Zuidberg Welcomes New Directors

Richard Neef, Matthijs Kalkman, Kees Pruim, Liesbeth Sijpersma, Klaas Jan Bijker

Zuidberg aims for further growth and professionalization

Zuidberg has appointed new members to its board of directors to achieve strategic goals and ensure further professionalization. "To achieve our strategic goals, more focused attention and strength were needed," said Klaas Jan Bijker, CEO of Zuidberg. The company, with over 425 employees, has been growing for over 40 years and is facing new challenges. "That is why we are expanding the board of directors with a Financial, Commercial, and Operational Director," Klaas Jan Bijker continued. "Our customers and partners will notice that we operate more professionally. We aim to further develop our strategic partnerships and supply chain. We want to be an even more strategic partner than we have been so far."

 

Experience and background of the new directors

 

As of January 1st, Richard Neef has taken on the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Zuidberg. Richard explains: "I am responsible for Finance and IT at Zuidberg. With over 25 years of experience in various manufacturing companies, I am well equipped for this role. My focus is on further professionalizing both the Finance and IT functions."

Matthijs Kalkman started as Commercial Director on February 1st. "I am responsible for Sales, Service, and Marketing," says Matthijs. "My experience within the sales organization of an international company helps me promote the further professionalization of the sales organization, ensuring we remain a reliable partner."

Liesbeth Sijpersma, with 9 years at Zuidberg, has been appointed as Operational Director. Liesbeth says: "I have worked as a Purchasing Manager and Supply Chain Manager. My education in business economics and managerial informatics, along with experience in purchasing and logistics within manufacturing companies, prepares me well for this role. I will utilize my Black Belt Lean Six Sigma to further optimize Zuidberg."

 

Goals and Strategies

 

Matthijs emphasizes innovation: "We must continuously innovate, both in engineering and in our production and administrative processes. My focus is on further professionalizing the sales organization."

Liesbeth focuses on operational excellence: "Operational excellence is essential. We continue to improve our processes and efficiency by introducing Lean initiatives, aligning with our long-term vision as a family business. Regarding Lean, this means expanding visual management, implementing 6S with extra attention to safety, and working towards a continuous improvement mode. This is just the beginning."

Richard sees a data-driven approach as crucial: "By strengthening the Finance and IT functions, we can meet the managerial information needs within the organization and contribute to the growth of Zuidberg."

 

Initiatives and Changes

 

Matthijs sees great potential for improvement and growth: "Process improvement, digitization, and automation of systems are essential. By eliminating unnecessary steps and promoting automation, employees have the opportunity to further develop themselves and the organization."

Liesbeth emphasizes the importance of culture: "As new directors, it is important to set a good example. Geopolitical developments, climate change, and electrification bring challenges to the supply chain, but also offer opportunities to better support our customers."

 

Future and Company Culture

 

"Zuidberg is originally a family business, and we want to preserve those values," says Richard. "Our employees make the difference, and we see a positive and growing future ahead of us."

Matthijs concludes: "The world is constantly changing. We still see plenty of opportunities in our industry worldwide. The demand for our products continues to increase internationally. With the knowledge, skills, and drive of all colleagues within Zuidberg, I am optimistic about the future."

With the appointment of Richard Neef, Liesbeth Sijpersma, and Matthijs Kalkman, Zuidberg takes an important step in further strengthening and professionalizing the company, ready to face the challenges of the future and better serve its customers.

 

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact:

Zuidberg Marketing

Marketing@zuidberg.nl