Guido ‘t Hart
Guido t’ Hart is proud of the impact he can make at Beekenkamp.
Meet Guido, Team Leader of Machinery at the Ornamentals Plants division of Beekenkamp Plants. After leaving his previous job, Guido joined Beekenkamp trough a friend. Within a day, he had an interview and was immediately offered a position as an Allround Employee. It quickly became clear that Guido had more to offer: he began taking on technical support shifts and stood out for his commitment and skills.
When a position opened up in the Breeding department, Guido was given the opportunity to step in as Assistant Operations Manager. Guido shares enthusiastically: “I had no experience, but I was eager to learn. If you truly enjoy something, you pick it up quickly.” After a year in this role, the Operations Manager left, and Guido was offered the chance to take over. With great enthusiasm and hunger to learn, he embraced the new challenge.
Guido led the Breeding department for eight years and looks back proudly on his development. One of the highlights was his involvement in the construction of the new Beekenkamp Research and Development Center, which now houses the Breeding department. “I was part of the project team for this brand-new, state-of-the-art facility. Together, we planned the layout, reviewed proposals, and oversaw the construction. I started at Beekenkamp sweeping paths, now I know where every screw is,” tells Guido with a smile on his face.
The Breeding department in the R&D Center is small but complex. The work is highly varied: maintaining mother plants and taking cuttings, potting and rooting plants, and conducting flowering trials. All of this is done under strict hygiene protocols and with an eye for detail. “Each step may seem small, but every part influences the final result,” Guido explains.
After several years at the R&D Center, Guido was ready for a new challenge. Beekenkamp valued his extensive knowledge of processes and products and wanted to keep him within the company. That’s one of the advantages of working for a large, international organization, there are endless career opportunities.
Together with management, Guido explored where he could best apply his strengths.
“That’s how I ended up at location AB, where young ornamental plants are produced for growers. I’m looking for the role that suits me best. My current position is still evolving, which gives me room to grow and discover what fits me.”
Guido explains: “Right now, I’m working as Team Leader of Machinery, but in practice my duties are broader. I support my colleagues in cuttings and logistics with their daily tasks. I’m also involved in operating and supporting various machines, such as the planting robot and the sorting machine.”
At the time of writing, Guido has been working in his new position for four weeks and is enjoying it very much. He works with many colleagues and the tasks are incredibly diverse, from operational support to administrative duties and monitoring activities in the hall and greenhouse, to ensure everything runs efficiently. “In the canteen, you sit with a group of ten to twelve colleagues from different departments, which makes it really sociable. The coming period is all about discovering where I feel most at home. Beekenkamp offers plenty of opportunities to grow and take on new challenges.”
Guido speaks of a good and pleasant working atmosphere within Beekenkamp. He really feels like part of the Group. “Everyone has the best intentions for each other, which makes working here so enjoyable. Especially if you are looking for a new challenge within the company, Beekenkamp is always there for you.”
