Janno Heemsbergen takes the floor

Janno Heemsbergen
Assembly worker

I’m Janno Heemsbergen, originally from Rhenen, and I have a passion for technology. In my previous job at Cellro, I worked as a field service engineer. At that time, Jan van Dam handled the transport of their installations. In my work, Jan van Dam supported us on-site with unloading, positioning, and drilling work. That’s how I first got to know the company. When I was looking for a new job, I came across the vacancy for an assembly technician and reached out. It appealed to me because I was already familiar with the company. There were enough challenges, variety, and opportunities for growth. During the interview, it clicked right away. Within a week, I was hired, and by the second week, I already had my first working day. That was 8 years ago.

Starting out as an assembly technician, I learned everything involved in machine transport, such as internal transport, hoisting, lifting, loading, and unloading. I moved on to working with the assembly van, and as an assembly technician, I was responsible for internal transport, mechanical disassembly of machines, packaging, anchoring, and both mechanical and electrical installation of machines.

You need to be mechanically and technically skilled. I already had experience with automation and IT. In practice, you deal with all aspects of technical work such as mechatronics, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Basically, you come across every facet of technology in this field. When needed, we bring in the supplier’s expertise.

Fairly soon after I started, I went to Jan and indicated that I wanted to focus more on the technical side—mechanical installation work, installing machines and production lines, really working hands-on with the machines. Now, I lead the installation team, prepare projects, and provide technical advice. And I’m glad I still get to be on the road a lot myself.

When relocating or moving a machine, it’s about managing everything: mechanically disassembling, preparing it for transport, moving it, then reassembling, commissioning, and testing it. You have to assess and determine how best to disassemble the machine or production line so it can be transported as efficiently as possible. We measure the current situation, label the electrical connections so we can reinstall the machine one-to-one. In some cases, we also have access to the machine’s documentation.

Quite often, actually. When the plan we made in advance turns out to be correct in practice—sometimes down to just a few centimeters. And when the installation works again after a move or relocation. Everything has been taken apart and transported, and then at the new location, the machine ‘just’ works again. At that moment, I think: “We pulled that off nicely!”

There are quite a few, but one that stands out now is the Vetipak project.
For that company, we handled the complete project organization of their company relocation. From preparation, making the schedule, arranging all processes, dismantling, transport, assembly, and installation. A great example of the complete logistics package we can deliver.

There’s an open culture, it’s always enjoyable, and the atmosphere is good. If you have questions or problems, there’s always someone ready to help.
I also appreciate that we share the same vision and can exchange ideas about it. It was a long process, but in the end, with developments in the market, the management recognized the installation team as an added value to the company. It’s great to be part of that.