There is nothing more rewarding than a happy baby growing up healthy thanks to our nutrition

In addition to this role, Marieke also works as Programme Manager for Friso Quality within the Specialised Nutrition business group. “Based on customer feedback and internal insights, we developed a programme centred around seven performance touch points,” Marieke explains. By working closely with colleagues across the Supply Chain, the team continuously improves quality and customer satisfaction. “The ultimate result is seeing a baby grow up healthy thanks to our nutrition,” she shares.

“One of the milestones I am particularly proud of is the structural improvement of First Time Right at Veghel over the past two years,” says Marieke. First Time Right is an important measure because it directly influences cost efficiency, operational performance and customer satisfaction. “A higher First Time Right means less time and fewer resources spent on rework and corrections, allowing production to move faster while maintaining high quality standards,” she explains.

By analysing the factors that influence product release times every month with a cross functional team, Marieke and her colleagues implemented several structural improvements. “This helped us release finished products faster while still meeting our First Time Right targets,” she adds. At the same time, the team was able to reduce working capital in a sustainable way.

“Collaboration and continuous improvement as a team are the foundation of success,” says Marieke. By working towards shared goals, teams make progress step by step. New ways of working, such as the rollout of the Our Way of Working programme, help colleagues contribute to ongoing improvements with energy and focus.

“Being constantly challenged allows you to grow and discover your strengths,” Marieke explains. Working with different production processes in Veghel and meeting the expectations of Food, Pharma and Feed customers within infant nutrition keeps the work varied and meaningful. “That combination of quality, collaboration and impact is what makes my work so rewarding,” she concludes.