From a single newbuild and repair yard near Rotterdam in 1927, the family-owned Damen Shipbuilding group has expanded to 38 shipyards and related companies involved in new construction as well as repair and maintenance activities. Now with more than 8,000 employees and a presence in 34 countries, the Netherlands-based Damen group has become one of the world’s most successful shipbuilding businesses, thanks largely to its production methods and ever-expanding design portfolio. When Kommer Damen began running the Damen company in 1969, he made changes to the company’s operations instantaneously.