New Director: Carl Wierks
With great pleasure, Van der Ende Valve Services welcomes a new director. Carl Wierks, a seasoned professional in the process industry, is gradually taking over the company’s leadership from the current director-owner, Hans van der Ende. In this article, both gentlemen share their joint vision for the future of our company, the oldest operational overhaul company in the Netherlands.
Meet Carl Wierks
Years ago, Carl Wierks was introduced to the fascinating world of control valves, safety valves, and shut-off valves through various leadership roles at leading companies like Pipeline Equipment Benelux, Mokveld, and CCI (IMI). After career transitions in the oil and gas, coatings, and construction sectors, Carl now returns to the process industry as the Managing Director of Van der Ende Valve Services.
“What attracts me to Van der Ende Valve Services is the opportunity to work in a relatively small organization with a wealth of knowledge that is ready for a new phase of growth,” Carl explains. “When I first stepped in here, it felt right immediately. The atmosphere was energizing. The well-organized workshop is equipped with numerous facilities that make the work easier for staff. Moreover, it quickly became clear that my values and aspirations align perfectly with those of the employees here.”
The Future of the Oldest Overhaul Company in the Netherlands
Hans and Carl share a joint vision for the future of Van der Ende Valve Services, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive customer support in optimizing processes within a rapidly changing industry. “Our goal is to minimize a customer’s Total Cost of Ownership. A key focus here is reducing emissions from shut-off and control valves across the entire process. This is essential in an era where the emphasis is on environmental awareness and sustainability,” Carl states. Hans adds, “Another key focus is proactive action. Thanks to our expertise, we can advise the customer on the next maintenance stop immediately after completing the current one. In this way, we anticipate potential challenges and relieve our customers of concerns.”
"Not mass production, but truly thinking along with the customer to optimize their process as much as possible."
To build on these ambitions, close collaboration and a seamless leadership transition are essential. Hans will take on a technical advisory role, sharing the in-depth knowledge and expertise he has gained over 45 years, while Carl focuses on motivating the team and driving the company’s development. Hans remarks, “This change enables us to further leverage and enhance the strengths of Van der Ende Valve Services. I’m glad Carl is here to bring his vision and expertise. I have the utmost confidence in Carl and the entire team.”
From left to right: Carl Wierks & Hans van der Ende
Streamlined Processes as a Foundation
“From the beginning, we emphasize here: service, quality, and reliability come first; commercial interests come later. Of course, being commercially attractive and competitive is important, but these three core values are paramount,” Hans explains, with Carl nodding in agreement. “The customer should gain more from us than we do from them. That’s our growth mindset, which has proven itself in the past. A practical example: where a customer previously needed to overhaul their equipment every three months, thanks to our customer-centric solutions, this is now only necessary once every four years. This results in significant cost savings.” Carl adds, “This customer-focused approach is equally applicable in sectors beyond (petro)chemicals. Our approach to overhaul and maintenance offers value for numerous processes involving valves, whether it’s in the energy sector, waste management, or the food industry.”
The Best Employer in the Industry
Our vision not only includes technical excellence and strong customer relationships but also a commitment to employees. Carl states, “We want to be the best employer in the industry. While this is an ambitious goal, we commit ourselves to leading the organization with this vision and creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and excited to work.”
With Carl Wierks as the new director of Van der Ende Valve Services and Hans van der Ende’s continued involvement, the company is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in the industry and grow further while honoring its original core values.