The Masévon Group develops and manufactures mechatronics systems, modules, and machinery for the high-tech industry. The group is made up of four independent companies that work closely together: Masévon Technology, Vernooy Vacuum Engineering, Haarhuis Advanced Constructions, and Machinefabriek Tuin.
Masévon’s Sales Director, Elgar van der Bij, and VIRO’s Group Leader, Jelmer Edens, have been working together on a range of projects for years. Jelmer: ‘I can clearly remember the first time we worked together. The client asked us if we could take care of the further development of a tool. VIRO handled the engineering and Masévon Technology was asked to make the parts, which were then assembled at Vernooy. After successfully completing this order, more were to follow. VIRO then developed a CS lift tool, which was again built by Masévon. Should a client be looking for a second preferred supplier of hoisting and lifting tools alongside its existing supplier, then that’s when the VIRO-Masévon combination comes in.’ ‘What we do requires commitment and understanding from both sides’, says Elgar. ‘Things can go wrong during the development process as well as during construction. You therefore have to be constructive and look for solutions instead of pointing the finger elsewhere. If you want to make a success of this collaboration, you both need to recognise its importance and go for it together.’
Tangible synergy
During the VIRO design process, Masévon monitors the manufacturability of the solutions. During the manufacturing process at Masévon, a VIRO employee checks whether the production process is being carried out according to the specifications and the thinking behind them. It conforms, and the client is satisfied. VIRO continues to work successfully with Masévon on projects for other clients.
To the extreme
A German client laid a complex challenge before our VIRO branch in Osnabrück. VIRO sent the drawings directly to Masévon, asking if they could handle it. It was unique project that had never been attempted before, and one that pushed the limits of what can be done with normal mechanical engineering. VIRO understood everything about the client’s design, and Masévon supplied the input on how to put it all into practice. The result was a satisfied customer.
Keep things clear
Effective collaboration is not simply about implementing projects. What bonds the team together is an increasing knowledge of how each of us works and a growing trust in one another. It’s about always knowing what you can expect from each other. We’ve held sessions to establish how best to strengthen each other and how to keep each other on our toes. Occasionally we have to stop and make sure we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet so that we can continue to meet each other’s expectations.
Good corporate culture
‘Awareness. That’s very important too’, Elgar continues. ‘At Masévon, are we aware of what is going on when we build something for VIRO? What does that mean? Ultimately, it’s about not leaving each other to fend for ourselves when a problem arises. To achieve synergy, both companies make sure there is a lot of contact between all levels and disciplines.’ ‘Certainly, we must never forget the individual culture of each company,’ concludes Jelmer. ‘Effective cooperation means people shouldn’t immediately dig their heels in. Instead they need to take a step back and ask for reasons. Ask about what is exactly the problem, so we can solve it together for the customer.’
