Ger van der Wiel
The story of structural welder Ger at Hapert Trailers
Hapert Trailers is known as an innovative trailer manufacturer. We strive for a world in which transport does not create an unnecessary burden, and we contribute to this by inspiring, imagining, developing and working together. Ger is happy to share his experiences as part of this ambition.
How did you end up here?
“In 1978, I started at Hapert Trailers,” Ger explains. “At the time, the company was still small, with only twelve employees. What appealed to me most was the working environment and the atmosphere. It felt as if you were working with a group of friends.
Over the years, I have seen Hapert grow enormously. Today, around 100 people work here. This growth has brought more structure, but fortunately the family atmosphere has remained. After all, we are Brabanders, and you can feel that! The Burgundian conviviality and openness are still very much present here.”
Ger’s experience shows what it means to work as a structural welder at Hapert Trailers: craftsmanship, teamwork and pride in the product.
Why do you still choose Hapert every day?
“That partly has to do with my age; at a certain point, you do not change jobs quite so quickly anymore. Of course, over the years I have had moments of doubt, and I think that is normal. Everyone asks themselves at some point: ‘Would it be nice somewhere else too?’ But every time, I realised again how good Hapert actually is. If I were to leave, I would be leaving behind a fantastic company.”
For Ger, being a structural welder at Hapert Trailers is not just about welding frames and components. It is also about feeling connected to the company, the colleagues and the growth he has helped build.
What are you most proud of?
“I am especially proud of the changes within the company that I have been able to contribute to. When I started, Hapert was still small, and I have been part of the growth. A concrete example is setting up and designing a new production line.
I am also proud of new developments, such as the introduction of our welding robot, which brought more calm and structure to the production line.”
“At Hapert Trailers, I have truly had a wonderful career,” Ger concludes proudly.
The story of Ger shows the value of experience, craftsmanship and dedication in trailer production. As a structural welder at Hapert Trailers, he has seen the company grow from a small team into a leading trailer manufacturer, without losing the personal and family-oriented atmosphere.
