“The development of the Phenom, a new model of electron microscope of FEI Company, was a very enervating project to us. In a unique consortium with ten sub-contractors Sioux, together with the NTS Group, presented a high-quality and cost efficient product within two years. Entirely at our own risk and expense. The Phenom is a table-top model and that is revolutionary in this line of business, comparable with the introduction of the manageable PC in times of colossal mainframes. In 2006 this even led us and the NTS Group to the Mechatronica Award granted by the BOM.”

“During meetings with the customer I have always been open about the risks I was willing to take and the merit which, to my opinion, should be offered in compensation. In exchange for the risk I took the customer was very open about its market and the developments on it. This information was essential to us during the product development. In case of these kinds of projects it is indispensable to have confidence in each other’s motives, otherwise the whole project will be doomed to fail.”

“There is a difference between discussing – where you want to be right – and seeking the dialogue – where you sincerely try to understand the other. I always strive for the latter because I believe that is what will get you furthest in the long term.”