NEDCON_magazine_zomer2021_EN

magazine

SUMMER 2021

NEDCON MASTERPIECE

PROJECT WITRON - MEIJER OPERATIONAL AT LINE PL 22-03

NEW POWDER BOOTH GUEST COLUMN

VOESTALPINE KREMS FINALTECHNIK

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CONTENTS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

STANDARDIZATION

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7

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

JAROMÍR HAVEL

HOW ARE THINGS WITH

INGE KONING

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24

THE HOBBY OF

DENNIS SCHUT

DEVELOPMENT

ADAPTO SHUTTLE

COLOPHON EDITORIAL TEAM

I PASS THE PEN ON TO WOUT SMANS

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COLUMN BY KASPER VRIJBLOED

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MEMORIES OF DOMINIK HEYM

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Gerard Kant Rob van Lier William Krabbenborg Kristian van Petersen Willem Schreurs Kasper Vrijbloed Volker Müller Daniela Stehnova Lori Goodwin Alle Diks Amber Hengevelt

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NICOLE KNETEMANN

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DESIGN

COOKING WITH COLLEAGUE WIM GRAS

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AND FURTHER… THE HOBBY OF WILBERT STAPELVOORT

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loek & feel

PRINTING WORKS GOING DUTCH IN CINCINNATI

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Drukkerij Westerlaan

PREFACE

DEAR COLLEAGUES, Before you lies a new edition of our magazine and as I write this we are already well into the month of May. ­Corona is more than a year old and because there are much less private activities, it seems as if the year has flown by. Let’s hope that our society will open again in the course of 2021 and that more face-to-face meetings can take place within NEDCON.

Of course, business growth also means a need for new people and it is nice to mention that already a number of new colleagues has started. We warmly welcome all new employees and wish them a very good time within NEDCON. We are constantly looking for well-qualified personnel. So do not hesitate to provide our HR department with tips!

Nevertheless, a lot has happened within our company.

To start with, I want to reflect to the passing away of our esteemed colleague Dominik Heym. It is good to see, also for his family, how all colleagues sympathize with this great loss. We will of course come back to this in this edition.

Our magazine is also growing and in this new issue you will see a nice variety of subjects again. Think of a report on the Meijer project that we are installing in the United States or the development of the new Adapto shuttle, which we will dive deeper into.

In addition, there is good news from Pardubice regarding a new powder coating line. Naturally, the usual sections will also appear: a day in the life of some of our colleagues, hobbies, a conversation with a former colleague and of course the passing on of the well-known pen.

From a business point of view, we cannot complain.

As previously reported, we closed the BY 2021 with a wonderful result. At the moment, a major challenge is the ever-increasing steel price. Where we thought it would level off a bit in quarter two, it actually exploded. Con­ sumers are now also noticing it because materials such as plastic and wood are also under pressure. Nevertheless, we started the year well in April with a very decent order portfolio. The trend towards larger projects seems to be continuing and the hurry of some of the customers I ­wrote about last time only seems to have increased.

Read on quickly, it is worth it!

Enjoy the summer period.

Best regards, Hans Jacobs

PREFACE

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ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS ENGINEER

WILBERT STAPELVOORT

By Gerard Kant

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Wilbert Stapelvoort and I am 47 years old.

I live in Didam with my girlfriend Joyce and the children Jelle, Lieke and Boaz. My hobby, besides diving, is squash and I also have become a big fan of low and slow barbecuing during corona.

How did you end up at NEDCON at the time?

In 1996 I did an internship at NEDCON; most of the time under the supervision of Henry Eppingbroek.

A year later, I graduated at NEDCON on the Spar project in Wels under the supervision of Jan Tragter.

Then I also stayed with NEDCON.

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How long have you been working for NEDCON now?

I officially started in September 1997, so it’s been almost 24 years now (damn, that’s been more than half of my life...)

What positions have you fulfilled at NEDCON? I started as an upcoming draftsman and progressed in the engineering department to Technical Project Manager. When NEDCON switched to the Business Unit structure, I became an Account Solutions Engineer.

THE HOBBY OF… NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR HOBBY… DIVING! How did you get acquainted with this hobby?

My neighbor dove and I joined him for an intro dive. This was at Peli Diving in Enschede (no idea if they still exist).

Since when have you been practicing this hobby?

I started diving in 1996.

How long did you need to master diving?

I got my first license in about six months. I started with the ‘’pool area’’ in the fall and moved on to the ‘’open water area’’ in the spring.

I have since risen to Course Director.

This means that I am an instructor and that I can train people to the level of instructor. However, I have certainly not finished learning yet. At the top of my wish list is the desire to become an ice diving instructor.

What makes this hobby so special for you?

For me there are two sides to diving that I love: • When I am making a dive for myself, with my buddy, it is wonderful to be able to float underwater and experience the tranquility underwater. It almost feels like meditation, you feel very zen because of it.

• When I teach, it is wonderful to teach other people how to dive.

Slightly less zen, but just as much fun.

on the diving conditions. In the pool, I usually wear a 2mm shorty with a 10-liter bottle, a jacket and a double mares regulator. In the open water I have a 2x7 mm wetsuit on and if it gets a cold dive, a dry suit (diving suit where you can keep your clothes on), 12-liter bottle, wing and a double apex regulator.

How often do you dive and where do you usually dive?

I usually make more than 50 dives a year. Due to corona, the courses at our association were stoppend so we dove significantly less in the past year. I make most dives in the Netherlands. The most training dives I make in‘’Gat van Roelofs’’ at the Ouddijk junction.

For the specialists among us: what kind of diving equipment do you have (and other technical data)?

My equipment is very dependent

THE HOBBY OF WILBERT STAPELVOORT

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“

MY BEST DIVE WAS WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A POD OF DOLPHINS UNDERWATER

“

What is the most exotic place you have ever dived?

The most distant was in Australia.

When it comes to going on vacation to dive, the red sea is my favorite.

What was the biggest challenge for you while diving?

In diving, safety is very important, just like it is at NEDCON. Therefore, I try to avoid challenges as much as possible during a dive. What I always find challenging is finding the missing object during search and recovery dives.

At NEDCON, safety is of paramount importance, as you just mentioned. What do you do to protect yourself as well as possible during diving?

As I have said before, safety may be even more important when it comes to diving. That is why you always dive together, so that you are each other’s backup. You always plan your dive in such a

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way that you have at least 50 bar of air left when you are back on top and that you have not absorbed too much nitrogen in your body. You also have two regulators per diver, so that if your set fails, you can always get air from your buddy or your buddy from you. Furthermore, about 80% of the exercises you receive during the training are aimed at learning what to do if a problem occurs underwater.

encountered a pod of dolphins underwater.

What are your favorite diving conditions?

First, a big warning: diving is addictive! If you want to go diving, think about what you want to do with it. Do you want to dive once a year on vacation? Or do you want to do it regularly? Find a diving school or association that feels good. You can of course always approach me for tips or advice! ■

That is being on vacation, at a beautiful resort with the diving base at the hotel.

Tell us about your most spectacular dives. How deep did you dive?

The deepest I have ever been is 35 meters, but the depth is not necessarily spectacular.

My greatest dive was when I

SUMMER 2021

Can I also learn to dive at my age (60+) or is it more of a “youth” sport?

You can dive at any age, you are certainly not the oldest. The oldest active diving member of our association is 72 years young.

What do you recommend to the reader who wants to practice this sport?

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

STANDARDIZATION: INDISPENSABLE LINK IN OUR GROWING PROJECTS AND ONGOING DIGITIZATION

In the previous edition of our magazine, you read in this section about how we as NEDCON are able to develop customer-specific solutions in the Business Units. In addition to these customer-specific solutions, many projects largely consist of standard components. These components, the NEDCON standard, have been developed and standardized over the years. Even today, we are still working on developing, improving and standardizing every day.

Let’s take a look behind the scenes at the product development of the standard!

By Willem Schreurs

VNA warehouse with the old variant of the P&D stations.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT | STANDARDIZATION

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Products & Technology As of June 1, 2021, there is a new unit within NEDCON: Products & Technology. The various departments that are involved in developments, and that previously worked together as Platform Product Development, have been combined here so that product development becomes more efficient and acquires a more prominent position within NEDCON.

Focus on configure-to-order The focus in product development is currently on “configure-toorder” for strategically important product groups (pallet racking, speedframe, miniload shuttle, system floors). It is no secret that NEDCON is good at complex projects. Our strength is reflected in our projects in which we often go further in engineering than other providers. However, a complex project does not always have to be built up from unique parts only. We often see that a detailed solution from the past

can also be used in new projects.

Currently, the focus of product development is in this area: Which items do we use often but take time and are time-consuming for our engineering department, and require a lot of work preparation?

Can we make these items smarter so that they can be used more widely, require less engineering or, preferably, can even be applied “plug & play”? If we can do that, we will all benefit. Developments such as the depth beam light, a new container support or a splice are some good examples.

Development of a “Pick and Drop station” Another actual example of standardization for configure-toorder, is the development of the Pick and Drop station (P&D) as applied for our NR1 pallet racking.

We regularly receive requests where a customer needs P&D’s.

As the name suggests, a P&D is a position where a pallet can be deposited and then can, in the case of a narrow aisle warehouse,

easily picked by the narrow aisle truck (VNA) and subsequently dropped in the correct position.

In that case, up to a few hundred pallets pass the P&D every day.

This makes the design complex because not only the static load (how heavy is the pallet) must be taken into account, but also the possible occurrence of fatigue.

Think of the well-known example of a paper clip that breaks if you bend it too often.

Until now, when designing a project with P&Ds, we looked repeatedly at a specific design, which is based on a more commonly used principle. For a P&D this time-consuming task requires specific knowledge.

From the point of view of standardization, the most common applications of P&Ds have been investigated. We also examined how heavy and how often they are loaded. In this case, the pallet rack to which the P&D is attached is also important for the design,

Welded connection in the old solutions

Configure-to-order strategy

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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Prototype in Test Department

because a heavy load will be attached to it.

The old P&D was not only complex for engineering. The P&D also turned out to be a minor headache for purchasing: the thick welded connection between the various profiles was difficult for our suppliers to perform properly and to guarantee the required quality.

With all the requirements and wishes on table, we looked for the ideal solution. How can we use smart components to create a composition that meets the vast majority of applications? After the necessary modelling, calculation, drawing, there was finally the “If it can be done,...”

Compile from standard components A set of separate components has been developed that are bolted together, thus avoiding the aforementioned thick weld. By combining different standard parts (3 height variants and 2 length

The P&D’s are easy to configure in CSA

variants), we can offer a solution with 6 configurable types for almost every request. In addition, a number of accessories such as a backstop, floor profiles and the option of attaching a hanging end frame are available with which frequently occurring customer requests can be offered.

The first pilot projects are now equipped with the new P&D model and the release of the standard is in the final phase, after which the P&D will be available for all departments within NEDCON. In CSA, the 3D quotation tool, placing the P&D can be done with a simple push of a button, whereby the correct configuration is immediately and automatically selected.

on other complex challenges in the projects we do.

A development like this shows that standardization can contribute to solving complex issues quickly and in a customer-oriented way. With a standard solution there will always be situations that still require customer-specific engineering, but even then a standard contributes because the basis is available, which simplifies the elaboration.

In any case: standardization or “configure-to-order” is an indispensable link in our growing projects and ongoing digitization. ■

As soon as the quotation then transfers into order, only a small cross-check is required. After that, the P&D can easily be ordered with a fixed item number at a price known in advance. This gives the opportunity to spend more time

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT | STANDARDIZATION

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PAINTER

JAROMÍR HAVEL My name is Jaromír Havel and after 14 years I returned to NEDCON Bohemia s.r.o., where I have been working as a painter since May 4, 2020.

4.30 AM - COVID CHECK-UP The alarm clock is ringing, I´m trying to get up but my body says to me: “Wait a little longer.” The alarm clock is ringing second time 10 minutes later. I get up, go to the dining room and feed our little dog Benji. He always calms down after he eats; he wants to go to sleep again in my wife and son’s room. I wash myself, get dressed and go to my car. I start my car up and go to work for the morning shift.

A few minutes later I park and go inside through one of the entrances where there’s a body temperature scanner. I have to say that it is difficult at today’s “Covid” time; we still need to be careful not to infect ourselves or others. My temperature has been measured, everything’s fine, the electric lock’s let me in. I go to the terminal to mark my arrival at work.

I usually come half an hour in advance at least. I go to change my clothes and go to the painting line where I’m assigned. I always meet the night shift here. My colleague Martin Šilhánek will hand me the paint box over, we will talk about what and how and I would rather check everything before 6 am. I will also welcome other colleagues at the line who are gradually coming. There’s a shortage of people, so the guys change a lot on my shift, which is kind of hard.

6 AM - WORKING WITH NEW PAINTING BOX I’m working with a new painting box. I’m still getting to know it and I’m ironing out the kinks. I check the paint, watch the guns squirt and then I keep an eye on the process.

I also keep order around the boxes. I meet my supervisor Martin Rek and we discuss what to focus on and what needs to be done today. I’m checking the spraying on the profiles constantly. My colleagues from the second painting line are coming, I will ­introduce them to the new box. I will show them how to start and what needs to be done to spray paint. I teach them how to add a color to the hop, we have an internal and an external tray, so I will show them the switch from internal to external and back.

There’s a lunch break at 11.30 am. Before I go to lunch, I stop the box, check everything, and turn off what’s needed so we waste no paint. We’re on break until 12:00.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… 12.00 PM - COLOUR CHECK After lunch, I´m, together with an operator, engaged in checking the paint spray on profiles. I also check on the PC what colour and in what box we will paint in next hours. At 11.55 am, I turned the paint box on so that the line started at exactly 12 pm. After starting the box, I check that all the pistols spray, add a colour and watch everything carefully until the end of the shift.

2 PM - END OF THE SHIFT It’s 2 pm. I´m turning the box and lights off and I clean up the workplace.

I´m taking off my work clothes in the locker room, have a shower, get dressed, mark my exit at the terminal and I go to my car. I get in, start up, and I go home.

2.30 PM - TIME TO GO OUTSIDE! When I get home, I greet my son Michal, he is 3,5 years old, my wife Jana, her grandfather and grandmother. We live in a family two-storey house with a large garden. I change my clothes and my son and I go out. When the weather is nice, Míša rides a go-kart, a bike or a motorbike. We also go for a walk around the village and to the pond especially. There are ducks and Michal likes to feed them. Then we play at home with cars or radio-controlled models, my son has several.

Sometimes we also play different board games. I myself, if I have time, build car models.

6 PM - AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER… We’re having dinner at this time. We’ll eat what our wife has cooked for us. After dinner, we usually go to the TV to watch some fairy tales. My son likes YouTube; he plays those fairy tales himself. He often watches them in English. He so understands that he learns something and then speaks a foreign language to me!

7.30 PM - TIME FOR MY OWN HOBBIES My wife and I are going to put my son to bed and play him a spoken story on CD. Then I have a moment for my hobbies. I go to my room. I sometimes watch a nice movie on TV. I enjoy action and crime movies, but lately I have preferred watching old Czech films. Then I go to bed. I fall asleep, one working day is over and another one can begin.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JAROMÍR HAVEL

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GAP - Gallatin

Rabelink & EXIT Toys - Doetinchem

Decathlon - Rouvignes

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DELIVERED PROJECTS

DELIVERED PROJECTS

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MANAGER PROCUREMENT & DELIVERY TEAM

WOUT SMANS What is your best quality?

I am flexible and can switch quickly.

What is your worst quality?

My estimation of DIY jobs at home is always too short; I can sometimes forget the time.

What is your favorite food?

I am a fan of Asian cuisine, but seafood or a ­delicious game dish with a nice glass of wine is also very ­enjoyable. But I don’t like to limit myself to this.

I still have so much to taste.

What music do you like to listen to?

There is music for every moment and occasion that I can relate to. If you want to categorize me, you can ­divide me into De Dijk, Rowen Hèze, Marillion, Muse and Bruce Springsteen. But at a concert of De Kleinkeinder I will also stand in the front.

What are your hobbies?

Tasting is the hobby that I often practice and I mean, in addition to flavors, also atmospheres and cultures.

I am also very passionate about Bosch Carnaval, I like to ski and dive.

By Kristian van Petersen

Name?

Wout Smans

Employed since?

April 1, 2018

What is your position?

Manager Procurement & Delivery Team

Where were you born?

I was born in Sittard and I grew up in Heeswijk-Dinther, both villages are located in the south of the Netherlands.

What is your family situation like?

I live with Rianne and half the time I have my two sons Jop (9) and Piebe (7) at home with our dog Meis.

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I PASS THE PEN TO…

What can we wake you up for at night?

For my friends or a real Jamon Iberico.

Whom would you like to eat a biscuit/rusk - Dutch specialty with?

I don’t like rusks very much...

Do you have a motto that you would like to share with your colleagues?

You stand the strongest on a ­flexible standpoint (stolen from J.A. Deelder).

Which dream do you prefer to see come true?

That everyone understands that we only have one planet and that together we are going to do ­something, according to ability, to keep it for our children.

What do you like to do on the weekend?

A mix of a quiet start with a

l­uxurious breakfast, cappuccino and a complex Sudoku. Then an activity with the family and in the evening a drink or dinner with friends and Rianne.

Which news has impressed you the most in the past six months?

It has been an insane year and various things have left great ­impressions. From global ecological catastrophes, people’s indifference to their fellow man, to the loss of (too young) loved ones.

What is your favorite holiday destination or interpretation or how do you prefer to fill it?

I can’t answer that because I haven’t been everywhere yet. Backpacking or camping, a little bit of suffering interspersed with luxury, I like it all.

However, something with diving or skiing in it would be nice.

Which other employer(s) did you have before NEDCON and which position(s) did you hold there?

I started at the engineering firm Witteveen+Bos as a water ­process engineer, both in the ­Netherlands and in Indonesia. After that, I worked at Vanderlande for 14 years in various positions in ­service, ­project and installation management and purchasing.

Do you remember what your first working day looked like?

I remember that for sure. Edwin Bolwerk picked me up at home and in the car there were immediately conversations about some work things, such as the Degels affair that had a considerable impact.

What is or was your biggest challenge at NEDCON? That is to conquer my place as a ‘’Brabo’’ among all those ‘’Achterhoekers’’.

What is the biggest challenge for the Delivery Team during the coronacrisis?

Not allowing the supply chain to

I PASS THE PEN TO WOUT SMANS

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The questions asked by Frans van Esveld…

Isn’t it time to set up a manufacturing company in the US? It is very nice that you ask about it, because this is a current topic. To immediately put a copy of Pardubice in the US is a step too far, but small steps are (being) taken. We are in the process of transferring a number of our own components to a local profiler. Nevertheless, you will be amazed at what we make in Pardubice. Until now, this is often

cheaper, including transport, than local production.

Are you already used to the travel time to NEDCON? Due to working from home, travel time to Doetinchem in the past year has been greatly reduced , which I really could get used to. However, I will have to get used again to the travel time (which has also been extended by the new lower maximum speed) as soon as we are allowed to return to the office normally.

come to a standstill. On the one hand, helping the suppliers who have Covid-related problems to keep their production running. And on the other hand, continuing our projects and the purchasing needed for it, despite the problems with site closures or quarantine crews.

What development of the Delivery Team are you proud of?

That together we have more insight into what we do, what we do well and what we can improve.

I especially like the willingness to contribute ideas for improvement.

Which NEDCON product appeals to you the most and why?

The finished product! The interplay of all parts, whether made by ­ourselves or purchased, fully ­customer-specific designed to c ­ ompletely standard.

If you were director of NEDCON for a day, what would you do or change?

I would focus on a number of environmentally friendly measures.

How can we be better for our world together?

What other position within NEDCON would you like to fulfill for a week?

What will NEDCON look like in 5 years? What is the biggest change you predict?

Being an Installation Supervisor; putting many pieces together in view of the customer into our final product, with all the challenges surrounding it.

I foresee something in a combination of growth, another international branch, more turnover, 3D Engineering, more with standards, integrated planning and working

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from home. And we regularly have a party for all kinds of different reasons.

I pass the pen to...

Renata Pinedo.

And I want to ask her the following...

You have experience in several voestalpine companies. What would you like to introduce from other voest’ companies at NEDCON and vice versa? ■

COLUMN

By Kasper Vrijbloed

Distance but also proximity It has been over a year since we ended up from one day to the next in what is also called a WAT-relationship: Working Apart Together. Of course, I am talking about the massive working from home, which many NEDCON staff have had to deal with.

I have also worked a lot at home and to my own surprise, it was easy for me. I must add that a series of circumstances are ­favorable for me. Plenty of space, good internet and no care for small children. The focus on work turned out to be even easier to maintain at home in the quiet ­environment than at the busy office. Especially for the more complex tasks, it felt like a ­blessing. However, after a long period of distance, I got the feeling that I was losing connection with ­NEDCON. Is detachment taking place?

This column was written right after one of our Dutch national holidays: King’s Day. That was the last official day in which the curfew was still in effect. And so, after a long period of severe

restrictions, we were almost at the point of minor easing. Anyway, this King’s Day, partly thanks to the curfew, we were just sitting at home on the couch watching television. That evening a film was broadcast: ‘De Beentjes van Sint-Hildegard’ (*).

In this film, Jan and Gedda have loved each other dearly for more than 35 years. In her love, Gedda arranges everything for Jan down to the last detail. Initially Jan was very happy with this, but he eventually decided that things had to be done differently and started looking for more space to give substance to his life. Fortunately for the film, but unfortunately for Jan, it is impossible for Gedda to relinquish control. Gedda is convinced that this responsibility will make Jan unhappy. Although Jan feels Gedda’s love for him, he is in danger of succumbing to the pressure of this love.

After a long period of lockdowns and curfews in the Netherlands, it is not that difficult to put yourself in a position where you do not feel to be taken as a full worthy person and where there is l­ittle room to make good choices ­independently. I assume that our government, like Gedda, wants the best for us. In fact, I largely agree with the rules. But because of its oppression you cannot ­always escape doubt.

us with a weekly “Corona update”. I have experienced that, and I have heard, like many others, as a helping hand. And that was nice, ­because working from home not always optimal.

Recently, I b ­ ecame so frustrated with computer problems that I wanted to personally invite those same executives to solve the problems. However, a short walk does ­wonders to give the anger a place. And of course I am not the only colleague who can feel discouraged when working from home causes problems.

The question about the possible detachment with NEDCON seems answered to me. Because if I realize that these relatively small things can make me so angry, then it will still be okay with the connection that I feel towards NEDCON. Working remotely has apparently gotten little control over this. Perhaps because of the greater distance, an even stronger sense of shared responsibility and trust has been created.

The feeling of loss is of course ­related to the missing of the ­direct contact with colleagues.

And when I read this column and start counting how often I use the word “I”, I realize that it is quite exciting and challenging such a WAT-relationship. (*) This film, with the well-known Dutch actor and comedian Herman Finkers in the

Throughout the corona period, the management has provided

role of Jan, is based on the Czech film “Teorie tygra”. ■

COLUMN BY KASPER VRIJBLOED

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The name Meijer probably sounds like a Dejavu to some of you. Well, that’s not surprising! In 2016 we started the installation of Meijer - Lansing in Michigan. Now 5 years later, NEDCON has again been awarded a Meijer project, this time in Tipp City, Ohio. The location is in our “home state” and is just over an hour’s drive from our Harrison office. The project is a complex composition of systems and all departments involved have had to face the necessary challenges so far. Let’s dive deeper into the project!

Door Brian Hölzken

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HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT A TRUE NEDCON MASTERPIECE:

PROJECT WITRON MEIJER IN TIPP CITY, OHIO Good foundation in Michigan Volker Müller - Head of Project & Installation Management: ‘’With an intensive coordination process in 2015 and the realization within 7 months in 2016, we delivered a successful project in collaboration with our customer Witron at the time. In Michigan we installed for almost 10 million euros worth of pallet racks and platform systems. The biggest challenge was the return of many containers to Europe due to incorrect certificates of the packaging material. Good site management and fully transparent communication with Witron and our subcontractor ensured, that despite delays, we were able to receive very positive feedback from the customer on all aspects of the implementation. And naturally we strive for that result in Tipp City as well.’’

the projects during the tender phase. For this project Witron used “Paul” Ohio as the shadow name. At the same time, we were also working on the “Ohio” p ­ roject in Canada,’’ said Jerry Lauers Manager XL Projects. ‘’The projects were regularly mixed up in the many conversations, but in the end we were able to successfully complete both projects. Witron and Meijer were very impressed with our performance in the previous

project and this was the decisive factor in realizing this project with ­NEDCON. This will probably not be the last Meijer project as there are advanced plans for expansion.

Fortunately, this was the last project, just before Covid, where the official kick-off took place in Parkstein Germany. Hopefully the kick-off of the next project can take place again in Parkstein, because this will ensure that the start of a project goes a lot smoother.’’

What’s in a name ‘’Witron uses fictitious names for

Overview of the installation: ■ 9 aisles with pallet racks ■ 9 pallet levels, 22,4 meters high ■ 45 sections – 2 pallets a bay, double deep pallet storage ■ 23.216 pallet locations ■ 79km of uprights, 59km of diagonals, 32.500 beams, 20km of backstop profiles

■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT

1200 meters of top rail, 7000 anchors A 10 level platform: lowest level 2370mm – highest level 14200mm 8100m2 of floor panels 2400 meters of handrailing 150 stairs and ladders 600 meters of fencing

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WITRON - MEIJER IN TIPP CITY, OHIO

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Increasing complexity Marco Steentjes - Project Engineer: ‘’After my switch from Project Management to Engineering at the end of 2019, this is the largest project I have worked on. Although I have worked on several Witron projects in the past, the complexity is much higher now than it was a few years ago.

Projects like this also always turn out to contain more work than estimated in advance. Due to the complexity, it is often necessary to split the project into different phases. This does increase the pressure on engineering because the materials have to be worked out per phasing. Despite the fact that we have already carried out several Witron projects in the past, the ‘copy-past’ story unfortunately does not fit here - almost never, by the way.’’

Edwin ten Have - Structural Engineer: ‘’The coordination between the positions of columns & bracings, the height arrangement of the working platforms & catwalks in combination with the conveyor layout, lift positions and accessibility for maintenance of the Witron system, formed a complex combination and therefore a major challenge

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for us Engineers. As you can read, the explanation is already complex, then you can imagine the complexity of designing a project like this.”

Marco: ‘’Additional work or changes are regularly discussed in these types of projects.

Fortunately, huge design changes were not made here, but we did face additional work. With the available resources, you schedule these change orders to best you can and where necessary deadlines are pushed forward.

After all, start of installation remains start of installation for the customer! During this project, two catwalks were added, unfortunately the supporting levels were already fully designed.

As you can expect, these were not designed for this additional load, so the supporting level materials had to be adjusted and materials were put on hold at our Purchasing Department.

This change order significantly increases the margin of error. This is just one of the many hurdles you face in a project like this.’’

Routine job? ’’With two ongoing projects of +10 million and +20 million, it is quite a task to also include the technical

SUMMER 2021

coordination and responsibility of Meijer. Of course, if a project is handed over by Engineering to Installation, it does not mean that you can let it go. Fortunately, the Witron projects are starting to become quite routine. We also often encounter the same contacts at Witron, which benefits communication and coordination,’’ Wouter Wisman – Technical Project Manager – explains.

Safety = top priority Edward Kaufmann - Junior Site Supervisor: ’’ My tenure with NEDCON has been exhilarating to say the least. This job site is not the longest but we got some height to our system. According to my measurements in imperial we have about a 75’ feet tall system. This in itself presents many health and safety issues that are a constant concern, pertaining to our sub-contractors but as well as other sub-contractors that work in our area. As we all know safety on site is the most critical aspect of any job.’’

Bas van Eck also started working at the Witron site in March, in the position of Site Supervisor. ‘’What characterizes a Witron project is that it is always impressive to walk into the hall where we build and see the system being installed. On

HIGHLIGHTED PROJECT

my third day, after going through everything with NEDCON Site Supervisor Juan Albiol, it was time for him to go home and enjoy his family and well deserved rest.

After Juan’s departure, the full responsibility for the con­struction, with Edward’s help, fell on my shoulders. This was no small thing!

I started again in August 2020 after working elsewhere for two years, and many technical challenges are coming your way in such a complex system. In addition to the technical aspect, you also have to make sure that everything runs safely, the planning is kept and that problems are resolved as quickly as possible and so on.’’

Bas: ’’We, NEDCON, build the inner body of the Meijer Warehouse in a closed and cramped space. Witron supplies the brains. That it will be a masterpiece again is certain!

The cooperation with Witron on

site is going very well and I do not foresee any major problems with regard to the installation phase that is still ahead of us. It cannot be otherwise than that it will be another NEDCON success story.’ ■

Delivering a masterpiece ‘’Despite the challenges that come along, COVID-19 has thankfully not had a major physical impact on the site,’’ said Edward. ‘’Manpower has remained stable and steady progress is being made. What Covid did affect is the delays in shipping the necessary materials.

Fortunately, it turns out that there is nothing stopping our team.

Between Juan’s masterful qualities, Bas’s amazing critical path thinking and organizational skills, and our handy and great subcontractors this job is sailing along.’’

Team performance Brian Hölzken – Senior Manager Sales / Project Manager: ‘’At the time of writing, we are in our 16th week of installation out of 34 weeks. Our goal is to have our Installation ready by the end of September 2021. We are sure we will face some challenges, but we will face them head on and we are determined to finish strong, as we have done many times before. We can be very proud of our departments within NEDCON: from sales to Installation, from Production & Purchasing to Logistics, from Product Development to Engineering and from Finance to Legal to the Management. Each department contributes to this project and ultimately impact the result. I thank you all.’’

PROJECT IN BEELD

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WITRON - MEIJER IN TIPP CITY, OHIO

21

“

MEMORIES TO DOMINIK, FROM OUR RESELLERS DEPARTMENT

SOME PEOPLE LEARN TO PRACTICE A PROFESSION, OTHERS ARE BORN FOR IT

“

After we, as NEDCON, had set up a new structure in 2012 in the form of Business Units for the various sales markets, our arrows were focused on Germany in particular. How can you, as a company, “conquer” the German market?

That only works with a charismatic German who is adored by his relations. In the autumn of 2012, a number of candidates were presented by a headhunter and the final choice fell on Dominik Heym: just graduated as a 32-­ year-old with a higher vocational education in logistics.

His home site was ideal, almost in the geographic center of Germany. A great base to conquer Germany.

During the first conversation, which was very amicable, it turned out that this was not the stereotypical German, but someone who came across as a citizen of the world with a high cuddling rate. The fact that he had a strong opinion of his own and adhered to his ideology of what Resellers are and what their needs are has led to several tensions, but has certainly helped the Business Unit to a higher level.

His character and his attitude would have made him an impossible employee in many organizations, especially in a German one. However, I felt it as an asset to our organization and a healthy sparring partner for the view of the German market.

The shock was great at the beginning of October 2020, shortly after his 40th birthday, that he had fallen prey to a debilitating disease. He himself was very positive and fought for every straw that could mean recovery. This also seemed to develop positively until the inevitable came true in the last week of April. The silent killer turned out to be the winner and we were informed that further treatment was not possible. The personal conversation through Facetime, 2 days before his death, was very moving. In this, he said goodbye to a few colleagues and me and expressed his gratitude that he was allowed to get to know us and work with us.

On Saturday evening May 1, we received the news that Dominik had passed away peacefully in the presence of both his parents and that he was spared further suffering.

Dominik, I will miss your positive attitude, your oftenrecalcitrant behavior, but especially your positivity.

You will always be in my thoughts.

Jan Tragter

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Dominik was a very special person. To attribute all the great experiences here would go beyond the scope. But our 50 years NEDCON celebration was a fun experience.

Dominik and I got to the hotel too early. To bridge the time, we visited the wellness area. After an extensive sauna and swimming, one of us got the idea to watch the phone.

We saw 10 absent calls from resellers looking for us. After the call back and a lot of laughter, not the lobby but the wellness area filled up. So we drank the first cold drinks in the swimming pool with the resellers and only then in the lobby. I’ll miss his way of doing things cool and relaxed.

Because I could learn that from him.

Marko Vorpahl

‘’CITIZEN OF THE WORLD WITH HIGH CUDDLING RATE” If I have to characterize Dominik, the following memories and characteristics immediately come to mind: positive appearance and outlook on life, lively, unpredictable, humor, connector, Zlatan, socially strong, McDonald’s fan, loved by customers and your indelible way of laughing... In short: a huge bon vivant in the positive sense of the word!

If you were in Doetinchem again (we never knew the time and we did not know how you entered, with or without a beard or moustache, with or without a bun, short or long hair...) you were not to be missed. You greeted your direct colleagues in your own way and you were off again. And always first to McDonald’s, then the working day could only begin.

We are going to miss you…

Employed at NEDCON since 2012 and you have since then, in your own way, committed many new customers to us.

Dominik, thank you for the cooperation and for allowing me to get to know you. The beautiful memories will always remain. Unfortunately, the desk next to me will remain “empty” forever.

William Krabbenborg

When I started at NEDCON in 2017, I wasn’t really sure

My memory of Dominik is not one special moment, but

what to think of Dominik. I thought he was just a slick

the moment that Dominik came to Doetinchem again.

salesman, a bit of a stereotypical car salesman, so to speak.

The day before he said he would be in Doetinchem around

As the months and years went on and we had spoken ­

12. No Dominik at 12. Only a call at 2.30 pm. Dominik was

face-to-face a number of times, whether or not in

having lunch at McDonald’s. He was always attentive

combination with an alcoholic drink, I grew to appreciate

enough to ask if I wanted anything too. I usually didn’t say

him more and more. Not only as a colleague, but also as

no to that. Dominik was always “fashionably late”.

a person. I could only envy such a free spirit as he was.

The moment was more when he came in. Especially what

Flattening the seats of your car, putting a mattress in the

he was wearing. One time casual with trendy shoes with

back and then driving to the Spanish Costa for a long

a questionable color pants, the other time the complete

weekend was after all an action I would never ever take

opposite. One time Dominik wore a mustache, the other

without a plan.

time a beard or he had become friends with the razor.

He often went on such trips alone. But hey, what do you

One time he had his hair in a bun or ponytail, the other

want with such a social skillset. This became very clear to

time it was something completely different. Whatever he

me during the 50th anniversary of NEDCON. He was so

was wearing, or whatever his hair was, someone came in.

very social to everyone and concerned with his customers.

Always cheerful with a smile and a nice appearance.

Some people learn to practice a profession, and others are

He greeted us jovially. “Servus E-J, who geht’s?”

born for it. Dominik was the last.

With a firm handshake.

Davey Gerritzen

Ernst-Jan van Reeven

When I think of our Dominik, the following comes to mind: • His positive attitude to life, where enjoyment always received attention.

• His special and warm relationships with both colleagues and our customers.

• His cheerful arrivals at our department, but also his persuasiveness to do something for him.

• His confidence in a happy conclusion, even when battling the disease that ultimately killed him.

• Our telephone conversations, which often started in a business sense, but also often ended very informally and personally.

Very special was our last telephone conversation (a video call), where he told me that he wished us all the best for the future. Dominik, it was a gift to have known you!

Wim Heesen

MEMORIES TO DOMINIK HEYM

23

HOW ARE THINGS WITH…

INGE KONING

By Rob van Lier & William Krabbenborg

For 25 years, Inge Koning drove and cycled from her home on the Deilhorst in Doetinchem to “our” Nijverheidsweg. She finds it unimaginable that she must have traveled that route more than 6000 times and feels like a distant memory to her. She does look back on her years at NEDCON with a very warm feeling. We are curious which roads she took after her retirement.

William - Inge, how did you feel about being approached for the magazine?

I like it! It’s just great to speak people from NEDCON again.

Rob - Do you still feel involved in NEDCON in some way?

I occasionally speak to a number of former colleagues, such as Wim Modderkolk. But I’m not so much involved with NEDCON anymore. I just do my own thing..

Rob - I know you shouldn’t be so quick to ask a woman, but… how young are you?

I will soon be 70 (ed. May 30) and I have retired at the age of 62. Therefore, I’ve been away from

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NEDCON for eight years now.

William - You did that well. Today we have a longer road ahead of us. Following Rob’s question; what is your family situation like?

I have two daughters and a son. In total, I have six grandchildren. My oldest granddaughter is now 19 and the youngest is 11 months. The big difference between the two is so nice!

Rob - Can you tell us a bit more about your life?

What did you do before you started working at NEDCON? I was born and raised in Bennekom. I started working in a supermarket when I was fifteen. After that I started working in Wageningen at the BGD,

HOW ARE THINGS WITH... which consists of all kinds of travel institutes.

I did the accounting there. Then Jan and I got married and we became parents. At that time, it was still very common to temporarily stop working and that is what I did. Thanks to Jan’s work, we eventually ended up in Doetinchem. At a certain point, I started working again and that was at NEDCON!

William - What department did you start in and what year was that?

In the drawing room, led by Gerrit Geltink. That was in 1988.

Rob - 1988 was a great year; as Dutch people we have good memories of it What functions did you perform within NEDCON? I first worked as an administrative assistant in the drawing room and then I performed this work in the Basic Systems department. At one point, they wanted to put me behind the drawing board, but that was not successful. Then, I believe that the first program was introduced, called Triton. At that time, I was sitting at Rob Braem’s desk and thought: I want to do that too! Gradually I started to pick up more and more other activities besides my work in the drawing room. In principle, I looked in many places – where there was work – to see if it suited me. So I wanted to discover what really fitted me. The Resellers ­department was the last department I worked in – in the beginning it was called Components.

That was actually the greatest time for me at NEDCON!

William - I like that answer, haha. Do you have a memory that has stayed with you forever?

There were highs, but of course also lows. I especially remember the envelopes, when things got worse for NEDCON. That was

awful. One specific nice memory doesn’t immediately come to my mind, but in general it was just very nice to work at NEDCON. There was a friendly atmos­phere and fun parties & trips were always organized.

THE ONE OR THE OTHER? Camping in nature or all the luxury of a hotel?

In between. I really can’t choose! I prefer to live in an apartment.

Then I have some luxury but I can do everything myself.

Sun, sea and beach or activities?

I used to choose sun, sea and beach. Now I really have to do something. That changes as you get older. My answer is also somewhere in between...

Cook yourself or go out to eat?

Cook yourself. I like to invite people. And I also like eating at home more than going to the city.

A beer or a glass of wine?

Wine. We love to drink a glass of wine together in the evening and have a good time! Jan also grabs a glass of wine more often than a beer these days.

A good book or a good movie?

A good book. And I read everything. It has to catch to me right away, otherwise I won’t get through. Once a book does, I won’t let go!

HOW ARE THINGS WITH INGE KONING

25

program! I like to listen to Dutch artists anyway, and they don’t necessarily have to sing in Dutch!

William - Do you prefer the Netherlands when it comes to holidays, or would you rather go abroad?

We loved going to Greece, and especially to the island of Kos. That was really coming home. At a certain point, Jan preferred not to fly anymore, which is why we bought a caravan.

William - In 2013, you started a very long vacation. I am curious how you have filled your weeks?

When I stopped in January 2013, a very long winter followed. I didn’t want to stop in September because then both autumn and winter are ahead of you. January seemed like a more suitable month to me. Still, every morning I opened the curtain and thought; is this all now? I had to find a new rhythm for myself. After a year my agenda was completely filled and even fuller than when I was still working at NEDCON. I couldn’t even imagine that I had so little to do in the beginning! I mainly spend my time taking care of- and spending time with my family and doing fun things together with Jan.

Rob - Did you start traveling more after you retired?

Well, we bought a caravan. The intention was that we would go away for a few months more often. We did that once and then we went to Italy. Which by the way was really fun. In that year our son Jan-Paul also

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got married and we were very busy with that. He has a Spanish girlfriend and the wedding also took place in Spain. We did not see that caravan again that year.

The second year Jan’s mother became ill and passed away. Then our daughter Sandra got another house and we were busy with her move. Then our son moved again and corona came into the picture.

In short, it just didn’t work out.

Unfortunately, we hve sold the caravan again.

William - Conclusion: you are really just short of time! What can you tell about your positive and negative qualities, Inge?

That’s hard for me to say about myself. I think I am punctual, loyal and positive. If I have to name a few. As for a negative trait, you can go far with me but if you go too far, I’m out.

Rob - I’m curious about your music style, what do you like to listen to?

At the moment I still like to listen to the songs of Beste Zangers (Dutch tv show), from the past year. That’s such a fun

SUMMER 2021

William - Do you have any plans or dreams?

Not really, just that we can stay healthy as long as possible! I don’t have to turn 90 either because I’m going for quality, not quantity.

Rob - To conclude, let’s go back to NEDCON. Overall, how do you look back on 25 years in the company?

I had a great time, for sure.

NEDCON is a company that is very good for its people. Every year another Christmas package comes. It’s not about the stuff that’s in it, but the gesture. I can really appreciate that.

William - What else would you like to tell the colleagues at NEDCON? I wish everyone good luck, especially a lot of health, and I hope that things continue to go very well with NEDCON. ■

SPONSORING DE GRAAFSCHAP

WHO IS GOING HOME WITH THE GOLDEN NEDCON CUP? At the beginning of this year, we went to the soccer field with our De Graafschap talents Kas & Lyjairo for the one and only NEDCON Soccer Challenge. And that it has become an exciting battle, that’s a fact!

In the last battle it was decided who went home with the golden NEDCON cup. Have you not seen the video yet? Watch the Soccer Challenge by scanning the QR code below. Keep an eye on our NEDCON Youtube channel because there will be more great De Graafschap news soon!

Scan the QR code and watch the battle between our talents Kas & Lyjairo!

SPONSORING DE GRAAFSCHAP

27

INSTALLATION OF NEW POWDER BOOTH ON COATING LINE PL 22-03

Door Jan Hovad

Some of you have maybe noticed that a new powder booth had appeared on coating line PL 22-03.

There are many news comparing to old technology. The new booth is made from plastic, which contributes to cleaner working environment as less powder adheres on plastic material. The booth is split into two bins (see picture). Products without hollows, like, for example, CC beams, can be coated in the first bin, so the second one stays completely clean. If parts to be coated have more complicated geometry (like console beams), we use a capacity of both bins.

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OPERATIONAL The colour exchange process starts by scanning the RFID tag, which is being hung to main conveyor for setup of robotic workplace. The required number of new formula and length of parts to be coated is downloaded from the tag. After that, spraying pistols, cleaned by blow frames, come out the box. Slots behind the pistols as well as ­entrance to and exit from the booth close automatically. Simply said: cleaning space is emptying and closes itself. There is an elevating platform situated

between the booth bins, which enables cleaning of the booth to operator, so the risk of using a ladder is eliminated. A powder center is partly automated as well, so the fluidization tank gets empty and the hosepipes are blown automatically. The Operator must change boxes with powder. Waste powder is drawn off from filters into bulk container, which makes the manipulation easier.

The whole system is designed to increase cleanliness and safety of the operation to maximum. There-

fore, demands for suctions are rather high and, as you might have noticed, cyclones and filters are double. I do believe that the new techno­logy contributes to easier and cleaner work of colleagues working on the coating line. boxing chamber

filtry cyclones

powder centre

MOREOVER, HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE NEW TECHNOLOGY?

By Jan Ryšavý

Putting it plainly, the technology is more user friendly. The booth is constructed to make cleaning, when colour shades are being changed, much easier. For operators, the work is much cleaner, safer and quicker. The

Operator used to clean the old booth for about 4 hours. Now it can be done, avoiding risky work on ladder, within 20 minutes.

Mechanical tearing down the powder layer from the booth walls is not needed anymore; final

cleaning is made by hand air jet.

Much less powder sticks to the plastic surface of the booth, so comparing to the old booth, there are no ineligible layers to be removed every shift despite the colour shade had been

OPERATIONAL | INSTALLATION OF NEW POWDER BOOTH

29

changed or not.

The new booth has sliding doors preventing powder outlet and entrance of material for coating by mistake during the cleaning process.

Control of the powder centre, the place from which the powder is being spread, differs from the old one as well. The new booth monitors the bin, informs the operator immediately when the amount of powder reaches the critical level and needs to be

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refilled. If it does not happen, the line stops automatically. The old booth does not have such a stopper, so it could happen that material runs through the booth uncoated. Parameters for each pistol can be changed individually, but thanks to the new control system, also at once. The old booth only has an individual setting. In comparison with the old one, the new booth does not enable pistols‘ maintenance

SUMMER 2021

straight from the floor. However, thanks to both fixed and movable platforms the maintenance is hassle-free.

Waste powder treatment is remarkably easier. The particles of the powder, which are too small and cannot be sufficiently charged, are automatically filtered out at both lines but the new device can draw it off into the waste container without intervention of an Operator. ■

GUESTCOLUMN NEDCON & voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik Same same, but different.

With an incredible number of 500 companies within voestalpine worldwide, it is hardly surprising that nearly none of our employees is able to know each and every one of them by name. However, NEDCON is one of these companies, we DO know in Krems for sure. To some extent that is because we are acting in the same business sector, both being part of the Business Unit Warehouse and Rack Solutions, and as a logical result, we are familiar with one another within the branch.

But not to underrate another factor – to me the much more important factor – of permanently cultivating our partnership over the past years.

True to the motto same same, but different we are, on the one hand, close enough to generate and leverage synergies, but on the other hand both companies distinguish themselves with individual strengths.

By Matthias Harm, Blaine Brackin & Julia Koppensteiner The perfect conditions for working together without getting in each other´s ways. As you can currently see from the common North America Racking Strategy, to give just one example.

SAME. Footprint position US: Thanks to the great support from Ronald Vorwerk, who is working half of his time for voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik, makes it easier for us to continue our growth in the North American market. Through close cooperation, Ronald perfectly complements the great efforts of our own sales team to establish ourselves in North America. So to say, this is one big step toward the direction of a common local organization, where it is about winning promising new customers and turning them into long-term partners. In the long run, the defined target for voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik is to have someone on site, who is responsible for handling project execution.

SAME. Although NEDCON is specialized in doing inhouse racking systems,

CAD job rotation between NEDCON and Krems in 2018.

Krems North America team at ProMat Chicago in 2019.

From left to right: Julia Brauneis (Teamlead CAD), Manfred Cuppers (Project Engineer at NEDCON) and Daniel Ecketsberger (CAD)

From left to right: Blain Brackin (Senior Sales Manager USMCA), Stefan Pfeifer (Managing Director), Julia Koppensteiner (Marketing & Communications), Gerald Klein (Managing Director) and Matthias Harm (Head of Sales HBW)

whereas voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik is realizing high bay warehouses in silo design, we are now and then serving the same customers. We are still at the very beginning of fully exploiting sales synergies, such as actively making business contacts for one another and always finding the easiest and fastest way to the customer.

Whoever knows the customer best, tries to make the first move and creates a connection for the other.

BUT DIFFERENT. Despite all synergies and similarities both companies must be seen as strong individuals with differing strengths and weaknesses.

Especially the things that are varying are those points, where we can highly benefit from each other and never stop learning in the future – may it be in joint projects in North America, in the best practice use of synergies in sales and purchasing in Europe or in the exchange of experiences.

It is our pleasure to have a partner like you! ■

A High Bay Warehouse installation of Krems.

Location: Joliette, South East Canada

GUESTCOLUMN BY MATTHIAS HARM, BLAINE BRACKIN & JULIA KOPPENSTEINER

31

INSTALLATION SUPPORT ASSISTANT

NICOLE KNETEMANN To start, I think it’s an honor to take turns sharing something about what my day looks like.

My days are not so varied these days due to Covid measures and working from home. For this reason, I would like to first explain how it went with the switch from five days at NEDCON to full-time working from home.

In any case, at the start of the pandemic it was very reassuring that working from home reduced my risk of being infected. In the beginning, this was very uncomfortable and it took me a while to find my way. I suddenly had much less direct contact with my colleagues, which I had to get used to. I soon found out that fortunately I can perform my work quite well, and full-time, from a home workplace thanks to all the digital tools we have at our disposal.

After having my office at the dining table (and already the third table) for the first eight months, I decided it was time to create a workplace in the attic. The line between work and private life became increasingly blurred and I needed a fixed workplace where I could leave my laptop and work documents. There was still a large old table in the attic and working on it went well. It gave me a lot of peace and an even better concentration. In the meantime the old table has been exchanged for the antique desk – of a century old - of my father. Now I feel completely at home there!

7.30 AM - EARLY BIRD Between 7.30 and 7.45 am, I drink my first cup of coffee. My alarm usually goes off a little before 6 am. I like to take the time to get ready for work. I am not a person who sits in front of the laptop in sweatpants. I don’t think that’s professional and it doesn’t feel that way. Therefore, I just dress as if I’m going to NEDCON. With sneakers underneath of course.

It is my ritual to start up my laptop during my cup of coffee, log in to the network and retrieve my mail. I like to take it easy before the hectic pace of the day begins, go through everything and see what has priority.

8.00 AM - CREATING ORDER I went through my inbox to see what’s urgent (also the Installationsupport mailbox that is managed by Sanja and me).

Yesterday NEDCON was closed due to a national holiday, so let’s get some order. What is urgent and what can be pushed back?

One of the daily things I do is processing the working hours and declarations of the Supervisors. Fortunately, the era of many paper timesheets and declarations is over and all Supervisors (including our externals) work in digital applications.

This works more efficiently on many fronts. This morning I checked and approved about 45 statements from some Supervisors working hours. I also had two Webex meetings.

11.00 AM - MORE CONTACT WITH SUPERVISORS Many other duties are to look after, such as the “country-related” matters for our Supervisors.

This includes applying for work permits and registering for work abroad, with due observance of the rules and legislation of the government in the specific country. These are sometimes like puzzles that you have to put together, which makes arranging things challenging. It gives me a satisfied feeling when something has been completed well. What also makes these things nice This photo dates from the time that I sat downstairs at the dining table. You can see it sure also made a lot of fun.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

is the fact that I have more frequent contact with the Supervisor (by digital means). For example, today I had to apply for a number of letters and documents for NIE (National Interest Exception) to be able to travel to the USA. We also got a number of external Supervisors on board and I was involved in part of the onboarding (think of work clothes, information for colleagues and work procedures).

13.30 PM - LUNCH TIME I usually have lunch after work. Today I feel like sweet. It will be a sandwich with apple syrup and one with chocolate spread. I also have a coffee and some raspberries.

14.00 PM - WHO LET THE DOG OUT? In the afternoon, I usually go for a walk with our dog. I also do some things in the house such as cleaning up (unfortunately that has to happen), relaxing a bit and then cooking. Fortunately, my partner also does this very often.

It is sometimes more convenient for my work and his shifts if we have a hot meal in the afternoon, so we do that regularly. I have to admit that I don’t always feel like eating a hot meal in the afternoon, but yes, someone cooks for me. How lovely!

17.00 PM - MY FAVORITE DISH ON THE MENU Tonight we eat fried rice. Perhaps this is one of my favorites because of the wide ­variety of flavors. I always make it myself. I already made these yesterday, and we always have enough left for the next day. The must for me is to eat a lot of sweet sambal (‘Badjak’).

20.00 PM - TRAVEL FROM HOME My partner and I both love to watch travel programs. Tonight we did that too. Some programs now focus on traveling during Corona. It is very interesting to see how people can now travel in this new world with measures for the time being. I also watch the news daily, and we had Netflix on for a while. At 10.05 PM – I just checked the clock – I go to bed. Preparing myself for a new day in the home office!

This is roughly what my days look like these days. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity and resources from NEDCON to do my work from home. Furthermore, I would also like to express my thanks to my colleagues for the support and assistance they offer on the case to get physical things around, such as signatures for documents, sending new work clothes to employees and so much more! I really like how I have been able to organize working from home, but I hope to be able to see and speak to everyone at the office more often soon!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NICOLE KNETEMANN

33

ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS ENGINEER

DENNIS SCHUT

Can you tell us something about yourself?

My name is Dennis Schut. I have been working at NEDCON for 24 years now, so most colleagues will know me.

How did you end up at NEDCON at the time?

And how long have you been working here?

After my MTS education, I had had enough of school.

I came to NEDCON a lot through temporary work, and

How did you encounter this hobby?

When we arrived in Harrison, Joanna showed us her Ford Model A truck. He was then in temporary storage, where he actually had to leave. However, Joanna had no place, and was at her wits. We then offered to put the car in our garage, because we had enough space. So we moved the truck to our garage with Joanna’s recommendation to

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I stuck at the company. After working in the Installation department for 13 years, I made the switch to engineering. After having had Doetinchem as our home base for 21 years, my wife and I moved to the US in 2018. I now work in the Harrison office as an Account Solutions Engineer.

join the local Model A club to get in touch with people who could help with the restoration. The truck was not running at the time and had not run in nearly 40 years. Once the restoration started, the floodgates were opened. A few days later, two men from the club came by to solve the mystery of the not running engine, in which they eventually succeeded. After 93 years, it runs like a charm again!

SUMMER 2021

What makes the hobby special?

The fact that there are still many of these cars in circulation. The Model A was produced from late 1927 to 1931, and each model had different modifications. Through the club we came into contact with many people, both young and old, with the same passion for the car. We make tours and are allowed to be part of events. The reactions we get on the car are very nice. It also evokes stories from older

THE HOBBY OF...

AND NOW ABOUT YOUR HOBBY… THE FORD MODEL A TRUCK people who have known the car as a daily means of transport. That’s very special to hear.

How did you make it your own?

That’s a bit of a difficult question to answer. Some people buy a car and have it completely restored and roadworthy. Then there are people who buy a Model A and restore it from scratch. Is one better than the other? Opinions are divided on this too. I love working with the Model A myself.

I read books, watch videos, and try to restore and repair things myself. If I really can’t figure it out myself, I can enlist help so we can work it out together. The two men who helped get the car running again piqued my interest so much that I joined the ‘Car Care Gang’.

If people have difficulties with the car, we’ll come by to see if we can solve the problem.

Which models do you prefer to work with? Do you have a favorite?

The Ford Model A comes in many different models, but that is difficult to explain. It has to do with the year of manufacture and minor differences in all versions.

For those who are interested, just google ‘Ford Model A types’, I would say.

When do you like to be busy with the truck?

Mainly on the weekends, or when the truck decides to be stubborn and not start. There is always

something to do with the Model A. If you think it’s a 10-minute job, you’ll be busy for 2 to 3 hours, if things don’t go well.

How does the hobby match to your work at NEDCON? One similarity between the Model A and my work is having patience.

Sometimes it takes a while before you get the result you want, or before you have a solution to the problem that occurs. But patience, especially with the Model A, is a virtue. Moreover, also the right tools. Which can sometimes be the biggest challenge. He can walk like a charm one day, then signal with a loud bang that he’s had enough and stop. And then, when I’m looking for the problem, there’s nothing to be found and I have to leave it alone. If I try again a few days later, nothing is wrong. Go figure.

Do you have any specific ‘’hobby wishes’’?

A Model A of our own. While we consider the truck largely ours, we know it’s not. So if we have more space, we’d like to buy a Model A ourselves and redecorate it completely.

What do you recommend to the reader who also wants to get involved in this?

What is the biggest challenge you face with this hobby?

The age of the car. He was born on July 17, 1928, which is almost 100 years ago! We now live in a very different era, which sometimes presents a challenge in terms of driving itself. The truck goes up to 70 km/h.

Not everyone is prepared for that.

So when we start driving, we have to think about the other road users and the possibility to make a safe emergency stop, if necessary. It is not equipped with all modern technical conveniences, so we have to take into account the fact that there is no power steering or ABS. Other than that, it’s really just fun.

Think before you start. You do not just pick up this hobby and start. Read up on the Model A. Which version do you want? What is the time investment? Are there clubs in the area that you can join, and can you get help in this club if necessary? Those kind of things.

It may sound a bit like doom and gloom, but it is good to realize what you are getting yourself into.

In addition, keep in mind that you always have work to do on a Model A. Nevertheless, you also get a lot in return! ■

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DE HOBBY OF DENNIS SCHUT

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REALIZATION OF FIRST ADAPTO PROJECT WITH VANDERLANDE For the organization De Bondt in Tynaarlo (the Netherlands) NEDCON will realize the first joint ADAPTO shuttle project together with Vanderlande. NEDCON and Vanderlande have a long history of intensive cooperation: we have been building automated warehouses together for more than 30 years.

By Hugo Weijer

Scan the QR-code and view the video of the working method of the ADAPTO!

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SUMMER 2021

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

What does the development entail?

The ADAPTO is a 3D shuttle system that is used by Vanderlande as one of the basic elements in various concept solutions and will therefore constitute a significant part of the racking potential at Vanderlande for NEDCON. After a number of years of development, the first pilot is being carried out on project De Bondt. A few ADAPTO test setups have already been built at Vanderlande in Siegen, which has led to this assignment. This marks an important milestone in the development of the NEDCONADAPTO shuttle! A number of subsequent projects are now at an advanced stage.

Let’s get back in time with Vanderlande…

Vanderlande originated in Veghel (the Netherlands) where Eddie van der Lande founded the company in 1949. His family first renovated and later produced machinery for the textile industry before moving on to the manufacture of lifting equipment, cranes and conveyors for bulky materials and barrels of oil.

An important development came in 1963 when Vanderlande entered into a partnership with the American company Rapistan

Incorporated. It started with developing and building custom transport systems and this was the start of a successful global organization. In 1988, NPM Capital acquired a majority of the shares of the company. Since then, it has enabled Vanderlande to achieve its long-term goals and expand internationally.

A successful strategic partner, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), acquired Vanderlande in 2017. The synergies between the two companies exist with the cross selling of products and solutions, product innovations (e.g. automated guided vehicles) and joining forces in Research & Development.

Today Vanderlande is present in each of the world’s growing markets. The company has continued to grow from an equipment supplier to a highly reliable partner for future-proof logistics process automation.

Vanderlande has more than 7,500 employees worldwide.

Key figures of financial year 2020 in millions of euros:

Order intake Net revenue: Order book:

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2.058 1.563 2.712

Goods-to-man principle on project De Bondt Our customer De Bondt is a wholesaler in textile haberdashery, wool and handicrafts (one of the largest players in the Netherlands) and supplies the specialist trade, wholesaler and clothing industry worldwide. De Bondt will replace the existing manually used pallet rack storage with the ADAPTO shuttle with the “goods-to-man principle” to cope with the rapidly growing volumes.

Other working method Goods-to-man means: automatic storage and order picking systems in which employees no longer have to walk or drive to the goods, but in which the goods come to the employee via cranes, shuttles and / or conveyors. This is a counterpart to the man-to-goods principle.

Permanently strengthen relationship From June 1, we started assembling the racking together with our subcontractor Maddox. If everything goes according to plan, it will be installed in early July. We assume that with the development of the ADAPTO we will continue to build on our market share, but certainly also on our good relationship with Vanderlande. In short: a great development with several success factors! ■

FIRST ADAPTO PROJECT WITH VANDERLANDE

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THE FAVORITE SUMMER RECIPE OF… WIM GRAS - PLANNER INSTALLATION

HAWAIIAN STYLE POKÉ BOWL WITH A JAPANESE TWIST

‘’The kitchen was not always my favorite place. This changed when my wife Ineke got a client in Hilversum and therefore came home late more often. I was forced to master cooking. Of course, our three school-aged girls couldn’t start eating from 9 p.m. I started to enjoy cooking more and more and I especially liked the Asian dishes and trying out unusual recipes. This to the complete satisfaction of everyone! I would therefore like to share one of my favorites: the Poké Bowl. And as summer arrives, a colorful and exotic Hawaiian-style dish with a Japanese twist.’’

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SUMMER 2021

COOKING WITH COLLEAGUES INGREDIENTS (BASED ON 4 PERSONS) Poké Bowl

Marinade tuna and salmon Sushi rice Sushi vinegar Raw tuna, diced

200 grams 3 tablespoons 200 grams

Garlic, sliced Soy sauce Mirin (Japanese rice wine)

1 clove 4 tablespoons 3 tablespoons

Raw salmon, diced (optional)

200 grams

Lime

1

Soy beans

100 grams

Chili flakes to taste

/

Seaweed Salad (Wakame)

100 grams

Honey or agave

Mango, diced

1

Sesame oil

Carrot julienne

1

Sesame seeds, black and white (garnish)

Radish, sliced

4

3 tablespoons 2 tablespoons /

Preparation (+/- 1 hour) 1.

Start making the marinade. Cut the clove of garlic into 1 or 2 pieces.

Mix all the ingredients for the marinade, except for the sesame seeds and lime juice, together in a saucepan and simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. Then remove the marinade from the heat and let it cool down. Then add the lime juice to the sauce.

2. Meanwhile, cook the sushi rice according to the package. When the sushi rice is ready to cook with the lid closed, carefully add the sushi vinegar. Let it rest for another 15 minutes.

3. Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the marinade to the tuna. Leave this for a while. You can use the remaining marinade as a dressing. Now finish the Poké Bowl by scooping the rice in the center and arranging the rest of the ingredients around it in a circle. Drizzle with the dressing. Garnish the Poké Bowl with black sesame seeds and lime wedges.

Tips!

You can also make sushi vinegar yourself with 2 teaspoons of sugar and a pinch of salt dissolved in 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar.

For the Poké Bowl, try to buy tuna that is as fresh as possible, after all, your are going to eat it raw.

Can’t find soy beans in the store? Then add, for example, avocado or cucumber.

For our colleagues who are not proficient in Hawaiian or Japanese, we simply say: enjoy your meal!

COOKING WITH COLLEAGUE WIM GRAS

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“GOING DUTCH”

Door Jack Boh

A general Manager from Zwolle, A manager also from Zwolle, and a brand new stadium that doesn’t look anything like a tractor tire, FC Cincinnati attempt to earn a title other than “worst in the League” for the third time in a row. Luckily, we don’t have relegation.

By Jason Fishburn

Jaap Stam Arrived right before the start of the 2020 season, his dreams of total voetbal running through his head were quickly crushed; Not only by the Corona Virus, but also by the sheer lack of talent in American soccer. So, he did what any rational coach would

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do…. Import more Dutch players.

Heading into 2021 Stam added Jürgen Locadia, Maikel van der Werff, and Kenneth Vermeer, along with a slew of young players from South America, and it has not exactly helped. Ahead of our first

SUMMER 2021

full attendance home game since the covid-19 outbreak FCC is 1-1-4 and once again, the last placed team in the league. Now this isn’t to say the team hasn’t improved, they have. Stam dropped his 4-3-3 and replaced it with a 5-3-2 to give the defense and Vermeer some

NEDCON USA

IN CINCINNATI extra help. Since this change FCC’s record is 1-0-1.

This weekend we’ll open up our new stadium to a full crowd for the very first time for 26,000 screaming fans as we take on the Colorado Rapids.

This week, in celebration of Cincinnati opening back up after the covid shutdown we did, possibly the most Dutch thing a group of mostly Americans could do. We rented a giant bicycle, rode around the city and drank as much beer as we could handle. First we stopped at a local BBQ place for lunch, luscious Q before getting on our pedal wagon. From there we boarded the pedal wagon and headed over to our first stop.

O’malley’s in the alley.

O’Malley’s is a little dive bar overlooking the banks of downtown Cincinnati. A beautiful place for an afternoon beer. After a handful of drinks and almost leaving one of our own behind to vomit in the alley we made it back to the pedal wagon and headed west towards TQL Stadium.

After about 25 minutes of cycling through traffic, 5 beers, trying our hardest to run over pedestrians, and plenty of Frans Duijts we arrived at the stadium and of course stopped for a picture.

After a little photo opportunity, our day turned a little rainy. We headed to Platform Brewery and coffee bar, our second last stop of the day, but maybe the last that some of us remember. Finally, we

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made it back to Braxton Brewery before stopping for the day. ■

‘’GOING DUTCH’’ IN CINCINNATI

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WELCOME TO TEAM NEDCON:

LET’S GO FOR IT! n ufman rd Ka Edwa Supervisor r Site Junio Ahmad Hassa n Project Engin eer

Glen O’R egan Project Enginee r

Jan Deckers CS Engineer

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er chrijv r S d r e Sjoe ngine les E a S r Junio

NEDCON CAREERS

NEDCON IS GROWING HELP US FIND THE PERFECT MATCHES

NOMINATE A NEW COLLEAGUE AND RECEIVE A NICE BONUS!

Scan the QR code for our current vacancies

Watch the vacancy clips (and other fun videos) on NEDCON’s Youtube channel!

NEDCON CAREERS

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www.nedcon.com