björn erkens
TWO PROJECTS JUMP OUT FOR ME AT THIS TIME
Björn Erkens started January 1, 2020 at KH Engineering as manager for the chemical market in the Netherlands. ‘It is a nice challenge, from tender to completion, to be responsible for all kinds of projects in the Chemicals Market Sector’.
The chemical market is under enormous pressure. Focus on a low cost structure, on which CO² emissions carry a heavy negative impact. The energy transition and circular chemistry are two hot topics for the coming years. All with the aim of reducing the CO² footprint. For the interim, we have drawn up a market plan 2024 to determine how we can continue to meet the needs of customers in the chemical market in the coming period. For this, we work together with the universities of applied sciences in Rotterdam and Ghent for a market consultation within the chemical market in Belgium. Why Belgium? Because we see a definite growth perspective there.
What can we call you for?
‘You can always call me to spar to devise the right approach to an idea. I really enjoy thinking along upfront about how an idea can be turned into a creative and surprising approach. All with the aim of adding value to the customer proposition. My advice will be transparent, on the condition that it delivers something for the customer.’
This is what people did not know about you:
‘From childhood I have a passion for sports and travel. I am broadly interested in sports, but football still stands out. I have been able to combine these passions more often, for example with a visit to the 2008 European Championship in Vienna (without Holland in the semi-finals ... unfortunately) and a visit to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a visit to the games against Japan and Cameroon. Those are unforgettable moments! But I also keep a memory of a visit to an ice hockey match between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers , say Feijenoord-Ajax under Canadian ice hockey.’
My start at KH Engineering 
‘…..feels like a warm bath. A professional organization with a technical beating heart. An organization that is set up lean and also has an eye for important matters such as people. And a technical beating heart in the type of person who works here, technicians with organizational ability and technicians who realize the projects. I am very curious about all the undiscovered potential within KH Engineering…..’
Working during Corona
‘Who could have imagined in early 2020 that we will be in an intelligent lockdown from mid-March. A huge challenge for everyone in the Netherlands. Abruptly interrupt your “normal” patterns and adapt to the 1.5 meter economy. Working at home as much as possible, children at home, everyone on the WIFI, that is quite exciting whether it all works out. As KH Engineering, with prior investments, we have created excellent facilities for colleagues. Within 2 days we were up and running at home. Moving computers, monitors, sometimes chairs and so on, I think that's a fantastic achievement. And that everyone suddenly (almost automatically) starts to work remotely; it almost seemed normal.
Of course I miss the cup of coffee, the face to face contact with the customer and the social aspect. However, not being in traffic jams is a huge gain for me personally. I am sure it will never be the way it was. But a survey among KH employees has shown that almost everyone can get used to the new "normal". So bring it on, I would say.’
Which projects are you working on?
‘Of course, a lot passes by your desk. Two or three projects stand out for me at the moment. For a customer in biochemistry, we are currently working on setting up a basic engineering for a large investment in Thailand. A fantastic project, which I am very proud to be able to contribute to as KH Engineering. For another customer, we are in the start of basic engineering of a pharma project in the Netherlands. This is also a great project that will be realized in difficult times. Especially investing during these time will give you the right momentum, because better times will soon follow. Then you will be well prepared for the future and be ahead of your competition. I am also proud that we are still able to win assignments, despite the changing circumstances.
In short, despite whatever happens, as KH Engineering we see it on the positive side and continue to make every effort for our customers. And yes, at this time creativity in the manner how we work together and understanding each other's situation is extremely important!
Would you like to meet Björn Erkens? Please contact him!