While Brainport companies like ASML and VDL continually attract boatloads of engineers, Niels is simply happy at the somewhat smaller Improvia in Best. And so, the mechanical design engineer isn’t just one of many, but a key link in the bigger picture. “There are plenty of opportunities here.”
His appearance doesn’t confirm the typical image of an engineer. If such a thing even exists, anyway. Niels (39) is tall, bald, and has a red beard. He speaks calmly and relaxedly. He often smiles kindly when he talks about his work at Improvia and how he got there. Apparently, he has every reason to. His story proves that even with an all-consuming behemoth like ASML nearby, you can be happy at another company. Perhaps we should even conclude, “precisely happy.” “The culture at Improvia is open. There’s no rigid hierarchy, and colleagues are open to criticism,” the former mechanical engineering student praises his employer. “And if I have anything to complain about, I just go to the big boss.” It just so happens that he also works for Improvia at ASML. At least, every now and then. These projects include tooling projects for the Veldhoven-based company. “I’ve already worked on several projects for ASML. But last year, Improvia delivered a project that both ASML and we were very satisfied with. Partly because of that, ASML specifically asked me and a colleague to create a modified second version for a different platform. That’s a nice compliment for your work.”
Plenty of Variety
Yet, the friendly Eindhoven native is always happy to return to his familiar surroundings in Best after such a project. Niels: “I have a lot of variety here, which keeps the work interesting. At ASML, you can probably get things done as well, but you have to actively pursue it. There, it’s an active choice to switch teams. Here, it happens organically. There are plenty of opportunities here.” Moreover, Niels enjoys the work atmosphere at Improvia. “Colleagues are friendly with each other. Everyone gets along well. And if someone asks for help, there are two people there.” And that last point isn’t necessarily limited to the workplace. Just think: he recently helped a colleague move. “Just doing some odd jobs. You see each other every day, don’t you? I get along really well with some people; I regularly go out to dinner with them.” He knows: that kind of culture is created together. “If you have the right people together, you can make it happen.”
Involved from start to finish
Before he started working in Best, Niels only knew Improvia from a few setups at Bosch in Tilburg, his previous employer. He was involved in geometric measurements and component testing, followed by subsequent analysis; more focused on the hardware itself. “Now I work even more with computers. To design components, and create the setups and documentation of the design. I’m involved from start to finish.” It’s not surprising, by the way, that Niels ultimately ended up at Improvia. Ever since graduating from Eindhoven University of Technology, he’d been aspiring to a similar position. “My previous position came to me by chance. At some point, I wanted to work more design-oriented, like I do now. I just enjoy it more.” He came into contact with Improvia through word of mouth. An interview followed. The company was a natural fit. And the reverse was also true, Niels says with a smile. “Improvia had exactly what I was looking for.” He’s been working there for six years now. And he’s still enjoying it immensely.
No regrets
He hasn’t regretted his choice for a moment. “The work is enjoyable, and I learn a lot from colleagues. In the corporate world, not everyone is always willing to share knowledge, but here they are. I believe in that mentoring idea. People sharing their knowledge with you.” He can also expand his knowledge through courses, thanks to his boss’s training budget. He definitely plans to use it. “I’m going to schedule Coaching Leadership for this year, something that comes somewhat naturally to me. But there’s always room for improvement.” It fits his dream career path. It should lead to a team leader position in Best. Whether he can fulfill that ambition depends on market developments, he knows. “The management is aware of my ambition and will take it into account in any future decisions.” In the meantime, he’s trying to learn as much as possible and gain experience in that direction. For example, in addition to his regular work, he supervises interns who work on food-related projects. “What if you do this or that? Have you spoken to so-and-so yet?”
Food-tech project
He would also like to take on a food-tech project himself, a field of technology in which Improvia is well-versed. “I want to get a better feel for it. It’s something different than doing everything with micrometer precision.”
