{"id":21529,"date":"2026-05-06T11:18:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/?page_id=21529"},"modified":"2026-05-06T11:18:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:18:12","slug":"the-netherlands-has-its-very-first-operator-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/en\/the-netherlands-has-its-very-first-operator-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"The Netherlands has its very first &#8216;Operator of the Year&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[vc_row thb_full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_row_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_column_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; thb_scroll_bottom=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_scroll_bottom_style=&#8221;style3&#8243; thb_scroll_bottom_color=&#8221;light&#8221; thb_shape_divider=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1763641607949{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 15vh !important;background: #FFFFFF url(https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-1-scaled.jpg?id=21562) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; divider_shape=&#8221;triangle&#8221; thb_divider_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221;][vc_column thb_color=&#8221;thb-light-column&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner thb_color=&#8221;thb-light-column&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-8&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_row_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_column_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738242875942{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 4vh !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d4670\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style1\">\n\t\t\n<h1><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">The Netherlands has its very first 'Operator of the Year'\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d4670 .thb-slidetype-entry {\n\t\t\t\tcolor: #000000;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d473d\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">A tribute to the unsung heroes of industry<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Den Bosch, 18 November 2025 \u2013 <strong>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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">The award is an initiative of EZ Factory and is sponsored by Orange &amp; 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.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text]\t<div id=\"thb-image-69fb3d57d47c3\" class=\"caption-style1  alignleft   thb_image_link wp-caption \">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"thb-image-inner size_100\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"thb_image    attachment-full\" alt=\"Winnaar Operator of the Year Award 2025 - Marc Lobs\" title=\"Winnaar Operator of the Year Award 2025 - Marc Lobs\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d766f\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">A remarkable story<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">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 &#8220;who is always there for everyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">The jury also commended his focus on safety,\u00a0 an absolute top priority in the chemical industry.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d76be\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">Jury quote<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]<strong>Bart Boting, jury member and CCO of Orange &amp; Blue: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;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.&#8221;<\/em>[\/vc_column_text]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d76f0\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">Quote from the winner<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]<strong>Marc Lobs, first-ever winner of the Operator of the Year Award: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>&#8220;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.&#8221;<\/em>[\/vc_column_text]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57d771d\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">About the award<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">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 &#8220;dusty&#8221; or &#8220;dirty&#8221;, while modern operations are both crucial and highly skilled.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">EZ Factory and Orange &amp; 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.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-image-69fb3d57d7761\" class=\"caption-style1  alignleft   thb_image_link wp-caption \">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"thb-image-inner size_100\">\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-jury-Bart-Boting-scaled.jpg?fit=1707%2C2560&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"thb_image    attachment-full\" alt=\"Operator of the Year Award - jury - Bart Boting\" title=\"Operator of the Year Award - jury - Bart Boting\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-image-slider-601\" class=\"thb-image-slider 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https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=380%2C253&amp;ssl=1 380w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=190%2C127&amp;ssl=1 190w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=760%2C507&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=1140%2C760&amp;ssl=1 1140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?resize=20%2C13&amp;ssl=1 20w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-3-scaled.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"columns\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-speech-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"\" alt=\"Winnaar speech Operator of the Year Award 2025 - Marc Lobs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-speech-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-speech-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-speech-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-speech-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, 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https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?resize=380%2C253&amp;ssl=1 380w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?resize=190%2C127&amp;ssl=1 190w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?resize=760%2C507&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?resize=1140%2C760&amp;ssl=1 1140w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?resize=20%2C13&amp;ssl=1 20w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Winnaar-Operator-of-the-Year-Award-2025-Marc-Lobs-1-scaled.jpg?w=2340&amp;ssl=1 2340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t[\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;]\t<div id=\"thb-slidetype-69fb3d57e3431\" class=\"thb-slidetype \" data-style=\"style2\">\n\t\t\n<h2><span class=\"thb-slidetype-entry\"><span class=\"lines\">The organisers<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;]\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">The award is organised by EZ Factory and sponsored by Orange &amp; Blue.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ezfactory.nl\/\"><strong>EZ Factory<\/strong><\/a> 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&#8217;s motto is: Power to the Operator!<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Orange &amp; Blue is a recruitment agency specialising in connecting technical talent with industry. Drawing on first-hand experience from production environments, Orange &amp; 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.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_row_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1725287474274{padding-top: 2vh !important;background-color: #f7f7f7 !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][vc_row_inner][\/vc_row_inner]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row thb_full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_row_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_column_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; thb_scroll_bottom=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_scroll_bottom_style=&#8221;style3&#8243; thb_scroll_bottom_color=&#8221;light&#8221; thb_shape_divider=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1763641607949{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 15vh !important;background: #FFFFFF url(https:\/\/ezfactory.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Operator-of-the-Year-Award-uitreiking-2025-1-scaled.jpg?id=21562) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221; divider_shape=&#8221;triangle&#8221; thb_divider_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221;][vc_column thb_color=&#8221;thb-light-column&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner thb_color=&#8221;thb-light-column&#8221; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-5 vc_col-md-8&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;10px&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_row_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; thb_column_padding=&#8221;true&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738242875942{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 4vh !important;background-color: #FFFFFF !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1724951560667{padding-top: 5vh !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-9&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221; animation=&#8221;animation bottom-to-top&#8221;] Den Bosch, 18 November 2025 \u2013&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21529","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Press release the Netherlands has its very first &#039;Operator of the Year&#039;<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"For the first time in Dutch industrial history, an operator has been honoured with the Operator of the Year Award. 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