Stijn van der Meer takes the floor

Stijn van der Meer
Crane operator

I am Stijn van der Meer. I came to Jan van Dam through my brother. He was already working there. After finishing secondary school, I didn’t immediately know what I wanted to do, and that’s how I ended up here.

I started as an intern. That’s how I got to know the work. After my training, I started as a tractor–trailer driver. Later, I drove a combi, and now I’m working with a truck-mounted crane.

I need to know our equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and lifting tools.
You also need general knowledge about the machines we move and transport. Where can you lift them? Where is the centre of gravity? What do I need to take into account during transport and relocation?

After driving the combi, I was ready for a new challenge. I discussed that, and then I obtained my crane certifications and became a crane operator.

My job mainly involves installing machines, moving machines, and handling relocations.

My workday is successful when both the customer and I are satisfied with the work that has been carried out.

The relocation of Janssen in Valkenswaard has stayed with me. It was a relocation lasting several weeks and involved many colleagues. It came with many challenges, so a lot of work was done — but at the same time, it was a very enjoyable job.

Stef van Dam kept me updated about the developments of the truck. They asked for my ideas, and a lot was done with them. So, I had a lot of input in the vehicle’s construction.