At Laverman, he went into the war of attrition with rival Geha for six years, 'won' most of the time, but gave in in 2014. Walked over to the competitor without resigning. Has now been working at Geha Laverman for six years. 'I'm completely in my element there,' says Arie Knook.
It is certainly not technical weather when a new rotor is installed at AC-materials in Wondelgem, Belgium. It is raining incessantly, and very hard too! Arie: 'Naturally, I am present all day for the installation of the new rotor, their fourth already!'
'We just don't deliver at the factory gate now. I want to see everything running again and preferably better than ever, then I'm a happy man.' Arie lives in Terneuzen but is mostly "on-the-road" in Belgium, serving both recycling and earthmoving companies. 'Knowing what's going on is important to me. Seeing overhauls or new construction coming. If a crusher stops working then it is already too late. A new rotor is not on the shelf and repairs or overhauls have to be planned,' Arie says.
Geha Laverman aims to distinguish itself by preventing problems before they arise. We keep cast parts in stock for an increasing number of customers. That means delivery 'on site' within 48 hours - in Belgium. For Arie, fast is not fast enough. Breakdowns are always unexpected. Crucial wear parts such as impact strips, crusher linings and screen decks must be available at all times. Look around you and you will see the most necessary stock of wear parts...' - at that moment we are standing in a container workshop less than twenty metres away from the crusher. '...the first step to minimise downtime. The trick is to keep stock at Geha Laverman in the warehouse as well as with the customer'.
Twelve years ago, Arie worked in the industrial machinery auction business. Lived in hotel rooms, often in exotic locations. Was sometimes away from home for up to six weeks. At some point you feel you have to say goodbye to that life. My passion is in heavy machinery, which is why I enjoy this work.
'I am not a sales representative type, but maintain relationships with customers based on trust and service, supported by excellent products and an adequate inside sales force. Customer satisfaction also has a price. To prove that, a long, lasting relationship is always important. 'Sometimes it takes a while to get there, but I always really go for it'.
