Wiebe Vellenga - Team Leader Mechanical Engineering, Paques Europe B.V.
Big names like Coca-Cola, the Spanish beer producer Estrella, chip manufacturers, and agrifood cooperative Cosun. They all have a Paques installation. The company from Balk is a leading global player in wastewater and gas treatment.
Wiebe Vellenga - Team Leader Mechanical Engineering
Wiebe Vellenga, Team Leader Mechanical Engineering, only needs to mention a few projects and client names to underline Paques' strong position. "We are a market leader in installations for wastewater and biogas purification. When standard solutions are not sufficient, customers come to us."
What kind of clients are these?
"Wherever wastewater is generated in the industrial sector, we are involved. Think of the paper and pulp industry, breweries, distilleries, and pharmaceutical companies. We are mainly active in Europe but also beyond. In the market, we are known as professionals with a lot of knowledge. When things get complex, customers turn to us. We solve the puzzle together with them."
There was a reorganization in early 2024. How is it going now?
"The biggest change is that we have outsourced our own production. The reorganization has created new functions and made work processes more efficient. Now we focus on improving project execution and developing internal teams. The goal? That engineers can focus on what they are good at: engineering."
Every company faces challenges. What are you dealing with?
"The demand for sustainable solutions is growing rapidly, partly due to stricter environmental regulations and EU targets for 2030. This offers opportunities, but also challenges. We need to be internally prepared to meet the external demand that will come our way in the coming years."
Challenges can drive innovation. Is there an innovative mindset here?
"Yes, absolutely. Everyone is solution-oriented and creative. I am also driven by knowledge. For people who think this way, this is a fantastic place because we have a wealth of knowledge and experience here."
What makes working at Paques interesting for you?
"The dynamics and variety of projects. We serve a wide range of industries. The extensive expertise required for this, along with the creative collaboration with colleagues to find new solutions time and time again, make my work fascinating and challenging. Moreover, we truly make an impact: with our technology, we convert wastewater into usable raw materials and energy. That motivates me and many of my colleagues."
Speaking of colleagues... How is the work atmosphere?
“Even though we are an international company, it feels informal. Here in Balk, eleven nationalities work together and the common language is often ‘broken English’. The atmosphere is collegial with Frisian sobriety. During lunch, everyone, from engineers to management, sits together. There is room for relaxation, like table tennis, but we also work hard. The pressure can be high on the project floor, but together we roll up our sleeves. I am attracted to the combination of conviviality and determination.”
You opted for a role as team leader in mechanical engineering, despite having a background in process engineering. This says something about you, but also about Paques as an employer.
“After the reorganization, I was asked to become a team leader in either Process Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. I chose Mechanical Engineering because the need was greatest at that time. I already knew the team well and knew I could add value. Of course, I need to continue developing myself. That's why I'm working on my soft skills with a personal development plan. This shows how flexible and supportive Paques is.”
The vacancy for the team leader position in Process Engineering is still open. What do you think is important in that role?
“You need a technical background, but equally important is knowing your team. You need to know who excels in what and place them in the right positions. Walking around the work floor, communicating, and coordinating are essential. Social skills are crucial. The technical expertise lies within the team; the team leader provides direction and takes decisive steps.”
Do you want to take the next step? Then contact us.
Photographer: Tom Coehoorn (ThomasVaer Fotografie)
[Published: December 2024]
