“My challenge is to guide a project as smoothly as possible through the system.”
From the financial sector to engineering and process optimization
Although Yusuf had an early interest in engineering, he did not initially pursue this path. “My father is a plumber, and I grew up surrounded by tools and materials in the basement, things you could build with and create from. That fascinated me as a child” Yusuf explains. “Still, I was raised with the idea that an office job was more prestigious than working with your hands.”
At school, Yusuf excelled in numbers, which led him to pursue a vocational (MBO) degree in economics. After graduating he landed the ‘prestigious office job’ in a finance department. Yet something was missing. “In a role like that you only see the numbers, not the process behind them. I wanted to truly understand how things are created” he says.
That ambition led him to study industrial engineering and management at the university of applied sciences in Rotterdam. During an internship at APM Terminals, he discovered his passion for process improvement. After earning his degree, he advanced at IHG Roestvaststaal, growing from supply chain coordinator to head of production.
After approximately five years, Yusuf was ready for a new challenge, one his current employer could not offer. That’s when Gpi came his way.
Efficiency and collaboration as the key to success
When Yusuf joined Gpi, he immediately recognized opportunities for improvement: “The biggest challenge was creating greater alignment between departments and systems. My goal is to keep ‘the engine’ running as efficiently and smoothly as possible.”
As production manager, he acts as the central link between multiple disciplines. He ensures that projects move seamlessly through the organization and that bottlenecks are identified and resolved at an early stage. “In an organization with a wealth of expertise and input, it’s essential to stay fully aligned. That’s the only way to prevent delays and inefficiencies.”
The result? Projects that not only meet expectations, but sometimes even exceed them.
Continuous improvement within a growing organization
After more than a year at Gpi Process Technology, Yusuf finds great fulfillment in his role. “No day is the same. It’s the dynamics and unexpected challenges that make my work so diverse and energizing.” His critical mindset contributes directly to the high-quality standards Gpi is known for. “Quality should never be taken for granted. There is always room for improvement. Personally, I approach every project with a utopian vision and execute it in a pragmatic way.”
According to Yusuf, Gpi’s strength lies in the combination of scale and craftsmanship: “We continue to deliver tailor-made, top-quality solutions, while benefiting from the advantages of a large international organization. That’s what makes us unique.”
“My goal is to maneuver projects through the organization in a controlled way, creating greater efficiency across processes”
Change as a driver for growth
Process optimization doesn’t always come without resistance, Yusuf knows. “People are used to certain ways of working. Change can be challenging.” Yet he sees this as an opportunity: “I try to show that improvements don’t just benefit the organization, they also make work more enjoyable for colleagues, both in the short and long term.”
A day in the life of a production manager at Gpi
Yusuf’s workday starts early, often as early as 6:00 a.m. After reviewing his emails he keeps a close watch on the progress of project planning, identifying and resolving inefficiencies while coordinating closely with various departments.
In addition, he is responsible for both periodic and corrective maintenance of the machinery at the Gouda facility, as well as overseeing procurement, work preparation and production processes. He also focuses on optimizing internal processes, ensuring safety across the organization and serves as a member of the works council (OR). “It’s a versatile role where you’re constantly switching between tasks,” Yusuf explains. “I’m juggling many responsibilities, but that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable.”
Continuously improving in a dynamic world
For Yusuf, one thing is certain: “As long as the world keeps evolving, there will always be room for improvement. And that means my work at Gpi will continue to be both challenging and rewarding for the foreseeable future.”
