Triptych Marel
"Stronger together in development" | Lucas
Marel is a world leader in transforming the way food is processed: in other words, supporting the production of high-quality, safe, and affordable food by supplying software, services, systems, and solutions to the fish, meat, and poultry processing industries. Marel employs 7,000 people who dedicate themselves every day to bringing out the best in themselves. This is greatly encouraged by Marel. How?
You can read about it in the triptych below: Conversations with Vera (HR Business Partner), Lucas (Manager Manufacturing Engineering), and career advisor Kim from MEPD.
Company and employee keep moving
Lucas Walraven works as Manager Manufacturing Engineering at Marel, where he started three years ago as Manager Assembly. This wonderful step was made possible in part by themes like “Stronger together in development,” which Marel regularly includes in their programs. A development program at MEPD was part of this, and confirmed his decision to take on this new position.
Focus on health and development
‘Marel is a great and large company with lots of opportunities,’ says Lucas. ‘That definitely played a role in my choice to work here three years ago. There is a lot of attention given to themes such as health and development. This way, both the company and the employee remain in motion. Last year, I signed up for a development program from MEPD. I was almost finished with my master’s and was starting to wonder what my next step within Marel would be.
Development program is a kind of recalibration
During the development program, I explored the possibilities with Kim. I took an assessment, which really acts as a kind of recalibration. The 360-degree feedback was also interesting. No big surprises, but it’s good to sharpen both my strengths and my challenges. I am a builder. I enjoy bringing people together, taking on challenges, and embracing innovation. It should never become boring. During the program, the vacancy for Manager Manufacturing Engineering came up. It’s a dynamic role and you are constantly working to improve processes. That really appealed to me!
Couldn't have asked for better preparation
I prepared for the job interviews with Kim. With the input I had received from the assessment and the 360-degree feedback, I couldn’t have wished for a better preparation for the interviews. It brought peace of mind and confidence. The structure and timing of the program were exactly right for me. It’s great that Marel offers this opportunity. This is how they retain people within the company. And I will always look internally first to see what options are available. Sounds like a win-win to me,’ says Lucas.
