Innovative steelworker bets on healthy and educational work environment

Vic Obdam is a household name in the steel construction world. Under the guise of "special buildings demand a high-quality framework," the family business contributes to a wide variety of projects. A healthy and instructive working environment is central to the company's operations, according to director Pieter Klijn. "We deliberately spend a lot of time and capacity training (young) people. That keeps us young and dynamic, and enables us to keep up with the latest developments."

With our passion for steel technology, our experience, cooperation and innovative forward thinking we make every construction a reality! "That is our mission," says Klijn enthusiastically. Followed by the vision: to realize impressive steel constructions in every form where customer wishes are combined with reuse and sustainability to give Vic Obdam a place in the circular building economy. "In other words, we dare to take on challenging projects," Klijn explains. "We are not too small for the big, but not too big for the small."

Circularity

According to Klijn, Vic Obdam is a flat organization. "We take a no-nonsense approach, but at the same time we are innovative. This means that we realize a design from start to finish with our own team of technical specialists; modelers and constructors. Our own engineering department can perform both the main and detailed calculations completely in 3D E.E.M.. But we go one step further. For example, we can use a 3D scan to create a point cloud of a building, extremely useful for a renovation job. Or what about the 3D plotting of anchors? All under our own management and with our own people and equipment. Innovation is also in our motivation to help the world become more sustainable. We don't just talk about circularity, we put our money where our mouth is. Wherever possible, we commit to circular and future-proof construction. A good example is our contribution to BioPartner Center in Leiden. Of the more than 250 tons of steel used to construct the building, no less than 170 tons of donor steel was used, originating from an old university laboratory on the same campus. You can't build circularly on your own, by the way; it requires a chain approach. That was the case here."

Recognized Training Company

The enormous passion for steel technology Vic Obdam also tries to pass on to the new generation. And with success. Klijn: "We are an Approved Training Company and have apprentices, trainees and graduates at all levels, from practical education to university level. We offer space for young people to discover our beautiful profession. That doesn't happen at any school. In the factory alone, there are nine apprentices working through the BBL apprenticeship program. There are also regular trainees in the drawing office and, most recently, three graduates. Our people also consciously make time for the apprentices. We find that important." 

And it is appreciated, as evidenced by the reaction of some apprentices. Jim, BBL Apprentice Level 3 says, "Following a training path at Vic Obdam is about quality, not quantity." Tim, also BBL Apprentice Level 3 adds: "There is room to learn and if you have a question, help or a solution will always be offered." Saskia, just graduated from HBO, starting follow-up studies, concludes, "There are opportunities to continue to grow in the company and therefore continue to develop yourself."

In addition to young students, Vic Obdam also offers its own employees the opportunity for continued development. "It is essential for a healthy working environment," Klijn believes. "We attach a lot of value to that. We have a very nice working atmosphere in an open culture. We don't do hierarchy. We have no managers, are very approachable and are always looking for motivated people."