Werkbezoek Arne Weverling (VVD) aan CN Rood en SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK

Arne Weverling, Member of Parliament of the VVD, was given an insight into two FHI members during a working visit: CN Rood and SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK, both based in Zoetermeer. Weverling was given an insight into the companies and heard from the entrepreneurs about the latest state of the art in technology. A number of challenges also emerged.

By: Dimitri Reijerman

During the first visit CN Rood Weverling was explained what this company, which has been active for 80 years, has specialized in. Ivo Kauffmann, CEO at CN Rood, outlined the various products in test and measurement technology that the company supplies to numerous parties. And Weverling, who has telecom in his portfolio, heard that CN Rood supplies measuring equipment to the Telecom Agency, among other things.

Together with Peter Smit, managing director, and Arthur Hartsuiker, account manager at CN Rood and Andreas Meijer, deputy director of Branches at FHI, Kauffmann explained how CN Rood supplies high-speed cameras to, for example, the manufacturer of suitcases but also the manufacturer of skylights for cars. . Such cameras can be used to see how damage occurs. CN Rood also supplies equipment to telecom companies such as Ziggo. This way, these companies can continuously monitor the image quality of TV channels with complex measurements. In addition, a lot of CN Rood equipment is used to monitor the stability of mobile telecom networks. The company also supplies measuring equipment to Agentschap Telecom.

When asked by the VVD MP whether CN Rood is also active internationally, Kauffmann said that it regularly supplies test and measuring equipment to foreign measurement institutions. And Kauffmann stated: “measuring is not that difficult, realizing what you measure is what matters.” After all, it can be quite a challenge to locate a source of interference based on certain measurement data.

Challenges and problems

After explaining the activities of CN Rood, the gentlemen put on the table a number of problems that they encounter in practice. First of all, the shortage of technicians was discussed. One of the possible long-term solutions that was discussed is offering more technical education in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools.

Other issues presented to Weverling related to purchasing conditions – “many SMEs do not have a legal department” – and payment terms that are too long. Finally, the complexity surrounding the mandatory recycling of equipment was discussed. Weverling promised to take the points made to The Hague: “I am trying to translate this to The Hague.”

Sustainability and communication

Bee SAMSON CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, the second visiting address for Weverling, the politician received another business presentation. With 4,000 employees worldwide, Samson is one of the largest players in the control valve market. These valves are suitable for any application where gases or liquids flow, even without auxiliary energy. “Our customers want to gain insight into industrial processes in the field of gas or liquids, including by measuring,” summarizes Hans Zwart, managing director at SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK.

The theme of wireless communication, a subject in which Weverling is very interested, was discussed with the application of wireless sensors for diagnostic purposes in products from SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK. And at the intersection of politics and business, the theme of sustainability was also discussed. Zwart suggested possible solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, such as geothermal energy and district heating/cooling, and the role that SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK could play in this.

During the dialogue, two pain points that entrepreneurs experience were again discussed: long payment terms and training more young people in technology. But Zwart also spoke about the higher BPM on company cars and a lack of charging stations for electric cars. Weverling again promised to take this input to The Hague. Finally, the 'big' issues were also briefly discussed: Brexit, the boycott of Iran and the trade war from the United States.

In conclusion, Weverling concluded that his two company visits gave him more insight into the activities of CN Rood and SAMSON REGELTECHNIEK. And the VVD politician indicated that he looks forward to future working visits to FHI members.