VHM VIP DAY: “OVER 400 VISITORS ACROSS THE ORANGE CARPET”

Family and friends of employees at VHM Machinery (Ens, Noordoostpolder), had the unique opportunity on Saturday, July 15, to take a look inside the factory during a specially organized VIP Day, completely in festival style. As many as 400 visitors crossed the orange carpet.

VHM Machinery has grown considerably in recent years. Both in terms of floor space and number of employees. Owner Rik van Hees: “You have to remember that six years ago sheep were still walking here and last year we celebrated Sinterklaas with as many as 26 young children of our colleagues.”

From 1100 to 4400 m2

The factory was expanded from 1100 to 4400m2 in 2021, and this has also made it possible to house parts of the production process in the factory that were previously outsourced or purchased. This means that virtually the entire production process, from concept idea to a working machine takes place under the same roof. And that was what visitors to the VIP day last Saturday were able to experience. Using the ‘Built with pride route’ through the factory, VHM’ers took their family and friends by the hand to show them how a machine is conceived, designed and then produced. In a well-attended presentation by Rik van Hees himself, he cited that customers give VHM the opportunity to do what is most enjoyable: “we make the most beautiful machines together as a team, and this was the perfect opportunity to show our loved ones how we do it with great energy.”

Something for everyone, young and old

The day was dressed in festival style and there was something for everyone; young and old. Guests were welcomed with a program booklet including a map and program, and a large play corner was set up for the children. Although most children also feasted their eyes in the factory at all the machines and tools. And they got to work themselves. On the basis of a work drawing and by means of various operations; cutting, brushing, edging, turning and assembling, they could produce their own ‘Burger Flipr’, the newest VHM item for the barbecue.

Hamburger app by Flowgistics

The Fliprs were immediately deployed at the barbecue, which was on all day and from which freshly baked hamburgers came continuously. Ordering a burger with toppings of your choice could be done via the “Hamburger App,” which had been specially developed for the occasion by Flowgistics, the software company also located within the walls of the plant. The day proved a great success, with some 400 acquaintances of VHM employees visiting. “All the colleagues proudly told about their work at VHM and that was the best thing to see” concludes Rik van Hees. “And the concept caught on, so who knows, maybe this will lend itself to another open day!”.

Photos and videos by Rik Knops