In December 2015, Vanderlande invited me to the completion ceremony for its BHS project at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia. Being a customer at the time, it didn’t cross my mind that I could one day be leading on prestigious projects such as this.

Fast forward three months, and to my surprise Vanderlande offered me the position to manage one of the projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Although I was considering another job at the time, the company offered the career path and international opportunities I was looking for. Later in May 2022, Vanderlande has decided to assign me as the Key Account Manager for the very project I had celebrated as a customer!

The transition from customer to supplier seemed surreal, but I knew Vanderlande valued my insight and understanding. I quickly realised the importance of listening attentively before taking action – an attribute my wife and family also appreciate!

Over time, the project evolved, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Then, in May 2022, our hard work and commitment to building partnerships paid off when Jeddah Airports awarded us a significant five-year contract.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m glad I was able to experience being a Vanderlande customer first, as it allowed me to appreciate the value of effective communication. Now my role extends beyond professional duties – it’s about fostering relationships and understanding the needs of our customer. Overall, this unexpected twist of fate has resulted in growth for both Vanderlande and myself – now that’s something to celebrate.

More memories

I visited more than 60 countries in 25 years 

Rene Veldink, Netherlands

In the 25 years that I have worked at Vanderlande now, the company has grown from 800 to almost 10,000…

We don’t only talk the talk, we walk the walk

Shainu Varghese, India

From the moment I walked through the door of the Vanderlande office, I felt like I was part of a…

We won the project because we adhered to Vanderlande’s core values

Hong Wang, China

I still remember the first project I worked on in Vanderlande. Although the project value was less than one million…

Vanderlande cares about its employees and the community

LaTonya Williams, United States

What I like about working at Vanderlande is the independence to express and execute new ideas. I had an idea…

Working with people around the world in a time before Microsoft Teams

Vincent Kwaks, Netherlands

Throughout the years, I did a lot of projects at Vanderlande. But one stands out for me: London Heathrow Airport….

First team Vanderlande Spain

Felipe, Spain

I would like to share a photo of the first team of Vanderlande Spain. The photo is taken in the…

Looking back at the grand première of the Vanderlande 75 documentary

On Monday 3 June the grand première of our Vanderlande 75 documentary – “In a world of technology, a belief…

My second home!

Namdeo Sakore, India

For over six years, I’ve been engaged with Vanderlande, serving as a Team Leader. What particularly resonates with me about…

Teamwork!

Robbert Faas, Netherlands

After I recently (re)joined Vanderlande, I realized that I have to make a contribution to the 75 year stories! This…

My transition from customer to supplier seemed surreal

Ehab Lashkar, Saudi Arabia

When Ehab Lashkar was celebrating the completion of one of the largest Vanderlande baggage handling systems (BHS), little did he…