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For 25 years, Perry Tijs has been a familiar face at AAE. What started as a leap of faith grew into a career filled with variety and great memories. Over the years, he saw the company evolve, but one thing always remained the same: the joy in his work and the strong bond with his colleagues. Discover Perry’s story and what makes AAE so special to him!
A Flying Start at AAE
Perry’s journey at AAE started in a unique way. Through his father, who had already been working at AAE for 18 years, he found his way into the company. “I originally trained as a car mechanic, but due to physical issues, I had to look for something new. My father asked, ‘Why don’t you come work at AAE?’ I thought, ‘Why not?’ My brother was already working here, my daughter has also worked at AAE, and now even my son-in-law has joined the company. It really feels like a family business to us,” he says with a smile.
Perry began his career at AAE as a driver. In those early years, he visited clients and suppliers daily to deliver and pick up shipments. “Now we work with couriers, but back then we did everything ourselves. That personal touch made the job really special.” After twelve years, Perry transitioned to the purchasing department. “Following a surgery, I could no longer continue as a driver. I ended up in purchasing and thought, ‘This actually suits me.’” After gaining valuable experience there, Perry felt the urge to further develop within AAE. He found that opportunity in the logistics department, where he’s been working with great pleasure for the past eight years.
AAE Through the Years
In the 25 years Perry has worked at AAE, he has seen the company transform dramatically. “When I started, there were fewer than 100 employees, and you were introduced to everyone,” he recalls. At the time, all operations took place at Grasbeemd 2 – from turning and milling to assembly. “The current cleanroom used to be our canteen.”
AAE has since grown into a global player in the high-tech industry and has undergone three major expansions. Perry saw work processes become increasingly efficient. “We used to have to type out orders ourselves, print them, and hand them in manually. Purchase orders were stored in a huge archive full of folders. Thankfully, most of it is now digital and automated, which has made our work in logistics much more efficient.”
Despite all this growth and automation, Perry believes the human factor is just as important. “For me, what has never changed is the pleasant atmosphere. We work hard, but there’s always room for a good laugh. That’s what creates a great work environment.”
Memorable Moments
Ask Perry about standout moments, and he immediately bursts out laughing. “I’ll never forget the company parties. In the early days, things could get a little wild, and I may have been involved in a few antics myself.” He leaves the details to the imagination, but there’s no doubt those were unforgettable nights.
What matters most to Perry is that he truly feels at home at AAE. “We’re given trust and the freedom to do our work well. I really appreciate that.”
Why 25 Years at AAE?
“What’s kept me here for 25 years? For me, it’s the perfect combination of challenging and varied work, a close-knit team of colleagues, and a good balance between working hard and having fun,” Perry shares.
For new colleagues at the start of their careers, he has a clear message: “Take advantage of the opportunities you’re given, learn from your colleagues, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And most of all: enjoy your work, because it’s the people around you that make all the difference.”
Curious about more stories from our colleagues and long-time team members? Click here and discover how they’ve built their careers at AAE!
