To crown Koppert Biological Systems’ jubilee anniversary, two of its directors, Paul Koppert and Henri Oosthoek, received the royal decoration of Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau on Friday evening. The honour was bestowed on them by the Mayor of Lansingerland, Pieter van der Stadt.
Speaking on behalf of the King, Mayor van der Stadt said the honour was bestowed on them for their ‘broad input and meaningful work’. He remarked that this had not gone unnoticed. ‘His majesty is pleased to appoint you as Officers in the Order of Oranje-Nassau for your commitment to society’, the Mayor announced before pinning the decoration to their chests.
The royal decoration came as a surprise at the end of a ceremony to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary on Friday. Dutch King Willem-Alexander personally paid a visit to the Koppert headquarters in Berkel en Rodenrijs to open the company’s new Experience Centre on Thursday.
The royal Dutch decoration is awarded on the basis of special, personal merits for society.