Interview with Roger van der Werf

“Being ambassador of the advanced technique of Yokogawa”


Roger van der Werf, 35 years of age, is working as a Senior Site Engineer at the Dutch service department in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. After obtaining his bachelor degree he started as a technical engineer, about 11 years ago, at the Groningen Long Term project. After two years he switched to the Service Department and later to the Plant Network Security Department. In 2008 he chose to return to the Service Department.

Roger explains: “We supply older systems with the latest techniques, by replacing the whole system or by modifying parts of an existing system. Therefore we not only work in the office, but also travel to sites throughout the country and abroad. Industrial sites, onshore and offshore. On offshore sites we not only apply standard solutions, but also –due to the special circumstances- have to improvise. And what about the operators that are stressed, because each delay costs money! Technical knowledge, experience and special expertise is needed to meet the requirements of our customers and to create solutions on site. Each project is a challenge.”

Roger talks evenly enthusiastic about his hobbies as he talks about the advanced technique of Yokogawa’s products and processes. “I enjoy riding my motorbike and kite flying. Both hobbies deal with technique and freedom. Two aspects I also experience in my daily job at Yokogawa. Last but not least Roger enjoys snowboarding in winter, to be in action but relaxing.

Technique, technique and technique……
Passionate he talks about technique, in particular the technical solutions of Yokogawa. “I remember at high school my interest for technique was already triggered by the equipment, manuals and leaflets of Yokogawa. Later I realized how much my choice for a technical job at Yokogawa was influenced by my earlier experiences. Thát is what I would like to do: to show the world how important technique is in our daily routine, how our wealth and prosperity depends on technique. Actually I would fancy a job as ambassador and tell the world about technique, Yokogawa’s technical solutions, coaching and training people too: technique, technique and technique….”

Roger van der Werf is very positive about Yokogawa as employer and as a community. “We have about 50 colleagues in our department. The atmosphere is perfect. Not only because of the personal contacts we have, inside and outside the office, but also because we are all focused on the best technical solutions. Only good quality counts. No colleague lets the other one down when clients need to be attended or serviced.”
He is very positive about the career opportunities. Yokogawa provides a lot of freedom in your job. “My job fits my personal needs perfectly and appeals to my personal challenges: technical environment, creativity and freedom. What would be my personal wish for the future is to share the importance of technique especially with the youth, students at high schools, as I already mentioned: just like an ambassador.”