With passionate employees you achieve what Stork has been doing for almost two centuries: continuous innovation. According to Visser, this is the only way to keep the northern Netherlands attractive for technical personnel. ,,When the gas runs out soon, we must show that we have a wonderful and innovative ‘manufacturing industry’ as an engine for the northern economy.’’
Smart and passionate employees make all the difference, according to Visser. ,,Especially when you need knowledge workers as a region, because we can use them well in the north. In this way we create a climate of international companies with people from all countries. That is our ambition!’’ Anyone who wants to be at the forefront of high-quality technology knows that you have to innovate together with others. For Visser, this has long since ceased to be a question. ,,After all, the smartest people work outside our companies. That is why our cluster stimulates open innovation. Young people with a lot of knowledge go out into the wide world. We show that there are attractive companies in the north!’’
no brainer
Sybren Reinsma, site manager of Stork Turbo Blading, recognizes Kor Visscher's story. ,,We can do a lot ourselves, but realize all too well that we don't know everything. That is why we are excited to participate within Innovatiecluster Drachten. 3D printing, robotics and attracting the right employees are important themes for us. That is why we are happy to join the high-tech cluster, because becoming a member was a no brainer for us.’’
guts
An elated alderman Maarten Offringa of Sûdwest-Fryslân municipality notes that Stork is the third company from his municipality to join the high-tech cluster. However, he wonders what an innovative company like Stork is still looking for from other innovative companies. ’’Cooperation, of course, to become even better!’’ Offringa praises the courage it takes to look outside your own company if you want to move forward. ,,That's a credit to entrepreneurs. All too often you see that innovations stay within your own company walls. But it is precisely by sharing your knowledge that you get further.''
Pearl
His municipality, like Smallingerland municipality, encourages innovation. However, Smallingerland has been doing this since the start of Innovatiecluster Drachten some 5 years ago. ,,Meanwhile, ‘our’ cluster has become the ‘pearl of the Northern Netherlands’. At least, if a major Dutch bank is to be believed,’’ says Alderman Roel Haverkort. The area of the high-tech cluster is constantly expanding. He is therefore pleased that the 18th company is not from Smallingerland. ’’In our municipal cooperation with Heerenveen, Sneek and Leeuwarden, we want to make it possible for companies to invest, because that means new jobs. So if we can keep nice companies in the north of the Netherlands, I'm happy to commit to that. Even if that means that the choice does not fall on Drachten, but on Sneek or Heerenveen!''