Jos van Hees, Application Specialist

“The best moment? When something you’ve developed from scratch turns into a fully operational production line in the factory. That’s a real goosebumps moment.”

With 37 years’ experience at Agrifirm and its predecessors, Jos van Hees is a well-known colleague within R&D. He started out in the laboratory of the old NutriControl building and, after holding various roles, progressed to become a specialist within the feed technology team. Jos is happy to talk about his career, his projects and why, after all these years, he still considers Agrifirm a wonderful place to work. 

How long have you been working at Agrifirm?

"Actually, I should say: I’ve been working at Agrifirm and its predecessors for 37 years now. I started in the laboratory, at the predecessor of NutriControl. Back then, I was involved in method development: devising new in vitro techniques that would allow us to assess the potential of raw materials for animals before commencing animal trials.”

In 2009, Jos made the switch to R&D. “Since then, I’ve been working on research and development within Agrifirm: feed technology, raw materials, their valuation, but also the question: what else can we do with raw materials other than simply putting them in feed?”

  • From fermentation projects to nitrogen reduction

    In recent years, Jos has worked on a wide range of projects, including the challenging CATS project in ’s-Hertogenbosch. “There, we developed a fermentation process that converts low-value waste streams into valuable, protein-rich biomass for animal feed. I threw myself into that work with great passion.”

Now that the project has come to an end, he is once again focusing entirely on R&D within the organisation.
“I’m currently involved in a range of ongoing projects. These range from collaborative projects on reducing nitrogen emissions at farm level to further developing the technology behind AminoGo. My expertise is being applied across a wide range of areas, and that’s precisely what makes the work so varied.”

What makes this role so enjoyable for you?

With a degree in biochemistry and biotechnology, Jos is, as he puts it, “a bit of an odd one out”, but that is precisely what makes his perspective so valuable to the team. 
“In the Netherlands, we have a team of 8 to 9 people working on feed-related research within R&D. Then there’s the specialities team in Drongen (Belgium) and, of course, the plant division. That diversity makes Agrifirm an incredibly interesting place to work. From feed production to specialities to plants – the whole spectrum is covered.”
That breadth also creates opportunities for development.
“I’ve never held the same role for more than 7 or 8 years in my career. Sometimes a new opportunity came along, sometimes I made the choice myself. But at Agrifirm, those opportunities are always there.”

What are you most proud of?

“The AminoGo factory in Oss. Together with two colleagues, we built it from scratch. When you finally see the product being manufactured in a fully operational factory… it really gives you goosebumps. You know how much blood, sweat and tears have gone into it. The fact that you’re creating something that makes a difference – that’s why I do this job.”

What makes working at Agrifirm so unique?

‘I’ve never really felt the need to leave. That says it all. The opportunities, the training prospects, the way they treat people; I really feel that Agrifirm values its staff. Talented people are given opportunities. And if you’ve got potential, it’s recognised.’

What would you like to say to potential new colleagues?

“Just go for it. Grab that door handle and step inside. We’re in the midst of a whirlwind of developments within the agricultural sector. There are major societal issues in which we, as Agrifirm, play a leading role. There is so much to do, to develop and to learn. If you want to make an impact, this is a wonderful place to be.”

Jos himself started out by simply walking into the former CCL building in Veghel, the predecessor of NutriControl. “And I’ve never left.”
More about R&D and Innovation