About Klift

Committed professionals. Modern technology.

Strong together in precision work

Professionals who think along with you

At Klift, it’s not just about metal it’s about people.
Our work planners, turners, millers, and EDM specialists actively think along with you on manufacturability, tolerances, and efficiency.

We work for companies in, among others:

Machine building

High-tech industry

Measurement and inspection technology

Special equipment construction

Short lines of communication. Clear communication. A deal is a deal.

The history of Klift

1954

Foundation

Machinefabriek Van der Klift is founded by J. van der Klift in Rotterdam. The company starts in the middle of a residential area and focuses on turning, milling, fabrication, and welding, mainly for local clients and the port industry.

1977

Relocation to Schiedam

Due to urban developments, the company moves to Schiedam, where it continues to build a stable customer base.

1988

Return to Rotterdam

The Schiedam location becomes too small. The company relocates to the Spaanse Polder in Rotterdam, enabling further growth and the first steps toward calibration blocks.

1990

Acquisition

On December 31, P.J. van der Klift and J.M. Leenders take over the company and focus on modernization and growth.

1991

Introduction of CNC Technology

The first CNC machine is purchased. In the following years, all conventional machines are replaced by CNC-controlled machines.

1993

First Economic Crisis

The company faces a severe economic downturn but manages to stay afloat.

2000

Investing in Craftsmanship

Start of training and mentoring young professionals to become machining specialists. Craftsmanship becomes a key pillar of the company.

2001

Second Economic Crisis

Another challenging period, followed by years of recovery and growth.

2007

Start of International Export

The first direct export of tools for the inspection industry to international clients is realized.

2008

Growth in Inspection Industry & New Technology

Inspection industry tools grow to 25–30% of revenue. EDM (die-sinking) technology is introduced.

2012

New Facility & New Name

Relocation to a modern, company-owned facility in Berkel en Rodenrijs. At the same time, the trade name Klift Metaalbewerking is introduced.

2013

First 5-Axis CNC Machine

The first 5-axis CNC milling machine is put into operation a major step in precision and complexity.

2014

Strategic Focus

The focus shifts from fabrication and general machining to primarily precision machining. Growth increasingly focuses on tools for the measurement and inspection industry.

2015

Full 5-Axis Machining

The first fully 5-axis CNC milling machine is acquired, followed by further expansion of the machine park.

2017

Facility Expansion

The building is expanded to support further growth and production optimization, creating more space for assembly and in-house product manufacturing.

2020

Introduction of Multitask Machine

The first multitask machine is added, enabling complex operations in a single setup.

Working at Klift

Help build precision

Are you technically skilled and do you enjoy a challenge?

At Klift, you work with modern machines, short communication lines, and colleagues who take pride in their craft.

We invest in education, growth, and development.
Craftsmanship doesn’t happen by itself we build it together.

Interested? Send your motivation and CV to info@kliftmetaalbewerking.nl and we will contact you shortly.

Training & Apprenticeships

At Klift, learning doesn’t stop after graduation it starts there.
We are a certified training company (SBB), where talent is developed into technical specialists.

Our employees grow alongside technology — from CNC programming to robotics. Together, we build the next generation of metal experts.