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At AAE, it’s all about our people. Dedication and craftsmanship make the difference, and Mark van der Heijden is a great example of that. This year, Mark celebrates a special milestone: 40 years at AAE. His journey shows how you can grow, develop, and take on new challenges within the company. We spoke with Mark about his career, experiences, and the strong bond he has with AAE.
From an empty field to high-tech production
Mark began his career at ODM, a division of Philips. “We produced equipment for the CD and DVD industry,” he explains. “There was a similar company in Veldhoven called OD&ME.”
OD&ME turned out to be the smarter player: more efficient, more affordable, and more ambitious. “They wanted to build their own machines to keep their 'recipe' a secret,” Mark says. To do that, they needed a partner, and that’s how they found AAE — back then a small company in Helmond making components.
OD&ME acquired AAE, and not long after, also took over ODM, the company where Mark was working. “That was quite something: the competitor took us over, but it felt like a fresh start,” he recalls.
The merger of OD&ME, ODM and AAE marked a new beginning. At a brand-new location, Grasbeemd 2, everything was brought together. From that point on, the three companies continued under one name: AAE. “That’s really when today’s AAE began,” says Mark. “And I got to witness it up close.”
A drive to improve
For Mark, taking initiative was the key to progress. “Any decision is better than no decision,” he says. His curiosity and constant search for improvement soon made him a pioneer in optimisation. He was involved in implementing the ERP system ISAH and developed an Excel model to calculate cost prices more efficiently. “That system is still used today. It’s great to see something you built still adding value.”
Entrepreneurship and staying true to AAE
Alongside his work at AAE, Mark also started his own company. “I wanted to see if I could do it on my own,” he explains. His business took off quickly, but in the end he chose to focus fully on AAE. “AAE has always been loyal to me, so I remain loyal to AAE.”
He appreciates the trust and connection he’s found at AAE. “You’re not just a number here. People listen, and there’s room to grow. That’s rare.”
A bond that lasts
For Mark, AAE is more than just an employer. It’s a place where he’s always felt appreciated, and where he's built strong relationships over time. “What makes AAE special is the sense of connection. Everyone knows each other, and your voice is heard.”
Looking back on 40 years, Mark feels proud. “The best part of AAE is that there’s always room to grow. If you take the opportunities, you can really get far.”
Looking to the future
Even after all these years, Mark still enjoys his work at AAE. “I’m not looking for anything new — I’ve found the right place.”
His son has clearly inherited Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit and is active in both the metal and music industries. “I see a lot of myself in him. At 16, he was already registered with the Chamber of Commerce, working in lighting, sound and DJing. Who knows — maybe one day he’ll start a business in metal too. If he does, I’d love to help him.”
With just a few years to go until retirement, Mark is looking forward to what’s next. But first, in September, he’ll celebrate his 40-year anniversary at AAE — a journey to be truly proud of.
