Van Geleuken Infra takes the next step in digitization with Metacom from VanMeijel

Van Geleuken Infra, a family business from Limburg that has been active in underground infrastructure for 46 years, is committed to further digitalization. Since the beginning of this year, the company has been working with Metacom, the ERP system of VanMeijel Automatisering. A necessary step, according to director Jac van Geleuken, who took over the company from his father in 2011: "In the world of cables and pipes, efficiency is crucial. We are growing fast, but noticed that our old systems no longer supported that."

From subcontractor to general contractor

Van Geleuken Infra started as a subcontractor, but made the switch to main contractor in 2014, working on behalf of major energy companies such as Enexis and WML. With a new location in Maastricht, the company is responding to increasing demand, fueled by the energy transition. "That requires a substantial increase in scale, both in personnel and equipment, but also in process optimization," says Jac.

Speed and efficiency

The energy transition requires rapid and efficient construction and reinforcement of cable and pipeline networks, while legislation and safety regulations are becoming increasingly complex. To be well prepared, Jac established its own training center in 2017. "Here we train not only our own staff, but also professionals from competitor companies and network operators. Sharing knowledge is crucial to keep our sector strong and up-to-date, and I would like to contribute to that with my company."

From Excel to ERP

To professionalize internal operations, Van Geleuken Infra switched to an ERP system in late 2023. "We were late with it, but better late than never," Jac said. The growth in personnel and increase in projects required a scalable solution. The choice fell on Metacom, partly in the context of streamlined cooperation with other parties, many of whom already work with Metacom. 

Better collaboration 

After an intensive preparation process, the company went live with Metacom on January 1, 2025. "A switch like this is never without a struggle," Jac acknowledges. "There was resistance, not to the system, but to the change in itself. Our organization was also not used to working with this kind of system. We practically went from Excel to ERP. That not only takes time and effort, because of course you also want to prevent people from working around the system." Meanwhile, Jac really sees a positive mindset: "Employees are looking for cooperation more often. Also from supporting departments and between people inside and outside. Here Metacom acts as a connecting link that brings people and processes together." Accountabilities in business processes are returning to where they originally and organizationally should be.

Practical advantages

The implementation also includes further integration and digitization of, for example, timekeeping. Everything is now processed digitally directly in Metacom, supported via tablets in the field and laptops. "That saves a lot of time and prevents delays and errors. We are already seeing that less rework is needed and, for example, the approval of purchase invoices, preceded by recording obligations, is also much faster," Jac explains. The project module and the invoicing process have also been integrated into Metacom, although the latter still remains a challenge. "Our complex settlement process was flexible in Excel, but very error-prone and highly dependent on individuals. Metacom now enforces a more or less fixed way of working. This takes getting used to, but reduces errors and optimizes transparency and efficiency, and gives a much better representation of the steps in the processes. It also ensures internal shifts of tasks and responsibilities that had grown lopsided over the years. Thus, the system pays for itself in the long run." Jac certainly sees the benefits of the new way of working. "The system is a tool, not an end in itself. It supports to work more efficiently."

From implementation to optimization

The cooperation with VanMeijel Automatisering played an important role in the implementation. "In the beginning it was searching, but gradually the teams became better attuned to each other," says Jac. With a core team consisting of different disciplines - from execution and work preparation to financial and technical administration - processes were analyzed and set up in Metacom. "We were consciously working to create support within the organization. The system helps, the question is how we can use it as optimally as possible. We are now 85% from where we want to be and are still learning every day. Support and acceptance is also still growing every day."

A future-proof organization

For Van Geleuken Infra, the switch to Metacom is an important step forward. "It was tough at times, but we also see the benefits. People put their shoulders to the wheel and help each other. That says a lot about our organization," said Jac. 

Now that the system is in place, the focus is on maximizing returns and efficiency. "I expect that soon we will be fully accustomed to the way of working, and that we will take full advantage of the better cooperation and structure that Metacom brings."