Dynamism, expertise and connection.

At our Joure branch, dozens of skilled professionals work every day on smart automation solutions for the food industry. Managing Director Richard Bouma and Operations Director Jurjen Bakker share their story, from remarkable projects to their vision for the future.

When Richard looks back on the past thirty years, he sums them up in one word: dynamic. “Every period brought new challenges, projects and opportunities. That’s why the time has really flown by. It doesn’t feel like years of repetition, but rather a continuous series of growth and change.”

According to Richard, the Frisian culture is reflected in everything DERO GROEP Joure does: down-to-earth, straightforward and with a healthy sense of pride. As the Frisian saying goes: “Doch mar gewoan, dan dochst al gek genôch.” In other words: there’s no need to make things more complicated than they need to be.’ Our solutions are without unnecessary fuss; simply effective, goal-oriented and exactly as they should be.” Jurjen sees that mentality reflected in the people as well. “Skilled professionals with tremendous commitment, who dedicate themselves to the success of our company every day. The collaboration and team spirit make us strong.”

Operations Director Jurjen Bakker and Managing Director Richard Bouma

Technology that keeps challenging us

The development of DERO GROEP Joure is visible in a wide range of projects over the years. One example Richard remembers well is the robotic cutting of cheese blocks weighing almost 300 kilograms. “For a customer in the US, we developed a solution for cutting cheese blocks weighing almost 300 kilograms. It may look simple, but technically it was very challenging.” The high-capacity grating line is another project that, according to Jurjen, shows what is possible. “Technology and knowledge from Joure, Nieuw-Vennep and partners such as Alpha Robotica come together to create one fully functioning system. A technical and organisational achievement.”

DERO GROEP Joure’s experience in the cheese industry goes back much further. Richard therefore considers its legacy in cheese automation to be its greatest success. “We have played a defining role in the automation of Gouda cheese. Not only as DERO GROEP, but also thanks to the companies that have become part of our group. Almost every cheese in the Netherlands has passed through a stage on a line from BOSGRAAF ELTEN, Doeschot, Hendriks or DERO.”

People make the difference

According to Richard and Jurjen, the combination of challenge, technology and variety makes DERO GROEP Joure a special place to work. It requires flexibility, creativity and the willingness to make a real difference. “Working at DG Joure may not be for everyone, but for people with a passion for innovation and automation, it feels like coming home. Technology is truly alive here, and despite our growth, we remain a family business where everyone has their place and is valued.”

For Jurjen, connection is at the heart of it all. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When people are proud of their work and enjoy working together on projects for the future, then I know we’re doing things right.” That connection extends beyond Joure. The collaboration with DERO GROEP Nieuw-Vennep and the service department is also important. “It’s like a relationship between brothers and sisters. We are critical of each other, but we are always there when it matters. There is mutual respect, and we work together towards the customer.”

The DERO GROEP branch in Joure.

Continuous improvement

When Richard considers what makes him most proud of the development of DERO GROEP Joure, he doesn’t point to a single project, but to the organisation’s ability to continuously improve. “I am most proud of our organisation’s ability to improve. Growth naturally doesn’t happen without setbacks, but giving up is not an option. Taking the knocks, learning and improving, that is what I am most proud of!”

According to Jurjen, that mindset is also important when it comes to meeting the challenges of the future. Technology is developing rapidly, and staying ahead requires curious and eager-to-learn people. “For that, you need curious and eager-to-learn people, and an organisation that gives them the space to do so.” Maintaining the balance between innovation and efficiency also remains important. “We want to keep innovating, while also remaining affordable and practical. Working smarter without compromising on quality,” says Richard.

Looking to the future

Richard and Jurjen also see plenty of opportunities for the future. The demand for smart, low-maintenance and hygienic solutions is growing as efficiency and sustainability become increasingly important. With a focus on cheese and convenience, there are plenty of opportunities for further growth, both nationally and internationally. Partnerships also offer additional opportunities.

When they look ten, twenty or thirty years ahead, Richard and Jurjen hope DERO GROEP will still have the same core values: responsible, ambitious, resourceful, authentic, skilled and passionate. Jurjen envisions an innovative food company where technology and people continue to go hand in hand.

Richard also sees opportunities for its own testing and training facilities, where knowledge, innovation and practice come together. “An organisation that not only stays ahead technologically, but also takes people and ideas further. And where technology and craftsmanship truly reinforce each other.” From smart automation to complex robotic solutions, technology in Joure continues to evolve. With a down-to-earth approach, strong technical expertise and the ambition to keep improving, DERO GROEP continues to build for the future.

Want to automate a production process? We’d be happy to help. From the initial idea to a reliable installation, together we’ll find a suitable robot solution. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.

// P. Mulder - Synergy Food  //