Brewing as a team effort: “We’re all equal, and that’s what makes us strong”
31-07-2025As a Process Operator at Royal Swinkels, Amanda Vleugel has been working at the heart of the brewery for over twelve years. Together with her team, she brews a wide range of beers, from Swinckels and Cornet to Bavaria 0.0. “No two days are the same. It’s a natural product, so you’re constantly adjusting. And that’s what makes the job so much fun.”
Amanda and her colleagues control the brewing installations using software, manually add ingredients, fix technical issues, and monitor the process closely. “There are so many small steps involved in brewing that you always need to stay alert. And because you’re working with natural ingredients, things change every day. But the result has to be exactly the same every time. That’s why those adjustments are so important.”
Royal Swinkels still feels like a true family business to Amanda. “The lines are short. You know everyone, and even the management regularly stops by the brewing floor. That’s really appreciated.” Amanda works in a five-shift rotation, where each team hands the process over to the next. “If I don’t pass something on properly, the next team pays the price. Everything is connected. You need to work together to deliver the best product.” Within Operations, they’ve made a conscious choice not to use job titles. “We’re all Process Operators. No hierarchy, just equality. I think that’s a real strength.”
New colleagues are paired with a mentor from day one. Amanda is one of them. “You pass on your knowledge and make sure someone really learns the craft. It takes a bit of extra time, but you get a stronger team in return.” And when new innovations are introduced, Operators are actively involved. “When new software or recipes are rolled out, Technologists, Mechanics, and Programmers come to the floor to ask what works in practice. That input is really valued. You’re not just following instructions; you’re helping improve things.”
The job is always evolving, and that’s what keeps it interesting. “We take monthly courses, go through certification programs, and stay up to date. Whether it’s new recipes or more efficient processes, we’re constantly learning.” Having fun is a big part of that too. “There’s always room for a joke, and we regularly go on outings as a team. It really strengthens the bond.”
And what feels like winning to Amanda? “When you tackle a problem together that’s holding up production. When things aren’t going right, and you still manage to fix it. That’s a great feeling. And a learning moment too. Because when everything runs smoothly, it almost feels too easy. I prefer it when there’s a bit of challenge. That’s when you really feel like your work matters.”
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