HEAR FROM OUR COLLEAGUES
Curious about what it's like to work at Dalsem? Read stories from employees across various departments within Dalsem here.
RUUD VISSERS - SYSTEMS ENGINEER & SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER
I ended up at Dalsem somewhat by accident in 2006. Greenhouse construction was new to me, but the complexity of installation, climate, seasons, and crops has provided me with exciting challenges ever since. Within the company, I've had a lot of freedom to optimize processes and develop myself to influence how we adapt our products to meet future needs.
Greenhouse horticulture will become increasingly important for the future of our planet in the coming years. As the global population continues to grow over the next few decades, and the Human Development Index increases worldwide, the demand for safe, fair food will rise significantly. Our projects can help meet that demand. Since the acquisition by COFRA in early 2022, we've been more intensively and creatively finding methods to shape supply sustainably.
I am actively involved in sustainable innovations. Greenhouses are a fantastic tool for achieving high yields in small areas, with minimal use of water and pesticides. I focus on fine-tuning our greenhouse solutions, always looking for ways to reduce energy consumption and limit CO₂ emissions in our projects. The goal is to drastically reduce the ecological footprint during the user phase of our projects, as that is where our greatest impact lies.
Tackling technical challenges with a team to contribute to a more sustainable world is what I enjoy most about my work. Sometimes the first steps are small, but every step forward towards a greener future is a good one.
Lisette Verhaegen - HR Manager
At Dalsem, you have the chance to work on projects that truly impact both people and the planet. Our sustainable greenhouse projects contribute to addressing global challenges, such as the growing demand for food, reducing energy and water consumption, and cutting down CO2 emissions.
At Dalsem, shared purpose is central, resulting in a culture of collegiality and care for one another. Our team consists of driven individuals with passion and energy, who are willing to go the extra mile to contribute to a better world and achieve our collective goals.
When you join us, you will be supported on your journey within our company. We provide guidance where needed, so you can grow, thrive, and most importantly, enjoy what you do.
GERARD VAN DER WINDT - PRODUCTION MANAGER
I started as an intern, and now, 38 years later, I'm the production manager at Dalsem. I never imagined this as an electrical engineering student at MTS. The variety in my work, from technology and planning to mentoring new talent, makes every day interesting. As a practical trainer at a recognized training company, I get a lot of energy from seeing young people grow.
At Dalsem, it's about more than just work. We have a unique team spirit; we are a close-knit group where everyone supports each other, and we focus on solutions, not problems. Besides working hard, there is also plenty of room for fun with the team.
Over the years, I've seen that you can truly grow at Dalsem, both professionally and personally. My own career is proof of that. This is a place where hard work pays off and where you can really move forward.
MIKE VAN LITH - WELDING COORDINATOR
What keeps my work at Dalsem enjoyable is that no day is the same. I start with sheet and pipe material and end up with a complete product. This can range from full boilers that take us two months to complete to distribution pieces that take about four weeks. It's fascinating to see something built from the ground up in just a few weeks. This is vastly different from many other welding jobs, where you often work on smaller series or do the same thing repeatedly.
As a welder at Dalsem, you do more than just welding; I'm also a fabrication technician and operate all the necessary machines myself. This role increasingly requires more knowledge; I've completed 16 welding courses thanks to Dalsem. This allows me to work on almost anything, which makes my job incredibly interesting.
At the end of the week, there's time for a beer with colleagues. I even see some of them outside of work; it's just great. This mix of professional growth, challenging projects, and a pleasant work atmosphere makes me look forward to going to work every day.
CAROLINA COSTA - MODELLEUR
When I joined Dalsem two years ago, my aim was clear: to use my skills in a place where they could make a real difference. My background in civil engineering didn't cover greenhouses, so stepping into this role meant starting from scratch in many ways. The opportunity to work towards sustainability on a global scale drew me in.
Learning about greenhouses was a big leap from what I knew, but my colleagues were there to help me from the beginning. Their willingness to share knowledge made it possible for me to get up to speed. This support was essential in bridging the gap between my previous experience and the needs of my new role.
Bringing my 3D engineering skills to the table allowed us to work smarter. By integrating these techniques, we've been able to cut back on materials and time, making our projects more precise and efficient. It's been rewarding to see the practical impact of applying my expertise in a new context.
In the engineering department we have a friendly atmosphere with both Dutch and expat colleagues like me. My colleagues have been invaluable in helping me navigate personal challenges, such as choosing the right school for my children, buying a house and also learning about Dutch culture and language. This showcases a sense of fellowship that reaches beyond just our work responsibilities.
Reflecting on my journey, it's clear that Dalsem is more than just a place of work. It's where personal growth intersects with collective goals. The sense of community here, combined with the commitment to making a tangible impact, makes Dalsem a unique place to build a career for me.
