Women in Technology at Custers: Craftsmanship, innovation, and no nonsense
At Custers Hydraulica, everything revolves around precision, quality, and strong constructions. Although the engineering sector is traditionally often seen as a man's world, colleagues Kim and Nancy prove the opposite every day. With a keen eye for detail, a healthy dose of ambition, and a no-nonsense mentality, they contribute to the high-quality products that leave our factory.
From haute couture to the sawmill: Kim's story
Kim has now been working at Custers for a year. Her path into engineering wasn't direct, but the foundation was already laid at home; her parents ran a timber factory. Nevertheless, she initially chose a creative path as a florist and couturière (fashion designer).
Through the 'Vrouwen Kies Techniek' (Women Choose Technology) project, she eventually retrained and started working in the technical sector. When her previous employer relocated and the commute became too long, she decided to look for another job in engineering. She ended up at Custers through an acquaintance. Now, she is an indispensable link in our cutting department.
"I make sure that the dimensions are entered perfectly and that the machines keep running smoothly. The final product simply has to meet all requirements," Kim explains.
What makes her work truly engaging? Contributing ideas to the process. For instance, she recently helped fine-tune a new coupling pin machine specifically developed for Custers. Kim is a big advocate for automation but remains down-to-earth: "Craftsmanship is always involved. The human eye must always perform the final check."
From healthcare to aluminium: Nancy's years of experience
Nancy is a familiar face at Custers; she is almost celebrating her 25th work anniversary. Although she once completed a degree in Health & Social Care (because her friends did too), she hasn't worked a single day as a caregiver. Engineering simply appealed to her more.
"Even as a child, I used to take things apart to see if I could put them back together. That curiosity has never gone away," says Nancy.
She started as an assembly worker in 2002, and for the past five years, she has been a hands-on team leader in aluminium production. Although managing a male-dominated team was quite a challenge for women in the early 2000s, this has fortunately changed and is completely accepted today. She easily holds her own and enjoys the respect she has earned within the team. She also contributes at a strategic level, thinking about how processes can be made smarter and more efficient.
Both Kim and Nancy agree: working in a man's world is great. "It's refreshingly direct and there's no drama," they say with a laugh. Yet they are also honest about the reality: as a woman in engineering, you often have to go the extra mile to prove yourself. You need to stand your ground.
Thanks to their years of experience and expertise, they now feel completely equal and appreciated by their male colleagues. Their advice to other women is therefore simple: just go for it!
Why choose engineering at Custers?
Immediate results: You work with your hands and actually see something being created.
Pride: It gives you a thrill to see a final product leave the factory that you contributed to.
Innovation: You are given the space to contribute ideas regarding new machines and automation.
Culture: A down-to-earth work atmosphere where craftsmanship takes centre stage.
At Custers, we are proud of professionals like Kim and Nancy. They show that engineering is not a matter of gender, but of passion, insight, and the drive to make the best products.