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John Meijs | Supply Chain Coordinator
He has been working at Royal Ahrend since 2007, initially in Customer Support for the Netherlands and international markets. Since 2022, he has also been a member of the Works Council, first serving as Vice-Chair and now as Chair. In his current role as Supply Chain Coordinator, he acts as the link between field service (sales) and production — an indispensable key figure connecting our quotation processes with the final delivery to customers.
What exactly does your role entail?
As a Supply Chain Coordinator, you are the linchpin between different departments. I maintain an overview of the entire process, from purchasing materials to delivery to the customer. Together with my team, I ensure that materials arrive on time, production is properly planned, deliveries run smoothly, and customers receive their orders on schedule.
If something unexpectedly goes wrong, we work together to find a solution quickly. I am in regular contact with colleagues across the office, production, and logistics departments.
What are the challenges in your work?
There is always time pressure: deliveries need to be completed on time and according to the customer’s requirements. When colleagues in the factory go the extra mile to resolve an issue, I believe it is important to celebrate that success together.
Another challenge is balancing day-to-day operations with long-term planning. For example, you always need to think several steps ahead when it comes to the availability of materials.
‘Ensuring everything runs smoothly: from purchasing materials to delivery to the customer.’
What is your main focus at the moment?
At the moment, a major focus is on trial placement orders. During tender processes and from customers directly, we are regularly asked to install test models — furniture that customers want to try out at their own location. Sometimes this involves a single chair; other times, it can be fifteen different types of tables.
We currently receive as many as three to four trial placement requests per day. The time pressure is also much greater: whereas standard deliveries usually allow six to seven weeks, trial placements often need to be completed within two weeks. This means we have to source all materials at very short notice.
Once everything has been assembled, we always carry out a physical inspection in our Innovation Lab in Sint-Oedenrode.
What makes you proud of Ahrend?
Like me, many of my colleagues have been working here for many years. There is a positive atmosphere and a strong sense of collaboration. I am also proud of the products Ahrend creates: timeless, reusable furniture designed to last.
Ahrend is a wonderful brand, and I am proud to contribute to it every day.
How do you relax outside of work?
I have been a football coach for almost thirty years and currently coach players aged 18 to 35. A few evenings a week and most Sundays, you will find me at the football club. While the clubs themselves may change, what always remains is the contact with many different people: players, sponsors, and board members. I always try to give everyone the attention they deserve.
You could almost say that my work and my hobby are the same profession — just with different balls.
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