Jacs Koopman Turns 80
From an agency to an innovator
This year marks Jacs Koopman’s 80th anniversary. It’s a great time to look back at where we’ve come from and look ahead to where we’re headed. What began as an agency representing German brands has grown into a down-to-earth and innovative partner in lighting and electrical engineering. With our own brands, international operations, smart lighting solutions, and an increasing focus on customization, sustainability, and technology that truly makes a difference.
The Beginnings
Thehistory of Jacs Koopman dates back to the 1930s, when the company was still operating under the name Granderath. At the time, this German agency represented various German brands on the Dutch market.
Hans Vulling
Shortly after the war, in 1945, the company was taken over by Mr. Koopman, Granderath’s bookkeeper. In 1951, Hans Vulling joined the company. During this period, the organization continued to grow, and in 1970, Hans Vulling took over the company. This transfer was unique in nature: it involved a carefully drafted contract with extensive legal provisions and personal agreements. In the early years, the company continued to operate from a home office in Langbroek, where a robust distribution network was built up step by step.
Casper and Hans Vulling †
Agencies
Under the leadership of Hans Vulling, Jacs Koopman represented various renowned brands in the Netherlands, including ABL, Bauser, Nolta, ETA, and Rex. The Rex brand grew into a success story, partly thanks to a unique marketing campaign involving time switches in toolboxes. Due to an unexpected delivery error, instead of 1,000 individual time switches, 1,000 filled boxes were delivered. Despite the challenge, this was successfully launched on the market, and Rex became an established name.
The arrival of the next generation
The arrival of the next generation In 1980, Jacs Koopman moved to Wijk bij Duurstede, initiating a new phase of growth. In 1994, Casper Vulling joined the company, marking the arrival of the next generation. A few years later, he took over the business from his father. During this period, a strong emphasis was placed on professionalization, particularly in the areas of logistics and automation. The wholesale market increasingly demanded efficiency and oversight, leading to significant steps in the optimization of internal processes.
Jacs Koopman in 1980
Expansion into Lighting and Private Labels
Starting in 2000, Jacs Koopman expanded its operations to include the sale of lighting products. This decision stemmed from the belief that lighting can directly contribute to the quality and experience of work environments. The first step in this direction was becoming a distributor for the Duralamp brand. In the years that followed, a major strategic development took place: in 2008, the private label Interlight was introduced, marking the first time Jacs Koopman focused on in-house product development. That same year, new facilities—consisting of office and warehouse space—were officially opened in Wijk bij Duurstede. This laid an important foundation for further growth.
International growth and brand development
In 2014, Interlight GmbH was founded in Germany, further strengthening the international presence. As a result, sales now extend to Western and Northern Europe. In the years that followed, the corporate identity of Interlight and Jacs Koopman was restyled to align with the company’s modern positioning. In 2018, the premises were further expanded with a renovated showroom, kitchen, and meeting room, creating a physical space for meeting, experience, and collaboration.
Jacs Koopman Today
New Brands
Starting in 2020, Jacs Koopman took another significant step in brand development with the introduction of its own lighting brand, Power. In 2025, the name Jacs Koopman made a full return to the market, following a period during which the name Koopman Interlight was also used. This was a deliberate choice to establish a clear and recognizable brand identity: Jacs Koopman remains an agency representing several major European manufacturers and is also the company behind the Interlight and Power brands.
Innovation with impact
In 2026, a new innovative step follows with the opening of a 3D printing lab in Wijk bij Duurstede. This further strengthens development and prototyping, but above all, it ensures the growth of Interlight Elements . A design concept where customization, ample design freedom, and sustainable production come together.
Today, Jacs Koopman is increasingly focusing on smart solutions and added value for the end user, rather than simply supplying products. Together with partners, the company is working on smart building solutions, for example, using Interlight Thinq wireless lighting management and sensor technology. Every product is evaluated from the installer’s perspective: how can we make the installer’s work better and more enjoyable? Innovation with impact.
Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in this regard. Products are being developed with a longer lifespan, more mindful use of materials, and transparency through product passports. The guiding principle is clear: do not take more from the world than it can replenish.
In conclusion
Over the past 80 years, Jacs Koopman has evolved from a small agency into an innovative organization with its own brands, international operations, and a clear focus on technology, lighting, and smart solutions.