Service is a team effort.

Over the years, service has come to play an increasingly important role within DERO GROEP. DG Service makes sure that customers can count on continuity and quality. Cees Bestebreur, director of DG Service, shares his insights on the strength of our service organization.

In automation projects, a great deal of attention is focused on the technology, functionality and capacity of a system. However, good support after completion is just as important. Service is therefore an essential part of the overall customer value that DERO GROEP offers. 

The decision to establish a separate service company within DERO GROEP stemmed from a clear customer need. Customers wanted not only high-quality machinery but also service, maintenance and support throughout the entire lifespan of their equipment.

"By establishing a separate service company within the group, we were able to fully commit to that," says Cees. "That brought focus. And as a result, even from within the project companies, we started looking beyond just the functionality and capacity of the machines. We looked at the big picture."

Cees Bestebreur, director DG Service.

The power of the team

According to Cees, the service organization’s greatest power lies in the whole. "We have a group of people who, together, strive every day to do what’s best for our customers. They aren’t just a bunch of individuals, but truly a team." For Cees, it all starts with the people. They are key to providing day-to-day support to customers, developing the service organization and collaborating with the project branches.

His personal drive aligns with this: "What I love most is bringing individuals together and turning them into a team. Getting people to work together, complement each other and strive for a common goal; that’s what energizes me." What is he most proud of? "The people with whom I’ve had the privilege of shaping the service organization. They make the difference, day after day."

One shared goal

In addition to teamwork, the team’s broad knowledge plays a key role in supporting customers. Our service specialists not only possess technical expertise but typically also have an understanding of processes and in-depth product knowledge. As a result, they understand not only the machine but also the customer’s product and production process. This is important because an installation never stands alone. "We ensure that our customers can deliver a good end product, on time and with the right quality," says Cees. "That’s what ultimately matters to the customer."

To achieve this, the service organization works closely with the project branches. This requires coordination, knowledge sharing and a shared focus. That is not always easy, but Cees believes the goal remains clear: to help the customer in the best way possible. Everyone does their absolute best to achieve this every day. By working together, service and projects reinforce each other and jointly contribute to the trust that customers place in DERO GROEP.

One of the service specialists at a DERO GROEP machine.

New steps

The service organization has grown significantly in recent years. In early 2026, a new phase began: the service was transferred from the company’s own service location in Alkmaar back to the project facilities in Joure and Nieuw-Vennep. This was a necessary step to continue growing, strengthen knowledge sharing and further professionalize the organization. At the same time, maintaining the strength of the team remains essential. For Cees, keeping the people in mind is the most important principle here: "I sometimes say: you shouldn’t just look at people; you have to see them. That difference is hugely important."

According to Cees, knowledge and craftsmanship will become increasingly important in the coming years. Automation and robotics continue to grow, and with them, so does the need for reliable support, proper maintenance and specialized knowledge. As Cees looks ahead to the future, he hopes above all that the new generation within DERO GROEP can make their dreams come true. Together with the people who are part of the organization now and in the future.

More than just maintenance

DG Service demonstrates that service is much more than just maintenance. It is a team effort that brings together craftsmanship, commitment and collaboration. With one shared goal: to strive together every day for the highest possible standards in order to help and support customers as best as we can.

Do you need support for a (robot) system, or would you like to learn more about our service and maintenance options? Please contact us to discover the possibilities.

// P. Mulder - Synergy Food  //