Weighpack International: a double interview with Simon Rijke and Edward van der Ploeg

Weighpack International is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance packaging solutions for screws, bolts, nuts, nails, and other types of fasteners. After 45 years of achievements and successes, the founder Andries Kout has passed the baton to the new CEO Simon Rijke on January 1, 2020.

In this double interview, we have asked Mr. Simon Rijke himself and Commercial Director Edward van der Ploeg to tell us more about the company’s new ownership and future goals.

Mr. Simon,
first of all, congratulations for your new position as CEO. What are the main reasons that led you to choose to take over this business? How does it feel to receive such legacy upon your shoulders?
After I first spoke with mr Andries Kout, the previous owner, I was very impressed with the knowledge, experience, and reputation the company has been able to build in the 45 years of its existence. In my view this was a very solid basis to build on and expand a unique position as the world wide supplier for packaging solutions in the fastener industry. Of course the history and success of the company meant that taking over would mean that some big shoes had to be filled. But I consider that a challenge and something that really motivates to make the company even more sustainable and successful.

You have previously held management positions at Sonneborn Refined Products and Merck Sharpe & Dohme (MSD). You also possess extensive experience in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food industry. An impressive track record for sure. How do you intend to put it to use in helping Weighpack grow further? What is your opinion of the fastener sector?
Working in the pharmaceutical and food industry meant that I was on the customer side for production and packaging machines. That perspective is helpful at Weighpack – what do our customers want, how can we be of help and do we understand their need for innovation. In the petrochemical industry everything in engineering and maintenance was focused on safety and reliability. Both aspects are very relevant for Weighpack as we want our machines to be safe and extremely reliable in design. We are also providing world wide preventive maintenance services.

It’s already been a few months since you stepped in. What do you think of Weighpack? Are there some aspects that you find remarkable? There is something you think can be improved?
Weighpack is truly a remarkable and unique company. It has a strong position in a niche market. And at the same time we need to capitalize more on that position and make our presence and product portfolio well known. World wide. Parallel to that I think we should step our already existing innovation efforts in order to satisfy our customers every day changing needs.

One last question, what were your first words to the team? What do you expect from them?
That I was very proud and honored to start working with them on the Weighpack journey! And I do hope and expect that the team will make the difference. Now and in the future.

Mr. Edward,
for starters, what’s your first impression of Mr. Rijke? Only the good things, of course.
Simon is a very talented structured and motivating manager with a good technical understanding of packaging lines. It is refreshing to talk to him about the how and why of solutions for the hardware packaging industry. It offers openings to new technical solutions. His insight into new marketing and product promotion can provide openings at a time when we are dealing with unexpected changes and restrictions. I am convinced that with the dedication of Simon, Weighpack can further develop and grow!

Let's play a little game: you’re meeting with the new CEO and he asks you, as Commercial Director, about the main strengths of your company. What’s your answer?
- We have a very strong employee attitude.
- We are the only company in the world that is offering a “all out of one hand” concept -
exclusively for the fastener market! Meaning that we offer custom designed and build
packaging systems completely out of our own production.
- After 45 years in the hardware industry we can supply one-off projects that run
faultless from day 1!

Unfortunately - I guess you knew this was coming - I have to touch on a sore point: coronavirus. How is the company coping with the current emergency? How is the situation in the Netherlands?
The figures for the last few days are in line with the impression that the government measures are working. The number of new hospital admissions reported per day is still decreasing. The government has extended most measures until 19 May inclusive.
But over this, 90% of the Weighpack machines are exported, so we have to deal with all the different worldwide measures!
To comply with local measures, 50% of the office staff is now working from their home office, coming to the Weighpack office on Fridays only. The people on the shop floor can still work but must keep a close eye on all hygiene measures and keep as much personal distance as possible.
For the moment we first consider the orders in the pipeline, which we continue to develop, build, and test with all the restrictions in place. We do this in order to get the packaging lines to the customer and install them. Maintaining contact and keeping our entire relationship network up to date is always essential. In good times, but especially now when things are challenging. We also spend a lot of time on this now. In short, maximum care for existing customers and orders. Respecting all restrictions and guidelines. Because the health and vitality of our people is top priority!

An increasing number of companies are voicing their concern about an impending global economic crisis which may turn out to be similar to the one of 2008. Do you share these concerns? How did you think the fastener industry would react? What’s your secret recipe to overcome these times?
Developments at fastener suppliers to the automotive industry are indeed not very encouraging now. However, it is surprising how many requests we receive for updating quotations and renewing offers for projects that have been 'on hold' for some time! It is clear that the industries want to prepare for the lifting of the current restrictions and the expected growing demand. Due to the many forced 'home-seaters', the demand for do-it-yourself fasteners has strongly increased! I do not think we are facing the same economic crisis as in 2008; demand before the COVID-19 crisis was particularly high and has not suddenly completely disappeared. After the lifting of the restrictions, the economy will bounce back again. Our recipe is to keep innovating and better present out USP’s, by appointing more local agents in countries where we are not represented yet, making better use of social media and presenting a new website.

© Photos by Michel Heerkens