Koen works across several business units and supports service operations in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Spain. “In the UK, we really built the service organisation from scratch. At the beginning, we had just one client. Now we are an established player in the industry with a team that operates independently.” Service goes beyond maintenance alone. “We maintain our own installations, modify and expand them, and improve existing systems. The goal is to keep installations performing at their best.”
The story of Koen Verstraeten
Meet Koen Verstraeten, our Service Manager
When Koen Verstraeten joined HoSt Group ten years ago, he could not have imagined how international and varied his work would become. “At the time, I was already working as a supplier for HoSt Group on biogas projects. When the company I worked for went bankrupt, I was able to start here quickly. They basically said: we want you on board, and we’ll figure out together which role suits you best.”
Ten years later, Koen works within the service organisation of HoSt Group, where he is involved in setting up and supporting service activities across multiple countries.
In service, no day is ever the same. Koen recalls a situation just before Christmas. “A client called to say that the roof of a digester had blown off. It was not even an installation we had built. From my car, I immediately contacted our supplier and arranged for a new roof to be produced. Normally that takes six to eight weeks, but just after New Year, a new roof was already in place.” Situations like this require flexibility and commitment. “You cannot say: call me back on Monday.”
Technology that keeps evolving
What Koen finds most interesting about his work is how quickly the technology at HoSt Group evolves. “When I started, Bright Renewables did not even exist yet. Now we are working with carbon capture, CO₂ liquefaction and CNG and LNG installations. And in Spain, we are currently building a biogas installation with a heat system we have never applied before.”
This constant innovation keeps the work challenging. “You need to keep learning continuously to stay up to date.”
Projects around the world
Koen is regularly involved in international projects. One example is Ukraine, where HoSt Group supports installations remotely. During the construction of one of the plants, the war broke out.
“The installation was eventually completed by the client and commissioned with our remote support. These installations are now operational and produce gas, electricity and heat.”
Another major project Koen is closely involved in is located in Spain. “That is the largest biogas project HoSt Group has ever built. We are constructing nine digesters, along with two biogas upgrading systems and two CO₂ liquefaction units.
It is a strong collaboration between multiple business units.”
A culture of involvement
Beyond the technology, Koen values the culture within HoSt Group the most. “The atmosphere here is simply good. You build strong connections with colleagues, also internationally.”
For Koen, this became very personal during a difficult period. “My former partner became seriously ill when our son was just ten months old. HoSt Group gave me all the space and understanding I needed. Sometimes I worked from the hospital, which was my own choice, and the support from colleagues and managers was incredible.”
Experiences like that stay with you. “I will never forget that level of care and involvement. Many companies talk about culture, but here I have genuinely felt it. And I still do.”
Growing while preserving culture
The service organisation is growing rapidly, which also brings challenges. “It is important that we maintain our culture as we grow. But I am confident that we can.” For Koen, HoSt Group remains a place where he can continue to develop. “What makes this job special is that you not only learn about technology, but also about different cultures and ways of working together.”
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
