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A dream team for dairy cream
You might well do a double take if you drop by the spray-can expertise centre in Lummen (Belgium), the heart of FrieslandCampina’s whipped cream product range. That is because identical twins Heidi and Karen Knuts work here.
The ladies form a dream team. Heidi and her team think up new spray-can technologies, while Karen and her team keep a keen eye on quality. Together with their colleagues, they have put Lummen on the map: the whipped cream and spray-can technologies produced in Lummen travel all over the world! Curious about the story of the innovative twins?
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A shared passion
Heidi and Karen Knuts are not only identical twins but also colleagues. They share their looks, and they share a passion for good food. So it is hardly surprising that they both came to work at FrieslandCampina. “We grew up together and we both played volleyball. Later, we both graduated from the same chemical engineering program."
We now both work at FrieslandCampina in Lummen. But apart from that, we lead separate lives, you know!
The technology of (spray) cream is complex, and that is why I like the field so much: my work brings many challenges.
A few years later, Karen applied for a job as well. “I started with a few years in quality management and have been Quality Assurance/Quality Control manager for the past six years. I make sure that all products meet the quality requirements and ensure food safety. Besides producing for FrieslandCampina brands, we also supply many major customers around the world.”
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Our work stays exciting
There is a lot involved in producing and innovating in the cream landscape. “We need to consider ease of use and think up new trendy flavours. Moreover, each customer has their own wishes regarding feel, taste, look, format, design, price acceptance and performance! There are plenty of challenges to make our work exciting!”
We are seeing a global increase in demand for our (spray) creams.
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Winner’s mentality
Karen and Heidi being twin sisters also brings advantages at work. “We complement each other well and can quickly adapt to further the customer’s interests.
Thanks to years of team sport, we’ve had a winner’s mentality ever since we were kids.
When we face challenges, we never give up. We feel sure that, along with our great teams, we can always find the solution together."