Van der Kaan. That's us.
We have been translating technical content for our clients for many years. We work in 30 languages, with a dedicated team of 200 technical translators and specialized Project Managers who keep every translation project on track.
Most translation agencies offer technical translations. But why take a chance on a non-specialized agency when Van der Kaan and
its technical specialists deliver flawless results in every language you need?
Our specialization brings in fascinating assignments for equally fascinating clients. From robotics training materials for the automotive industry to manuals for advanced tugboats. From safety instructions for the concrete industry to manuals for professional ovens.
Van der Kaan is the specialist in technical translation.
How do we do it?
Our goal is to align our processes as closely as possible with those of our clients.
The end result has to be perfect. That is why all Van der Kaan translators are technically trained specialists.
Our rule for every translator: always translate into your native language, with a degree-level command of the source language.
Changing variables are part of the job. We adapt quickly and without fuss.
User manuals, installation manuals, maintenance manuals, web content, parts catalogs, user interfaces, software, technical specifications, e-learning, technical RFPs, RFIs and tenders, technical compliance documentation, knowledge bases, training manuals, and more.
Client feedback
'Highly skilled translators'
'Proactive thinkers'
'Seamless delivery'
Technical documentation for tugboats
The key to turnkey service
SPECIALISTS
Process-focused
Our Project Managers bridge the gap between the Customer Service Team and our translators. The Project Managers often have a translation background themselves. They initiate the process, prepare glossaries and style guides where needed, and reserve time in the translators' schedules.
Quality-focused
Organized by type of technical content: a manual for a tower crane is a completely different animal from the user interface of a chip machine. Our technical specialists are always native speakers of the target language and, in addition to their technical qualifications, often hold an academic degree in the source language.
Client-focused
The Customer Service Team analyzes texts submitted for quotation, handles questions, and provides clients with information. Although the team is client-facing in principle, communication with clients often runs through management, which maintains close contact with the client.
Transparent
The new client requests a quote for a specific project. The request and the accompanying materials, such as the content or documents to be translated, are reviewed internally. We determine what type of translation is involved and, where necessary, consult with the potential client by email or phone to clarify all details, deadlines, and expectations.
In principle, the potential client receives our quote by email within 1 hour. The quote is prepared by the Customer Service Team, approved by Frank, the Managing Director, and then emailed to the new client, with a phone explanation where appropriate. Complex requests may take longer. Our quotes are generally valid for 10 days.
Once the potential client accepts the quote, they confirm this by email. The project has now officially been assigned to Van der Kaan. From this point on, the former prospect is registered as a client in our CRM system. For new clients, we usually work with a partial advance invoice. This process is started immediately after approval.
Van der Kaan works its magic. The Project Manager schedules the relevant translators. Two to three translators are needed per language - for translation, possible editing, and proofreading. They are always native speakers of the target language. The Project Manager keeps everything running smoothly and monitors the timeline.
The content is checked by a proofreader with the same expertise as the translator. The proofreader is also a native speaker of the target language, has studied the source language, and is, of course, a technical specialist with the right area of expertise.
The materials are delivered in the requested languages. This is usually done by email, but for larger files we use WeTransfer. We ask the client for feedback on our service, and once the new client is fully satisfied, the final invoice is sent.
Contact Info
Hoogoorddreef 9, 1101 BA Amsterdam