CEO Niek Lentink: we want to be the ‘go to’ company for the railway.

The first quarter is almost over for new CEO Niek Lentink. Taking on this role marks the start of his third decade in the railway world. Why does he believe Swietelsky Rail Benelux has everything it needs for a brilliant future?

After attending HTS and university, Niek found his way to the railway industry through a detour. “In 2003, the construction of the HSL was in full swing. I was seconded to BAM Rail on behalf of engineering firms DHV. I had never built railway tracks in my life, so it was a huge learning experience.” After this first job, he remained in the railway sector. “I started as a work preparer and progressed to project leader and eventually project manager. Railway projects involve complex logistical puzzles under time pressure. It encompasses everything: processing large volumes of concrete and steel, various fields of technology, specialized machinery, and careful preparation and planning. That makes it truly different from other infrastructure.”

Extra dimension

After projects like Maasvlakte 2 and the large-scale renewal project MEGA, international projects also came his way. “I worked in England for a few years. That added an extra dimension.” Once back in the Netherlands, Swietelsky took its first steps in the railway market. “Everything that fascinates me about the railway, the international aspect and the technology, was potentially there.” And so he made the switch. Now, ten years later, Niek is at the helm and sees many opportunities for this new phase of the company.

“Now is the time to capitalize on that.”

Acceleration

“It’s an interesting time to take over the baton from John,” he concludes. “The railway market is in full motion. Moreover, this transition coincides perfectly with the new phase that Swietelsky as a group is entering.” According to him, it makes sense that Swietelsky Rail Benelux is now taking the next step. “After pioneering comes growth and structuring. And although it sometimes feels like an acceleration: we are doing the right things.” He refers to three important developments for the coming years. “In the first ten years, we were mainly focused on bringing our machines to the Netherlands. The focus was on BBV work and obtaining other railway certifications. Now is the time to capitalize on that. We want to be active as an all-round project and maintenance contractor in and around the entire railway zone.” First and foremost, Niek sees opportunities in a broader and more diverse portfolio. “That means spreading the work more across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. And I also include part of Germany in that. On the other hand, we need to look at expanding the types of projects.” In addition to mechanical renewal works, he sees plenty of opportunities in multi-year integrated works, such as Heerlen-Landgraaf and the Maaslijn. The same applies to international collaboration on projects like Kassel-Fulda or with appealing tenders like that of the railway in the Fehmarnbelt tunnel.

“We were a beautiful training ground for ten years.”

Rails, Ballast, Sleepers

“We were a beautiful training ground within the Swietelsky railway construction group in Europe for ten years. Scarcity of materials, people, and machines means that we – more than ever – need to pool our strengths within the group. And make use of each other’s knowledge and capacity. That cross-pollination is incredibly interesting.” Niek wants to give sustainability and innovation a more prominent place. “With Hamer Recycling, we control the entire process of procurement, disposal, and reuse of materials. With the new Design & Innovation department, we are entering the design market and want to invest even more in innovation projects. Essentially, we are now self-sufficient everywhere.” He emphasizes that the foundation will always remain ‘rails, ballast, and sleepers.’ “Or as our Austrian colleagues beautifully put it: Schienen, Schotter, Schwellen.”

Removing peaks

Another ambition is to make Swietelsky Rail Benelux the go-to company for the railway. “All the ingredients are there. We are a wonderful international company with a diverse group of young people. That brings a fresh, new perspective to things. I am really proud of that rejuvenation. The broad portfolio and the focus on sustainability and innovation make us an interesting employer. Training is just as important as executing projects!” Niek sees a tension there. “To be an attractive sector, we need to remove the peaks from the work. Work more from Monday to Sunday instead of Friday to Monday. I really see that as a goal for myself to organize this together.”

“We stay true to our roots.”

Meant to be

The transition to this new role has been gradual. “We have been working on this for the last year and a half. And have slowly worked towards it. In the meantime, we have had a very busy, full year. That just continues.” With the handover, Niek also values the preservation of traditions. He mentions the renovation of the building on Laarakkerweg in Oisterwijk. “When I started here ten years ago, this building had just opened. I think it’s beautiful that now that I am at the helm, we are taking the next step and renovating this to bring people together. That feels almost ‘meant to be.’ In a world where a lot is happening, we stay true to our roots. Yes, I am happy with what we are doing together.”