Wabico is a special site within HoSt Group. As one of the first own-to-operate facilities, it plays an important role in testing and improving technologies. “We regularly receive visitors and clients here. It’s also a place where we test parts of installations before they are implemented elsewhere.”
The story of Joost Loeffen
Meet Joost Loeffen, our Team Lead Process
Joost Loeffen joined Wabico in Waalwijk, in the Netherlands, in 2016, one of the own-to-operate facilities within HoSt Group. What started as a small installation with a small team has grown into a large-scale and technically advanced operation.
“I started here as a process operator when we were processing around 60,000 tonnes per year with just a few people. Today, that has doubled and the team has grown significantly.” Now, Joost works as Team Lead Process at Wabico, where he is responsible for the process and the team operating the installation.
What makes the site unique is the combination of anaerobic digestion and water treatment. “We are one of the few installations with our own water treatment system. Where others discharge water, we treat it ourselves before releasing it. That adds complexity, but also makes it more interesting.”
From waste streams to biogas
At the Waalwijk site, a wide range of waste streams are processed every day. “We handle industrial waste, fats from the food industry, sludge from slaughterhouses and wastewater from tank cleaning or shipping. All of this is delivered by truck.”
These streams are converted into biogas through digestion. “Last year, we produced around 10 million cubic metres of biogas. That is upgraded and fed into the gas grid, enough to supply roughly 3,500 households with energy.” For Joost, that makes the impact very clear. “You can directly see the result of what you are doing. That makes the work meaningful.”
Learning by doing
When Joost started, he had no prior experience with digestion or water treatment. “You are really thrown in at the deep end. There weren’t many people with experience, so you had to figure things out yourself. I followed external training and learned a lot together with the team.”
That steep learning curve is what kept the job interesting. “You build something together from the ground up. That’s also why I’ve stayed here for so long.”
Variety and responsibility
What motivates Joost is the variety in his work. “One day you are optimising the process, the next you are coordinating incoming deliveries or solving technical issues. No day is the same.”
As a team lead, his role goes beyond operations. “You are responsible for the team and for the results. Everyone here works hard and is very results-driven. You notice that mindset every day.”
Part of a larger ecosystem
Although Wabico operates as its own facility, it is closely connected to the wider HoSt Group. “We work a lot with Bright Renewables, for example, for maintenance and service. Their engineers are regularly on site.” That collaboration helps improve both the technology and the way of working.
A place where impact is visible
For Joost, HoSt Group stands out because of the combination of knowledge and execution. “There is a lot of expertise within the company, and there is a clear vision. You see that in how projects are developed and how we operate here.” His advice to others considering HoSt Group: “You need to be hands-on and willing to take responsibility. If you do, you get a lot of opportunities.” “What we do here is visible every day. That’s what makes it worthwhile.”
Employees Testimonials
Hear directly from our dedicated employees who contribute to our success each day.
“I work on both individual sub-installations and complete systems. That keeps the work varied and technically interesting.”
Kaspars Lāmanis-JēgersonsCommissioning Engineer
"You really get the opportunity to develop yourself. You are given responsibility and the space to take initiative. HoSt Group has truly become part of my life."
Saskia StratingProject Manager
“Here, you work on real problems and see results quickly. In the R&D within a company, you can go from concept to something in the field within a short period."
Thomas BrouwerProduct Manager
