Thomas Vermeersch - Project Manager, Gebr. Rademaker
Thomas Vermeersch from Gebr. Rademaker talks about the acquisition of Gebr. Rademaker and the opportunities for new employees. The company is looking for a technical-commercial employee with a passion for cheese and dairy.
Thomas Vermeersch - Project Manager
Upon arriving at Gebr. Rademaker in Uithoorn, you see the building located on the edge of an industrial estate. There is a view of greenery and a stream where ducks peacefully float around, making it feel like stepping into an oasis of tranquility. Inside, there is a homely atmosphere: the team has lunch together, and during coffee breaks, plans and ideas are exchanged. Thomas Vermeersch, responsible for the growth and development of the company since the acquisition by Colac in 2023, passionately shares about Gebr. Rademaker's future plans.
Can you tell us about the acquisition of Gebr. Rademaker by Colac?
"Colac is a Belgian company that produces sweet products based on fruits, chocolate, and caramel. Our customers range from ice cream manufacturers to farm dairy processors. On January 1, 2023, we acquired Gebr. Rademaker, a customer of ours focusing on distributing our products to farmers who process their own dairy.”
What was the main driving force behind this acquisition?
"The main reason was to be closer to the customer and better understand their needs. Gebr. Rademaker was a family business without a successor, so they were looking for a buyer. Additionally, we see a lot of potential in further developing the farm dairy market as well as tapping into new customers/product groups such as ingredients for making ice cream, an area in which we at Colac already have a lot of expertise.”
What is your role in this entire process?
"My role is to guide the acquisition, assemble a new team, and introduce new systems to further grow the company. I contribute to the strategic direction and support the business manager and the team with practical and commercial matters. Additionally, I ensure that everyone within the company is well coordinated. In total, eight people work at Gebr. Rademaker, including two experienced warehouse employees who have been the logistical backbone of the company for years. The rest of the team consists of newcomers who deliberately chose this challenge. It is a motivated group working together to modernize and further grow the company.”
How would you describe the work atmosphere at Gebr. Rademaker?
"It is very homely here. We have a new, motivated group of people who have deliberately chosen the challenge of shaping this company further. There is a friendly atmosphere with short lines of communication. We have regular team activities, shared breaks, and often sit together during lunch. The atmosphere is relaxed, but as soon as customers walk in, it becomes pleasantly busy. The direct contact with our customers, mostly family businesses, means that your work has an immediate impact.”
What are the biggest challenges you are currently facing?
"One of the biggest challenges is the further modernization of the company. We need to structure knowledge and train new employees, while also investing in new processes. Additionally, we must continue to comply with changing regulations and respond to trends in the dairy market."
What makes working at Gebr. Rademaker an experience you won't find anywhere else?
"We are 100% focused on the farm dairy market and have a family-oriented mentality. Our customers are often family businesses, just like us. We offer a complete range of products tailored to the needs of dairy farmers. Additionally, we have short lines of communication within the team and with our customers, leading to quick and visible results. With us, you are not just a number, but an important link in the whole."
What would you say to someone hesitant about taking the leap into this role?
"With us, you can truly make a difference, both within the company and for our customers. You have a lot of freedom to shape your role as you see fit and realize your ideas. Moreover, you work in a sustainable, short chain where you have a direct impact on the production and well-being of our customers. It's a place where your entrepreneurship and initiative can fully shine. Especially if you have a pragmatic approach, you fit in well with us. We are looking for someone who understands that farmers don't have time for long stories or elaborate emails. Farmers want someone to visit, bring the products, and explain on the spot how things work or how they can be improved."
What type of person completes your team?
"We are looking for a technical-commercial employee with extensive knowledge of cheese and dairy production. This person must be immediately deployable and have nothing more to learn in that area. You will be on the road a lot, especially in the Green Heart, but also in the rest of the Netherlands, becoming the face of Gebr. Rademaker. We are looking for someone who is practical, understands farmers, and is able to give advice and solve problems in a no-nonsense way. It is important that you speak the language of the farmer and can act decisively. You won't find anything more sustainable than with us."
Ready to take that next step? Then get in touch with us.
Photographer: Robert Aarts
[Published: August 2024]
