
Mark van de Mortel is a leading expert in the high-tech industry, strategically optimising complex production processes with people at the core.
Mark van de Mortel, an engineering consultant at Deerns, helps clients in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors design safe and sustainable production facilities. As a Hook-Up Engineer, he also deals with safe and sustainable connection of equipment. He ensures that essential installations, such as gas, water and electricity, are efficiently integrated so that high tech manufacturers and labs can continuously operate optimally. ‘The production process is always the starting point for the hook-up of these installations,’ Mark explains.
Balancing safety and sustainability
Hook-up engineering is all about striking a fine balance between safety and sustainability according to Mark: ‘In Hook-Up Engineering, safety comes first, but this can sometimes clash with sustainability goals,’ he explains. ‘Exhaust systems are a good example of this. They are essential for the health of users and the continuity of production processes, but consume a lot of energy. And this always raises the question: can it be more efficient, more compact or another way?’
Human contact and a helicopter view
Mark gets a lot of pleasure out of being a consultant: ‘My days are filled with supervising colleagues and consultations with clients at tactical and strategic level. One-on-one conversations with clients where I am answering complex issues really gives me energy,’ he says. ‘But always with a helicopter view of the overall picture,’ he adds. ‘This helps me maintain a broad perspective and give clients strategic advice that goes beyond just the technical aspects.’