Around 1960, Berkman opened its first petrol station in Barendrecht. The petrol station consisted of one pump with high-grade petrol, a wringer and a bucket, an air pump and a display case for accessories. At the time, the petrol station was on the same site as the coal shed on the Gebroken Meeldijk in Barendrecht. Berkman foresaw that the coal business did not have a bright future ahead of it by that time and decided to expand its horizons to other business opportunities. In the period 1960 to 1980, Berkman's focus included: Berkman Petrol Stations, Carwash Facilities, Berkman car transport, Berkman Car dealership, Vobex Petrol station shop.