Bob started working at bus manufacturer Berkhof in 1990, one of the predecessors of VDL Bus Heerenveen. His ambition was once to become a chef, but he was drawn to technical work and has now been working at the factory on Wetterwille in Heerenveen for 35 years.

Can you tell us a bit more about the years you've worked here? 
"I started at Berkhof (predecessor of VDL) in 1990 as a student in the coachbuilding vocational training and never left after completing my education. Over all these years working here, I have held various positions and experienced many developments. Out of the 35 years I have worked here, I spent 33 years in bus manufacturing. Over the years, the buses have continually evolved, from diesel to electric buses. Of course, our work has adapted alongside these developments. I have held many different roles within our company."

In 2022, you switched from bus manufacturing to assembling building modules for homes, how did you find that?
“We did indeed become a new company at that time: VDL Smart Spaces. This transition had a significant impact on us as colleagues. You have to imagine that you produce buses for years and suddenly everything changes completely. I did worry about that from time to time. But together, we rolled up our sleeves and took on this challenge. The factory was completely converted, and we learned to produce a new product together. A very educational journey, and still is! Because we are still actively building the company and optimizing our production process. Fortunately, the new product, the building modules, is becoming more and more our own.”

What does your role look like now at VDL Smart Spaces?
“I am now a working foreman within production. Together with my colleagues, we prepare a building module before it goes onto the production line. Additionally, I am a practical trainer and supervise new colleagues at VDL Smart Spaces. A nice variation in my work.”

What is your most beautiful memory from all these years here?
"The most wonderful was a nine-day work trip to Bermuda. We had delivered buses and there were technical problems with the gearbox. A few colleagues and I went there to fix the issues. Very special to experience something like that on the other side of the world."