The Faces Behind Spikker Specials | Klaas Meersma

It quickly became clear that Klaas wanted to do ‘something’ with technology. After LTS he made the move to MTS. First mechanical engineering and then the electronics programme. “I’d always been interested in electrical engineering, so that follow-up programme was a logical choice, also because I didn’t want to go to HTS. After completing my studies I worked for various technical companies. In 2004, for economic reasons, I had to look for a new employer. Through a contact I got in touch with Hans Spikker. “I went for a coffee and within an hour it was settled and I could start,” Klaas recalls.

Never shying away from a challenge

Klaas started his career at Spikker Specials in the milling department and then, via the tool-grinding department, ended up in work preparation. When a position opened up in maintenance, Klaas was asked to take it on. He has now been doing this for twelve years. “This role suits me down to the ground. I can put everything into it: the knowledge I gained during my studies, but also the experience I’ve built up over the years. I like variety; specialisation is less my thing. The combination of figuring things out and organising them, but also working with my hands—that’s the challenge I love. I just start and then I’ll see what comes of it. Keeping all the balls in the air is exactly what I find wonderful to do.”

The best job in the world

And Klaas does that last part very well. “Take a machine malfunction, for example. In the past we would contact the supplier straight away. Now I try to solve it myself first, or in consultation with the supplier. If that still doesn’t work, only then do we call the supplier to have a technician come by. My range of tasks is very broad: from devising and implementing improvement proposals for the workshop to maintaining the machinery and the building, as well as emergency response, ICT and telephony. For me, this is one of the best jobs in the world. I’m completely in my element here.”

Work placement mentor

As if his extensive range of tasks wasn’t enough, Klaas was also asked to become a work placement mentor for students who want to learn the trade. “In the past, with a previous employer, I was also a work placement mentor, and Spikker Specials is a work/learn company as well. I enjoy guiding enthusiastic students. I coordinate the contacts between school and the student. For me, the challenge lies in getting the student enthusiastic about technology. That’s why I try to have them spend time in every department, depending on their level. We have many machines, so an internship of ten weeks is actually too short. But I do want to show them more than just the milling machine.”

And that approach is appreciated, also by former students. “By now we have several BBL’ers on staff, some of whom have been working here for more than six years. It’s great to see how someone develops.”

Director of your own future

But, Klaas says, staff turnover at Spikker Specials is low anyway. Why is that? “Partly because of the excellent employment conditions, but also because of the variety of work. In addition, the atmosphere here is very pleasant—a real family business. We do have different departments, but there is a lot of overlap in the work. And where necessary, we’re happy to help each other out. And here it really is the case that, if you really want something, you can go far. If you want to, you have unlimited opportunities here, but it all starts with intrinsic motivation. If you can show that, the possibilities are endless. You are the director of your own future.”

Appreciated for your value

Klaas’s enthusiasm for Spikker Specials is clear to see, yet he didn’t think he would stay in Zevenaar for so long. “I didn’t know the company. For the first few years I didn’t think I would find what I was looking for here, until I ended up in my current role. In this role I can really put my all into it. New tasks and responsibilities keep coming my way. Recently, for example, I sometimes even find myself at a trade fair. So there’s always something new added. It happens naturally, which is why I’m actually not focused on the future. Spikker Specials is a super-stable company. And routine? We simply don’t know it here—100 percent. Besides, not everything can be expressed in money. It’s also important that people appreciate you for your value, and that’s what happens here.”

Did reading Klaas’s story make you just as enthusiastic about Spikker Specials? Then be sure to take a look at our vacancies page. Who knows, the perfect vacancy might be waiting there for you.