Algemeen
A NIGHT AT THE PRINTER’S WITH A FATHER-SON DUO
“It was special at first, But we’ve got used to it.”
Late at night, the Mediavaert campus may feel deserted, but at the printer’s next to the headquarters work is just getting started. Peter Beekelaar is waiting by the entrance. “Welcome,” he says with a smile. “My son Jordy will join us in a moment.”
The printing plant in Amsterdam: the place where hundreds of thousands of newspapers are printed every day – or night, to be more precise – and begin their journey to DPG Media’s subscribers. This is the workplace of Peter, 54, and Jordy Beekelaar, 32. As a printer, Beekelaar Sr. makes sure the papers actually roll off the presses, while his son, a transport manager, is responsible for getting them to the reader.
Anyone who enters the facility has to wear a hi-vis vest and earplugs, and stay within the designated lanes: safety first. Several workers pass by, concentrating on the plates they’re lugging, surrounded by massive rolls of paper and machines running non-stop. Every now and then, a peal of laughter can be heard. “I’m always happy to go to work,” Peter says.
We find Jordy in the distribution hall on the first floor. “This is a perfect perch,” he says. “I can see all the trucks coming in and out, dozens a night.” As a young boy, Jordy was fascinated by his father’s work, and he’d sometimes come along to the plant. At 17, he got his first part-time job here, adding weekend supplements to newspapers. “In 13 years, I worked my way up to transport manager.”
19.00
printers start their working day
21.30
first editions are finalised
21.55
final check by printer
22.00
printing presses start
22.15
first newspapers roll off the presses, printing finishes at 2.00 a.m.
22.30
first trucks leave for the distribution centres
03.00
first newspapers are delivered to subscribers
05.00
printers finish work
07.00
last newspapers are delivered
Peter beams as he listens to his son talk. “As a father, it’s special to see my son grow up in the company I’ve worked at for so long. As a little boy, he used to look up to people here, and now he’s the one in charge.” When asked what it’s like to work together as father and son, they give the same answer: “It was special at first,” Jordy says. “But we’ve got used to it.”
How is the printing plant preparing for the future? “In all areas,” Peter says, “we’re constantly looking to make the process as environmentally friendly as possible. Almost 80 percent of the paper is recycled, and we use sustainable inks.”
Does Jordy, himself a father of three, see any of his children working here when they grow up? He smiles. “My six-year-old – the eldest – dreams of becoming a police officer. They can choose their own path, but when they’re a bit older I’d like to bring them to work sometime. Who knows? Maybe they’ll join us here one day.”
