When Gerard van Schie joined Lekkerkerker in 1988, the company looked very different from what it is today. What has grown into an international specialist in used dairy equipment and complete processing installations started as a small team focused on engineering, refurbishment and solving practical challenges.
Gerard has witnessed that growth from the very beginning. As the company's first employee, he has now been with Lekkerkerker for 38 years. During that time, he has held many different positions, ranging from workshop technician and technical service to operations and, ultimately, senior project engineer. That broad experience still benefits every project he works on today.
"Over the years I have worked in many different roles. That gives me a clear understanding of how a project develops in practice, from refurbishment in the workshop to the final installation at the customer's site."
Today, Gerard works as a Senior Project Engineer. Once a project has been sold, he and his colleagues take care of the technical execution. From engineering and preparation to testing, commissioning and, in some cases, start-up support at the customer's facility.
His projects vary widely. One day he is working on a separator, the next on a complete yoghurt, cheese or milk processing line. Some assignments involve a single machine, while others require an entire production facility where multiple processes come together.
"Our work goes far beyond refurbishing a machine. We build complete production lines, combine different technologies and make sure everything performs as one integrated system."
According to Gerard, that is also what makes the job interesting. A machine may perform perfectly on its own, but success ultimately depends on how the complete process works together.
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After working on thousands of machines and countless projects, experience becomes something that cannot be learned from a manual alone.
Gerard often recognises potential challenges long before a project starts. Many situations repeat themselves, making it easier to anticipate what may happen during engineering and execution.
"After completing so many projects, you quickly recognise familiar situations. You can often identify potential challenges before the project even begins."
Within Lekkerkerker, that knowledge is actively shared. Engineers, mechanics, software engineers and project managers work closely together, building on the experience gained in previous projects. As a result, valuable knowledge is passed on to the next generation instead of remaining with a single individual.
A significant part of Gerard's work involves refurbishing and preparing existing machines for a new working life. There is far more involved than many people realise.
Machines are inspected, technically assessed, modified where necessary and equipped with new components. One area that has changed considerably over the years is automation and control technology.
"We regularly replace complete control systems. Machines that have been running for many years are given new capabilities that meet today's production requirements."
That combination of proven technology and modern engineering is what Gerard enjoys most. Existing equipment becomes suitable for new applications while meeting today's standards.
Looking back over the past decades, Gerard sees automation as one of the biggest developments in machine building.
Tasks that were once carried out manually are now increasingly automated. This not only makes production easier to operate, but also improves consistency, quality and reliability.
"More and more process information is becoming visible and recorded. That benefits operators as well as maintenance and technical service departments."
Software engineers, process engineers and mechanics therefore work closely together at Lekkerkerker. Practical experience and automation complement each other throughout every project.
When asked what distinguishes a good engineer, Gerard always comes back to one quality: curiosity.
Technology continues to evolve. Machines are improved, processes are optimised and customer requirements change. Engineers who keep asking questions continue to develop themselves as well.
"Always keep looking for improvements. Why was something designed this way? Can it be done differently? Can it be more efficient? Those are the questions you should keep asking yourself."
It is an attitude he also appreciates in younger colleagues.
For engineers considering the next step in their career, Gerard has a clear message.
At Lekkerkerker, engineers are encouraged to contribute ideas, take initiative and become closely involved in projects. They do not only work behind a desk but also see how machines are refurbished, tested and prepared for production.
"There is plenty of room here for your own initiative. Good ideas are taken seriously and you can genuinely influence how a project is carried out."
That makes every project different. Each assignment brings new technical challenges, new opportunities to learn and new ways to improve.
After 38 years, Gerard still believes the same thing he did when he first started.
"Stay curious. That's how you keep growing."
Do you face challenges in your dairy production, or would you like to discuss how we can support your business with the purchase, sale, refurbishment or dismantling of machines? Get in touch with us. We are happy to explore the possibilities together.
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