The Netherlands has its very first 'Operator of the Year'’

Den Bosch, 18 November 2025 – For the first time in Dutch industrial history, an operator has been honoured with the Operator of the Year Award. At the Power to the Operator Event at the Verkadefabriek, Marc Lobs, operator at Kemira Rotterdam BV in Botlek Rotterdam, received the very first presentation of this new national professional award.

The award is an initiative of EZ Factory and is sponsored by Orange & Blue. With this prize, the organisers aim to honour the people who keep the heart of production sites beating every day, yet so often go unrecognised.

The jury praised the winner for his impressive transition from the Technical Services department to the operator profession. Thanks to his technical background, he approaches processes from a different angle, making him a valuable point of reference and a pillar of support for his team. His colleagues describe him as the man “who is always there for everyone.”

The jury also commended his focus on safety,  an absolute top priority in the chemical industry.

Bart Boting, jury member and CCO of Orange & Blue:

“As a former operator, I see in him exactly why this profession deserves so much respect: craftsmanship, a sense of responsibility and an enormous drive to do better every single day. He is a role model for the next generation of operators.”

Marc Lobs, first-ever winner of the Operator of the Year Award:

“This award is not just for me, but for the entire team. Together we make sure processes run smoothly and that everyone can rely on one another. Having our work recognised with the Operator of the Year Award makes me incredibly proud.”

The winner emerged from five finalists. The decision was determined by a combination of public votes (30%) and an in-depth assessment by the professional jury (70%). The award aims to set a movement in motion: more recognition, more pride and a more positive image for the operator profession. Many people still think of the profession as “dusty” or “dirty”, while modern operations are both crucial and highly skilled.

EZ Factory and Orange & Blue hope that the award will grow into a well-known institution within the industry over the coming years. The 2026 edition is already in the planning. The winner received a trophy, a cheque and a surprise prize.

The award is organised by EZ Factory and sponsored by Orange & Blue.

EZ Factory is the developer of the digital EZ-GO platform that supports the work of operators, technicians and team leaders on the production floor. In addition to daily task lists, work instructions and checklists, statistics provide insights to continuously improve safety, efficiency and productivity. EZ Factory’s motto is: Power to the Operator!

Orange & Blue is a recruitment agency specialising in connecting technical talent with industry. Drawing on first-hand experience from production environments, Orange & Blue helps organisations find skilled professionals who make an impact. With a personal approach, smart technology and a strong network, they create lasting matches in the manufacturing, process and logistics sectors. Their expertise gives ambition a future.