Experienced concrete carpenters lay the foundation for dike reinforcement near Arcen

Continuation of a Successful Partnership in Dike Reinforcement

A successful collaboration leaves you wanting more. In 2025, EmploY enjoy working! from Hoogeveen, in collaboration with Dijkzone Alliantie (Ploegam, Dura Vermeer, and Hollandia Infra), made a significant contribution to the dike reinforcement project in Steyl; the same team is now working together again on the dike reinforcement project near Arcen. Here, Dijkzone Alliantie Arcen, commissioned by the Limburg Water Board, is reinforcing 5.1 kilometers of dike and, among other things, constructing the longest self-closing floodgate in the Netherlands. For all the concrete work, the alliance is once again relying on the experts at Employ Working.

EmploY enjoy working! specializes in providing skilled workers for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects in the Netherlands. EmploY’s concrete formwork carpenters have extensive experience with both large-panel and steel formwork systems and are deployed on a wide range of civil engineering projects. In Arcen, they are handling all the concrete work for the various flood barriers that are part of the dike reinforcement project. The previous collaboration in Steyl went so well that the same team is now also working in Arcen. “The team members know each other, understand what to expect from one another, and speak the same language on the construction site,” says Aschwin van Creij, sales and project manager at EmploY enjoy working!. “This allows us to adapt quickly and, above all, think in terms of solutions.”

Specializing in concrete work

Employ can draw from a flexible pool of approximately 200 to 250 skilled workers, primarily from Eastern Europe. As a result, English is often the working language on the construction site. New employees always start out working alongside an experienced crew to ensure that quality and work procedures are maintained. Depending on the phase of a project, Employ puts together the right crew. “We assign the right skilled workers to every part of a project,” explains Aschwin. “With over twenty years of experience in civil engineering, I know what’s needed on a construction site. That’s why I’m regularly on-site to supervise the work, stay in touch with our people, and make immediate adjustments where necessary. We value direct communication.”

Well-known team in Arcen

Following the groundwork, which began in the fall of 2025, approximately twenty to twenty-five Employ employees worked on the project. “We deliberately assigned the same project manager and foreman who worked on the dike reinforcement project in Steyl. They are familiar with project-based work, supervise our people on the construction site, and collaborate well with Dijkzone Alliantie. This ensures peace of mind, quality, and continuity.”

Investing in People

Safety is a top priority at EmploY enjoy working!. Thanks in part to his background as a volunteer firefighter, Aschwin pays close attention to this. “I personally conduct regular safety inspections on the construction site. Working safely starts with being visibly present and continuing to hold each other accountable. By the end of 2026, we also aim to achieve Level 3 on the Safety Culture Ladder.” Employ also takes its responsibilities seriously when it comes to housing. The company holds the SNF certification, which demonstrates that its housing meets strict requirements in terms of safety, amenities, and management.

Challenges are part of the deal

Like any major infrastructure project, the dike reinforcement in Arcen also presents its share of challenges. Its location along the Meuse River requires flexibility. “The water level in the Meuse can rise unexpectedly quickly. Fortunately, things went well last winter and spring, but you’re still at the mercy of the conditions.” In addition, workforce planning also requires careful attention. “Many of our skilled workers come from Romania, Poland, and Hungary. They want to go home for short periods on a regular basis. That requires tight scheduling and good communication, but that’s precisely where our strength lies.”