On the afternoon of Wednesday 12th December, His Majesty the King paid a working visit to two companies in Brainport Eindhoven. The visit was dedicated to the Netherlands’ manufacturing industry. The King visited MTA, developer and producer of mechatronic machines and systems, and the Huijbregts Groep, processor of powders for the food industry.

The work visit began at tech firm, MTA. As a systems supplier, MTA develops and produces mechatronic modules and systems. 
Machines that can personalise passports or ID cards, systems for applying shrink wrap to packaging and modules for industrial 3D metal printers are some examples. Moreover, the company’s own development department makes it possible for MTS and its clients to develop entire new systems from the ideation phase, to then produce them in series. In doing so, MTA bridges the gap between development and serial production. The King was given a tour of the shop floor and spoke with numerous companies there about collaboration in the chain from development to production.

The King then visited the Huijbregts Groep. This family business has developed an advanced production process for blending powders for the food industry. With intensive care for recipes and food safety, the raw materials are processed to produce homogeneous, packaged powder blends, customised to client specifications.

The Huijbregts Groep is a strong advocate of talent development: in partnership with ROC Ter AA and neighbouring businesses, the company runs its own business school where employees are trained to become process operators. Language courses are offered to non-Dutch speakers. 

The King received a tour of the innovative blending factory. Lastly, he spoke with tutors and students about talent development in the manufacturing industry.