Hybrid approach: tailored cleaning at Friesland­Campina

In Lochem, at FrieslandCampina, the team embraces a farmer’s mindset: “Just act normal; and you’re already crazy enough,” with the intention of delivering truly excellent work. This philosophy is shared by partner Vebego Cleaning Services, showcasing a fully integrated, food-safe, and pleasant collaboration.

Keep it simple—but do it well!

At FrieslandCampina’s production site in Lochem, 200 employees create around 50 different end products. These range from protein-rich products for the medical industry to butter and milk powder used in croissants and ice cream. Production is spread across three factories: the butter & butter oil factory, the milk powder factory, and the high-tech Milk Prism filtration plant. The latter extracts valuable ingredients like proteins from milk for specialized nutrition. These dairy products are destined for the food industry. Consumers won’t recognize them directly on supermarket shelves, even though they’re incorporated into countless products found there.

Dairy is dynamic and requires coordination

Carli Elbersen, QA/QC Specialist, oversees quality at the Lochem site. She’s the contact person for Vebego Cleaning Services, which has managed the cleaning since 2015. After completing her lab technician training, Carli found her way into the dairy industry. “I appreciate the mindset in the dairy world: ‘Just act normal; and you’re already crazy enough.’ But I do ensure we get the job done properly,” she says. She works closely with shift manager Jean Ankersmit. With 42 years at FrieslandCampina, Jean is a true dairy expert. Jean shares enthusiastically: “Flexibility and precision are essential at the production site. If there’s a malfunction, we need to respond quickly to avoid downtime and delays. Our milk and cream are supplied from different regions. Every batch is unique—dairy is alive and requires constant coordination in production. That’s what makes the work exciting and rewarding.”

From quality to food safety

Every morning, Carli and Jean discuss quality, safety, and hygiene with their colleagues. “Once a month, we have a meeting with our team leader Sabru,” adds Twan Voets from Vebego Cleaning Services. Twan oversees contract management, relationship building, and cleaning operations support. He has worked in the food industry since his youth.
“I enjoy the fast-paced nature of this field and have always had a connection to cleaning,” he explains. “With years of experience across different food production facilities, we know each site is unique. We understand the risks, know when to act and communicate quickly, and always create a tailored and effective plan. At this production site we’ve managed cleaning and window washing since 2015. Our team is fully integrated. We communicate well—even about the factory’s expansion, which requires extra attention to hygiene. Recently, our collaboration was confirmed to continue for at least three more years.”

Integration in cleaning

When asked what makes the cleaning staff stand out, Twan laughs: “We’ve got super-cleaners! But it’s all about how you support them and treat them. Sabru, for instance, has been here for years. He’s built up extensive knowledge about the ins and outs of this site. Sabru and the rest of the team are therefore truly critical links in FrieslandCampina’s production process.” Carli and Jean agree that the partnership works well. “The interaction is pleasant, the flexibility is high, and just a few words are enough. Sabru and the other cleaners contribute both ideas and effort. They feel like our own colleagues,” they say.

Hybrid cleaning agreements

The arrangements between FrieslandCampina and Vebego Cleaning Services differ from traditional cleaning approaches. A hybrid model was chosen, combining a budget agreement, a basic program, and room for flexibility. Twan explains: “A factory isn’t a static environment. If something happens in the process, it impacts cleaning needs. If less cleaning is required elsewhere, we adjust accordingly. This ensures we maintain a highly hygienic environment within the agreed budget.”
In addition to operational meetings, Carli, Jean, and Twan hold strategic discussions about FrieslandCampina’s developments and how Vebego Cleaning Services can adapt. “We’re looking at ways to make the cleaning process smarter and more sustainable, reducing its impact on people and the environment,” they note.

Pride and appreciation

“Our team takes pride in their contribution to FrieslandCampina’s process,” Twan highlights. Carli concludes: “We see and value them as our own employees. Together, we work in a pleasant and safe environment, allowing us to truly excel in our work.”

Frieslandcampina.com
Vebego.nl

From left to right Jean Ankersmit, Carli Elbersen en Twan Voets

Photo: © Jaws Media