Bastiaan started as a summer student in production back in 2016. What began as a holiday job quickly grew into something more. During his studies in Environmental & Sustainability Management, he returned for an internship and left a strong impression working alongside the HSE Manager.
With that manager nearing retirement, Bastiaan was offered a clear growth path: stay on, and eventually take over the role. But first, he deliberately started as a production supervisor to understand the people, processes and real-life challenges on the floor.
“That was no coincidence. When you’ve stood in production, you know where the real action happens. It still helps me every day.”
Today, Bastiaan is HSE Manager. He’s responsible for safety, health and the environment but above all, for bringing people together around these topics.
“Rules matter, but people only follow them when they understand why. I’m not here to police, I’m here to think along and improve together. The best ideas usually come straight from the shop floor.”
What drives him most is the way of working:
“You’re never alone here. We support each other, share our wins and celebrate success. Like the time we hit 100 accident-free days, everyone got fries. A small gesture, big impact. You could feel the pride.”
He’s also grateful for the growth mindset:
“They don’t just say you’re allowed to grow, they make it happen. You get the time and space to follow training and develop in your own way.”