Cleaning ensures continuity at Mulder meat

In 2022, a fire erupted at Mulder Livestock and Meat Trade in Twello. The slaughterhouse was destroyed. However, owner Daniel Clauzon was undeterred. He constructed a new slaughterhouse equipped with modern machinery and a comprehensive cleaning system from LETS.

"Fourteen years ago, in 2010, I started working at Mulder Livestock and Meat Trade as a freelance butcher/deboner. I progressed to head butcher and took over the business in 2019," Daniel Clauzon enthusiastically talks about his company, where he employs about 25 staff members to slaughter sheep, lambs, and goats in accordance with Islamic practices for wholesale. Other companies also use Mulder’s services for slaughtering their livestock. The retail shop adjacent to the slaughterhouse sells meat directly to consumers, offering additional products like beef, veal, and poultry.

Fire at the slaughterhouse

Mulder has endured a challenging period. Daniel rubs his head as he recalls arriving at his company at 05:00 and seeing smoke billowing from the chimney. "I opened the door, and everything was black. I immediately called the fire brigade." The cause was identified as an electrical fault. "The fire was manageable, but the soot damage was extensive. The slaughterhouse was destroyed." Daniel initially thought a simple clean-up would suffice. The reality proved different. "I don’t easily get scared, but the aftermath of a fire is both new and overwhelming. Discussions with the insurer, following proper protocols, making decisions, so many questions: Should we continue or not? And if we do, how do we proceed?" Daniel decided to purchase the leased property and rebuild.

New cleaning system

The cleaning system was also lost in the fire and had to be reinstalled. Daniel contacted LETS bv in Dronten. Guustaaf Hoekstra, Commercial Director of LETS bv, remembers well. "I already met Daniel before; he had previously bought a machine in parts at an auction, which we assembled for him. Now he was unlucky with the fire. We were eager to assist and replaced everything within our scope of work, such as stainless steel facility fittings, piping, compressors, hot water systems, compressed air systems, and a new cleaning unit.

Guustaaf Hoekstra (l) and Daniel Clauzon

Cleanliness ensures safety

LETS bv is familiar with the meat industry. "We serve the meat and fish sectors, the fruit and vegetable industry, bakeries, and producers of ready meals. For over 40 years, we have been providing and installing cleaning systems, such as wash units and facility fittings, ensuring their production spaces meet the strict food safety standards. I love my job, the industry's mentality, its courage and drive, our relationship with clients, and brainstorming with fellow entrepreneurs. Our high-tech and innovative hygiene solutions contribute to their ambition to deliver quality products."

A state-of-the-art new slaughterhouse

The project at Mulder required meticulous planning. Guustaaf comments, "Every time, something extra was needed. Daniel would send messages like ‘Can you ‘quickly’ do some extra piping work?’ We are always ready to respond to such requests. Flexibility is crucial in these situations. But we do focus on quality. ‘Quickly’ is not an option, and occasionally this caused internal friction and Daniel almost panicked. Yet together, we diligently worked towards the deadline."

After eight months, on January 15, 2024, the opening of the renovated slaughterhouse took place. "What a transformation, it’s become a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse," Daniel says with a smile. The employees, who temporarily worked at another slaughterhouse, have returned and are also pleased. The new setup brings improvements in cleaning, efficiency, and ergonomics. Mulder is equipped for the future.

Effective and transparent collaboration

Daniel and Guustaaf reflect on a unique period with a positive collaboration. Daniel: "I am very satisfied; I received sound and clear advice, and the outcome aligns with what was promised." Guustaaf: "Our theory is validated by practice. This allows us to provide a transparent overview of what is needed, what will happen, and what the outcomes will be. It was a great project with pleasant interactions. Our team did a fantastic job; they deserve praise."

Mulder’s continuity is secure. Daniel’s two wishes have been fulfilled: a future for his team and the safe delivery of quality meat to his (new) customers.

www.muldervlees.nl
www.letsbv.nl

Photos © Hissink