Emiel Donkers Project Engineer

How did you end up at our company?
When Emiel completed his MBO internship Mechatronics BOL-4 7 years ago, he first came to VDL Systems. “During this internship, I worked partly in the factory and partly in the engineering department to design products,” says Emiel. “After that, I did holiday work in the welding and assembly department in the summer. Then I was asked by the internship supervisor at VDL Systems if I wanted to follow the HBO Mechanical Engineering course at VDL Systems on a part-time basis. I have now been employed as a Project Engineer in the engineering department for 2 years.”

What did or do you like most about the products we make at VDL Systems?
“At VDL Systems, we mainly make single-piece modules and machines, so everything that leaves our premises is always custom work. It is also fantastic that the products I design are built in our own factory. This gives you direct feedback if something goes right or wrong and you can see this with your own eyes.” Emiel also says that designing for the food processing industry really appeals to him. “This means that you always have to take hygiene and cleanability into account and that you are not only concerned with the mechanical solution.”

Was there anything that went less well? How was it resolved?
Emiel says that during the start of his career at VDL Systems he was too focused on quantity instead of quality. “I had too much of the idea that projects had to be completed as quickly as possible due to time pressure and short delivery times. Thanks to good guidance from my direct, more experienced colleagues, I have now found the right balance in this.”

How would you describe VDL Systems to friends or family?
“VDL Systems has a very informal working atmosphere, you can always easily walk over to a colleague and they will always take the time to help you further. There is a very good balance between work and free time. I also like that everyone is quite down-to-earth, but at the same time very driven to create a good product. In addition, we also make very impressive machines here, which I often proudly show to family and friends.”

How do you see the future at VDL Systems?
“I am currently enjoying myself at VDL Systems. Especially because the company is very healthy and successful, it offers me a lot of security. I see myself developing and designing beautiful machines here for many years to come with great pleasure.”