On April 15, 2021, FHI received the sad news that Vincent van der Wel passed away in Amersfoort on April 12.
Vincent van der Wel founded Penko Engineering in 1977. He did this together with Willem van Huët. Vincent was chairman of the Association for Suppliers of Weighing Instruments (VLW) for over twenty years. From 2007 to 2018, Vincent van der Wel was a board member of the Industrial Automation sector. He was a member of the FHI stock exchange committee for many years.
On March 8, 2021, Vincent sent an email to the FHI office, stating that he would no longer be able to properly perform the management tasks of VLW. He asked the board to find another division of tasks. This characterizes the positive, strong and beautiful character. He was able to describe the situation in a calm and rational way, in which the overall interest of the association was paramount.
On behalf of the association, gratitude was also expressed for his many activities for the VLW and FHI. The respect for his great expertise in the field and his qualities to come to a practical solution with all those involved in exciting subjects, were specifically mentioned.
The twisted roots of VLW and Vincent van der Wel have always lived in good soil with each other. His work for VLW, the industry and the European association CECIP have also yielded good fruits. The professionalism of Vincent van der Wel has brought everyone together again and again.
He was sharp about guidelines, legislation, implementation and enforcement. Vincent saw shortcomings in weighing on fishing boats, in health care and the international treaties for balanced loading of sea containers.
He was consistent and wanted quality from all parties involved. In the meetings he was mild and tried to get all parties involved together, but not if the intended results of international agreements were trampled on.
Vincent van der Wel stood for common sense, trust and humanity. In the last times I spoke to him, he emphasized the basis: trust. Everyone knew that he had not misjudged a word and stood by his cause. If he asked you something, you did it with 100% commitment, because you wanted to honor his trust.
At all kinds of meetings with FHI, Machevo & Bulk, VLW, CECIP and around the fairs Vincent (very often with Nine at his side) was always the same man. He was true to his character and showed that in a calm and thorough way.
With his dry humor he always remained optimistic and looked ahead positively.
Dear Vincent, Thank you for everything you have given us.
Nederlands