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The beginning
In the bustling heart of Brainport Eindhoven, at the innovative VHE Industrial Automation B.V., we speak with Marieke van den Biggelaar, HR manager. She talks enthusiastically about VHE: ‘VHE is a co-development and manufacturing partner for innovative Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), specialized in Machine Control, Machine Connectivity and Motion Control systems. We develop innovative solutions in collaboration with our customers and partners. VHE is active in the semicon, High-Tech and Energy sectors.’
Due to the growth and development of VHE, Forp colleagues Laura Kerstens, Ramazan Bayram and Ymke Kathmann support with HR issues and recruitment. During the kick off, they were welcomed with open arms. They had a tour, heard and saw a lot during the various internal appointments, knowledge but also made appointments with the Hiring Managers and attended the onboarding of new employees. They even got to participate in assembling a cable. Very good to get to know the company and taste the atmosphere this way. VHE is a social company with a nice atmosphere and friendly and enthusiastic colleagues.
Collaborative and entrepreneurial
Since April 2023, cooperation with Forp came into the picture, a decision Marieke shares with great enthusiasm. ‘Previously, our recruitment and selection mainly went through employment agencies, but the costs were rising and the hiring period was increasing, so time to look at alternatives.
In the same period I came into contact with Dennis van Dijk, founder of Forp, whom I already knew from the networking club the Business Circle. Forp turned out to have a good solution for us and was able to take over some of our recruitment. Dennis is very entrepreneurial and was happy to help us think about the volume we needed. In this way we could get a taste of what it is like when another party takes over recruitment. How many good people can they bring in and do they stay with us longer?
What followed was a smooth cooperation in which Forp not only showed flexibility, but was also creative and willing to pilot a price per delivered candidate. The commercial agreements were quickly made and we wanted to start quickly. Forp was able to deliver on that too, because Dennis had already reserved time for Laura, Ramazan and Ymke, so that they could start right away.
People-oriented, committed, flexible and professional
‘Forp is very people-oriented, flexible and professional. The involvement is great and I notice that there is much more depth with them. They know how to get to the core quickly, they have empathy but at the same time are definitely goal-oriented. They made a plan of action, a project approach and a proposal.
In the preliminary stage, I deliberately brought the managers together to go through Forp’s presentation with them. As a result, they were well prepared, knew what was going to be asked, and were able to ask themselves in a timely manner whether they could comply.
Communication beforehand is very important when introducing such a new channel.
Very quickly Ramazan and Laura sat down with each manager individually to discuss their personal wishes. It’s nice to have such a customized piece for each manager. That is also what we as an HR department very much provide. Then it is nice that the party you hire also does that and considers it important.
Basically, they become a small part of your company and then such things are important.
In the initial phase, Laura, Ramazan and I were in almost daily contact, which was pleasant and smooth. They sensed everything very well and were quickly familiar with our organization, which is great, because you always have to get used to each other.
Laura, Ramazan and Ymke quickly knew how to take the right steps.’
Fine club of people to work with
‘Forp is a nice club to work with, where it was also great to spar with them every now and then and let them think with me. Dennis brought up some issues prior to the process that I had never thought of myself.
It is valuable that someone with HR expertise can sometimes look at things in a different, clarifying way.’
More efficient recruitment, cost savings and lower outflow
‘Forp has placed 15 people with us over the past year both assembly and logistics staff, as well as suitable candidates for other positions. This cooperation has led not only to efficient recruitment, but also to cost savings and lower outflow.’
Added value in many areas
‘This collaboration goes beyond recruitment. Always nice and good to professionalize and take new steps together.
I experience your added value as a valuable partner in many areas.
We will definitely continue the cooperation with Forp this year after the great results of last year.
We have evaluated and made agreements with the managers about the expectations for the coming year. It is important to find a good balance between the need for flex and permanent new people.
Furthermore, more strategic personnel planning is on the agenda for us.
I definitely recommend Forp for the results and the customization they delivered, but certainly also for the involvement and the approachability. Truly a Brabant company.
They think along very well, also off the beaten track and there is a lot of entrepreneurship.’
