AGROLAB News

During a recent visit to our environmental laboratory AL-West in the Netherlands, our CEO Paul Wimmer took time to reflect on nearly four decades of company history. In conversation with the Commercial Director Xavier Butteux, he shared personal insights into the early days of AGROLAB, key turning points, and what he hopes the future will bring.

What went through your mind when you founded AGROLAB in 1986?
At the time, I was working on my PhD in agricultural informatics. My professor approached me with the idea of setting up a lab that could digitize soil data to provide modern, IT-based fertilisation planning for farmers. That idea immediately sparked my interest. I wanted to offer better services than the competition at the time – especially government-run labs. At the same time, I saw the opportunity to modernise lab processes through digitalisation and industrial standards.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Overall, I would take the same path again. But with the experience I have today, I would have put structures in place earlier to support faster growth. Still, the early years were incredibly valuable – I was able to experience and shape every phase of our development firsthand.

What would you say was your biggest success at AGROLAB?
Our greatest achievements often came in times of crisis – for example, after the two major fires at our Verwey and LUFA labs. It was in those moments that we saw what determination, team spirit and flexibility can achieve. Another milestone was expanding our portfolio beyond agricultural analysis into environmental and food testing – as well as entering international markets.

Any regrets along the way?
Not really. Of course, my family and personal life had to take a back seat at times. But my family has always been very supportive. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and building AGROLAB has been my passion and fulfilment. What makes me especially proud is that we’ve been able to create stable jobs, stay true to our values, and succeed in a competitive market.

What are your hopes for the future?
Besides health and personal happiness, I hope that AGROLAB continues to be run successfully – ideally as a family business. It’s important to me that our employees have a great working environment and enjoy being part of AGROLAB.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
AGROLAB’s success isn’t the result of one person – it’s thanks to all of our employees. Their daily commitment drives our company, and I am deeply grateful for that. Of course, there have been different opinions and occasional conflicts. But overall, I’ve always been able to count on my team – and I look back fondly on many shared experiences over the past 39 years.

Thank you, Paul!