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For years, brothers Hans and Paul have worked at VD Leegte Metaal. Although the factory at VD Leegte Metaal is quite large, Hans and Paul are a door away from each other. However, both do have their own jobs. Hans, Paul and Jarno work in the same department.
How did you end up at VDL?
Hans: “I used to work, together with Paul as a butcher. At that time I met the quality manager of VD Leegte Metaal and he asked me if working at VD Leegte Metaal would be something for me. That's how I ended up working there. Paul: “Hans tipped me off about VD Leegte Metaal. Since we were already used to working together, I applied. By now we have been working together, with great pleasure, at VD Leegte Metaal for 23 years.” Menno: “Through our dad I ended up at VD Leegte Metaal. I first took the machining level 3 course and started working as a toolmaker. Now I am following an internal training at VDL. Jarno: “I ended up at VDL through our dad. Hans: “I tipped off all my children, at one point there was even a point where all four of my sons would be working here. In fact, my other son Remco also worked here before. “He is the smarter one in the family, though,” jokes Menno. Hans: “I expect Remco to be back here one day, the door is always open.”
What appeals to you so much at VDL?
Paul: “We are satisfied with what we do here, fun is important.” Hans: “I am very proud to work at VDL. I really grew up with Wim van der Leegte and Wim Maathuis. We all know each other. In addition, I really like the friendly atmosphere. For 33 years VDL has taken good care of me, I still have a family of five children and am happy that I still work here.” Menno: “When I came here, I had to find my way for a while. I'm really proud of the work I do. I'm still learning and expanding my knowledge about tools all the time. I can then share that knowledge with fellow students and apply it on the job. I am proud that I can do my part to improve processes. I like working independently. I'm busy drawing myself, grabbing materials and getting started. That feels good! Furthermore, I do the work of a CNC turner/miller but I am also troubleshooting. This makes it challenging; you have to understand everything to be able to solve it.” Jarno: “I enjoy doing all sorts of manual and clerical work. This ranges from cleaning to production. The variety is fun.”
Are you similar?
Hans: “Before VD Leegte Metaal, we worked together for a long time at a butcher's shop. Then you do learn to work in a line and you have to have a lot of discipline. In this we are very similar. Menno: Our dad is really stress resistant, so am I. That is very important in this job. Paul: “You also have a lot of responsibility Menno, so that stress resistance comes in handy.” Jarno: I don't know if I'm like my father in terms of working, but I do hope that after 33 years I still enjoy going to work as well.”
Do you also talk about VDL at home?
Hans: “Paul and I are on each other's lips all day long but together we are really always busy with work. We keep private and work well separated.” Paul: “When I close the door behind me, that's when the weekend starts for me. I'm pretty good at letting that go.” Jarno: “The same applies to me.”
How do you see the future at VDL?
Hans smiles says: “I hope to stay here until my retirement. I feel right at home here and still enjoy the work. In addition, we are all looking forward to a new factory and new department. I'm going to put a lot of energy into that. “ Paul: I hope to be able to work here together with Hans for many more years.” Menno: “I would like to keep growing, which is working out very well so far.” Jarno: I'm still at school now in interior and shipbuilding.I had to choose a direction, of course. My interest is at the drawing board anyway. Designing and supervising a project myself.”
At VD Leegte Metaal in Hapert, we work with over 150 colleagues on various steel structures and complete welding assemblies. We deliver these to our clients both in series and in customized projects. We provide various automated metal operations such as laser cutting, bending, pressing, robotic welding, manual welding as well as assembly and logistics services. As a result, our product range is extremely diverse.