3 November 2026

Van den Bosch honours long-serving staff and bids farewell to record-holder

Erp-based company puts spotlights on employee anniversaries and retirees

On Friday 30 October, Van den Bosch honoured 13 long-serving staff members and retirees. They gathered with their partners and family members in the work café at the head office in Erp for the annual jubilee evening, filled with personal recognition, memories and cheerfulness. A particularly special moment was the farewell to mechanic Leo Swinkels, who set a new record with his length of service.

“I’ve simply done my duty,” says Leo with a down-to-earth attitude. After 46 years, 7 months and 19 days, he bid farewell to Van den Bosch. He started in 1980 as a mechanic and later held various roles, including MOT inspector, tachograph technician and foreman. He describes himself as a mechanic who relies on ‘hearing, seeing and feeling’. “I don’t find computers easy to work with. But when it comes to tinkering and mechanics, you can count on me.”

In a cosy, living-room-style setting, HR Director Niels Reijnen chatted with the long-serving employees, retirees and their managers. The many stories – for example, about missed flights, forgotten hotel names and a fine selection of ‘I was late’ excuses – provided entertainment for those present.

“Work is work wherever you go, but here they still care about their people.”

180 times round the world

Another remarkable fact comes from lorry driver John Leenders, who is retiring after forty years. “We’ve worked it out once: I’ve driven 7.5 million kilometres. That’s about 180 times round the world,” he says. “At Van den Bosch, I was given a brand-new lorry after just six months: a Volvo F10. And since then, I’ve worn out quite a few lorries… I’ve always enjoyed my work here. Work is work wherever you go, but here they also still care about their people.”

Settled well

Accounting officer Heleen van den Berghe joined Van den Bosch following the takeover of Gé Simons (2022). “So I’ve only been working here for a few years, but I’ve actually been in the transport sector for 25 years, in various administrative roles,” she explains. “At Van den Bosch, I’m the oldest member of our team. I learn a lot from my younger colleagues, for example about AI. It’s great fun! You could certainly say I’ve settled in very well.”

The linchpin

“This evening feels like a token of appreciation,” says senior master planner Nick van der Sanden. Over the past 12.5 years, he has progressed through various roles and is now working on optimising the load factor of bulk containers. “It’s a tactical role, in which I’m a sort of linchpin. How do I look back on the past 12.5 years? They’ve flown by. Mainly because of my work and my lovely colleagues. What I also like is the prospect of career progression. I’ve always been able to keep developing.”

“Work hard when necessary and relaxed when possible”

Procurement Director Ot Barten has also been with the company for 12.5 years. “I work for a brilliant company, where you get the chance to do what you enjoy and what you’re good at. And: we do it together, in a good working environment. Work hard when necessary and relaxed when possible.”

Praise for colleagues

For medior master planners Daan Manders and Paul Koolen (both with 12.5 years’ service), the working environment is a key reason for staying at Van den Bosch. “We have a great team with colleagues who’ll go out of their way for one another. We can have a laugh together, but there’s also room for a tear when the situation calls for it,” says Daan. He describes the evening as “a lovely way to recognise the years you’ve worked here.”

For Paul, Van den Bosch is his first real employer. “I still enjoy it every day. The best bit about my job? Constantly working out the best possible schedule, together with colleagues from home and abroad. The great thing is that everyone is experienced and knows their stuff. Whether I’m liaising with a colleague in Erp or in Italy: we all speak the same language. I’m right where I belong.”

Proud of his career

Let’s return briefly to the record-holder. Although Leo doesn’t necessarily like being in the spotlight, the focus is on him for a moment. What will he do now that he’s retired? He certainly won’t be sitting still. Together with his wife Els, he’s renovating their home and he wants to do some voluntary work. “Fixing up playgrounds sounds like my sort of thing: getting out and about in the fresh air. But first, I’ll enjoy this send-off. I’m proud to have been able to work for this wonderful company for so long.”

Photo caption
The jubilees, retirees and board members. From left: Peter van den Bosch (Non-Executive Board), Angeline Kuunders, Rob van Dijk (Chief Operating Officer), Heleen van den Berghe, Pirke van den Elsen (Chief Development Officer), Ralf Pashouwers, Daan Manders, Adrie van Daal, Ot Barten, Nick van der Sanden, Paul Koolen, Thom van Egmond (Chief Financial Officer), Viorel-Costel Chiper, Leo Swinkels, Theo van Heesch and John Leenders. Not pictured: Ron Croonen (40 years’ service).