Anyone who works with industrial automation and control technology at Van Abeelen will encounter Michael.<\/p>\n
Since June 2026, he has been strengthening our team as a Software Engineer. With over 17 years of experience in PLC programming, an international background, and a great passion for technology, he brings knowledge and enthusiasm to the workplace every day.<\/p>\n
With two dogs and two daughters (3 years and 10 months old), it\u2019s a real rush every morning. Yet Michael and his wife first take the time to have a quiet cup of coffee and tea.<\/p>\n
After that, everything has to be done: making breakfast, packing bags, getting the little princesses ready for daycare and everyone out the door on time. Only then does his own workday begin.<\/p>\n
Five years ago, Michael moved from South Africa to the Netherlands together with his wife and two dogs.<\/p>\n
He is a true family man; his family comes first and he would like to spend as much time with them as possible.<\/p>\n
When he has a moment to himself, he likes to tinker with electronics and work on smart solutions for home automation.<\/p>\n
Michael is proud of what he and his wife have built together. With admiration, he talks about her successful career as a Process Engineer and her role as a mother.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated sector, she has never let obstacles stop her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am especially proud of the way she manages to combine her career and our family.\u201d.<\/p>\n
For about 17 years, Michael has worked in PLC programming and industrial automation. Most of his experience was gained in the manufacturing industry.<\/p>\n
In his career, Michael has worked on many special projects. One project stands out for him: the development of a remotely controlled machine for cleaning mine waste dumps in South Africa.<\/p>\n
The machine could be operated safely from a different location and proved to be a great success during the testing phase. Currently, this solution is being deployed worldwide within the mining industry.<\/p>\n
Now he is putting his knowledge to use in the field of refrigeration technology. He sees working in a new industry as a fun and exciting challenge.<\/p>\n
Although Michael has only been working at Van Abeelen for a short time, he feels completely at home.<\/p>\n
According to him, the organization is characterized by a family atmosphere, committed colleagues, and a willingness to help each other. Knowledge sharing and collaboration are central.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice to work in an environment where people support each other and collaboration is a natural part of the work.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From South Africa to Van Abeelen: get to know Michael, our Software Engineer with a passion for smart control solutions and a big heart for his family. <\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":3673,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-3672","medewerker","type-medewerker","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n