All room for young talent

DC De Loeten is another example of a joint project between Heembouw and Van den Pol Elektrotechniek. "On average, we realize about three to four distribution centers per year," says project manager John Gielen. "Two more are already planned for 2024 as well."

At De Loeten, Van den Pol is responsible for the complete E-facilities, nine double smart charging stations and the PV installation. "We are making preparations for a later expansion, depending on the users' wishes. These panels are connected directly to the transformer."

Making each other's work easier

The LED lighting with motion sensors is one of the components contributing to De Loeten's BREEAM "Very Good" certification. "Early on in the project, we mounted the light lines and connected them to the construction voltage. This gave the other companies good light for their work, such as pouring the concrete floor. As partners, you try to make each other's work easier. For example, Heembouw employees lent a hand in pulling the power cables."

Better and better

After each project, Heembouw evaluates its partners on several criteria. "Think engineering, initiative and execution. From there, an overall grade rolls out that reflects our performance. In the discussion about this, there is also room for our feedback and points for improvement." Once a year the two companies sit down for an evaluation of the past period. "We discuss how the cooperation is going, align mutual expectations and identify optimization opportunities. This is how we keep getting better together."

Top classmates do their part

In its own company school - the Top Class - Van den Pol trains young talent for a career in engineering. This is done with a combination of theory and practice; 1 day of school, 4 days of work. "In De Loeten, Topclassers are also doing their bit. Kaylee is in the third year and is responsible for an office floor. She gets to make this from drawings all by herself, including ordering all the materials." First-year Topclassman Tim also gained experience at De Loeten. "He walked along with an experienced buddy. Together they now have their first project of their own. Young talent thus gets more responsibility step by step."