting machine was launched.
From the 2010s onwards, Rioned strengthened its international position through strategic acquisitions and continued innovation. The purchase of UK-based Andy Guest Jetters in 2013, followed by the acquisition of German company Karo in 2017, expanded the product range and reinforced Rioned’s presence across the European market. Innovation was a core focus during this period, recognised by the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2015 for the eControl system. In 2019, Rioned achieved another major milestone with the launch of the world’s first fully electric high-pressure jetting machine, setting a new benchmark for sustainable performance in the industry.
The Rioned Ecosystem
More Than Just a Jetter
For 70 years, Rioned has stood for more than simply building powerful drain jetting machines. What truly sets Rioned apart is a complete ecosystem of services and solutions designed to keep customers working efficiently, safely, and profitably. From expert maintenance and servicing to flexible equipment hire, finance and ancillary equipment, Rioned supports operators throughout the entire lifecycle of their machines, not just at the point of sale. This holistic approach ensures maximum uptime, long-term reliability, and confidence in the field.
Looking ahead, Rioned continues to lead the industry into a more connected future. Intelligent systems such as eControl Touch deliver real-time insight directly to operators and fleet managers. Later this year, RioConnect will be fully rolled out, introducing a secure telematics platform for live monitoring of individual machines or entire fleets. With clear visibility of performance, usage, and machine status, operators can plan smarter, reduce downtime, manage fleets more effectively, and communicate more clearly with customers. It’s a connected approach built to keep operations running efficiently, now and into the future.