Flexible in tough times

In four decades of existence, Zuidberg has made progress every year. The company has also faced more difficult times. In the years when the economy was in a downturn, there was less work and turnover dropped. With Zuidberg’s flexible attitude, it managed to get through those times without serious damage. “You don't want to lose anyone. Fortunately, that has never been necessary.”

Eddy Jansen and Gert de Wagt have been with Zuidberg for many years. They were also there when the credit crisis peaked around 2008. Gert, Team Manager in the Machining Centre, remembers those days well: “The demand for our products declined and, consequently, production and sales also declined. As a result, there was less work. We employed too many people at that time, but there was never any question of forced redundancies. That doesn't fit with Zuidberg's vision.” Eddy, Hoist and Track Systems Buyer, agrees: “You don’t want to lose anyone. Fortunately, that has never been necessary. Zuidberg does everything in its power to keep its people and, thus, retains knowledge and experience. Because when better times come, you'll need those people again desperately.”

Painting, paving and cleaning
When there was less work, all sorts of ancillary activities were devised to keep everyone employed. Maintenance jobs that would typically have been outsourced were taken on by our own staff. Gert: “A smoking shed was to be built where the bike sheds were located. We would have usually called in a construction company for that, but instead, we tackled it ourselves. We did all sorts of things during that time, from painting and paving to cleaning lampshades.”
That flexible attitude has worked out well for Zuidberg at other times, too. Eddy: “Our computer systems were hacked once, bringing a lot of work to a standstill. I had a desk job and couldn't do my usual work. So, I just went to work in the factory. That’s how I still made myself useful.”

Preserving days off
Besides performing ancillary work, flex hours are an essential tool in periods when less work is available. Gert: “The advantage of this is that, as an employee, you don't lose any days off. When there is little work, you don't have to work as many hours. In busy periods, your working hours can then be increased again.” Gert still found scheduling people difficult at times: “Dealing with that made you incredibly busy. You not only had to deal with your own department, but you also had to know what was going on elsewhere in the company so that you could potentially place your people there as well.”

Always a good atmosphere
Despite everything, the atmosphere always remained good within Zuidberg. Eddy: “At no time did we feel that the economy threatened Zuidberg. Zuidberg has enjoyed steady growth for forty years, even in more challenging times. There have never been any concerns about there being no work. We have always been confident of that. The mood among staff has always been good. In tough times, everyone looks at their household budgets, but we had no worries about that here. I didn't have any sense of a recession at that time either. I think that speaks volumes.”

Communication is the key
In relationships with customers and suppliers, in good times and the not-so-good times, communication is the key, says Eddy. “The worst thing is when you don’t know exactly when you’ll be able to deliver. You shouldn’t then tell your buyers that they might be able to expect the items in three weeks. That’s a killer blow. You have to keep them informed. It’s better to inform them, honestly and correctly, that it will take a long time than to say nothing. Customers hate not knowing what’s really going on.”

Contracts with suppliers are respected as much as possible. “Of course, with adjustments, if necessary. You look for a solution with the supplier that best suits everyone. We certainly don’t just cancel contracts, even if that would be in our best interest. Maintaining relationships is far more important. We need each other. In busy periods, you may also require your suppliers to do more for you.”

Major investments
Zuidberg has never shied away from making major investments, even in leaner years. Gert and Eddy: “Even in 2008, we continued purchasing new machines because, as they say, it’s always darkest before the dawn. That requires guts and the right resources, and Zuidberg doesn’t lack those.”

At Zuidberg, there were years in which we had too many staff for the work we had to do. Today, the opposite is true. Eddy: “Nowadays, you see how difficult it is to bring in good people. That’s why it’s vital to hold on to them. Zuidberg is really good at that. You need skilled professionals to assure quality.”