40 Years at Intero – A conversation across generations

When one of our newer, already experienced operator, Jarno Heerkes, joins veteran Hendrik Lether at Intero’s Hoogeveen office, a conversation unfolds - full of stories, realism, and wisdom. This year, Hendrik celebrates his 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects not only his personal journey but also the remarkable growth of Intero Integrity Services itself. Later this year, Hendrik will retire, marking the end of an exceptional chapter.

From trainee to world traveler

“I started at Spitman,” Hendrik begins, leaning back in his chair. “I started as a trainee in operations, where the work was demanding and every day brought something new to learn.”
Jarno, who has been with Intero for two years, listens with interest.
Hendrik smiles. “Those early days shaped everything - maintaining machines, building new pumps. We figured things out as we went and did it all ourselves.”

What began as a small company grew, through acquisitions and new technologies, into what is now Intero Integrity Services. “We were working on the first Sandjet systems, pumping nitrogen, coming up with solutions with whatever tools we had. It was pioneering work - and that made it special.”

The power of experience

“What has changed the most since those early days?” Jarno asks.
“The scale,” Hendrik replies. “Back then, you knew everyone. Now we have hundreds of colleagues all over the world. The work has become more professional, but the challenge is to keep that personal connection.”

He recalls how, in the early years, the small team discussed everything - from maintenance to new ideas.
“You had a big learning curve. Nowadays, it’s more structured, with departments and specializations. That’s good, of course, but sometimes I miss those days when you were part of everything from A to Z.”

Jarno nods. “We learn a lot digitally now, through procedures.”
Hendrik smiles. “Yes, but real knowledge only comes when you get your hands dirty.”

Learning by doing

“What would you tell us - the new generation?” Jarno asks.

Hendrik looks at him and says calmly:
“Know what you’re doing, and why. When you start a pump, understand what’s happening, what could go wrong, and how to prevent it. Don’t just follow instructions - think along.”

He explains how important it is to understand the whole process, from the customer’s request to the final execution.
“You can’t be a good supervisor or project manager if you’ve never worked in the field. You have to know what the guys out there experience. Only then can you lead with understanding.”

Humor, teamwork, and a beer after work

The conversation lightens as they talk about colleagues.
“What I’ve always loved,” Hendrik says, “is that we used to sit together after work, talk about what went well or what could be improved. Sometimes new ideas came out of those moments. Everything started with a good talk - and a bit of humor.”

Jarno smiles. “That sounds like another time.”
“Maybe,” Hendrik admits. “But in the end, it’s still about the same thing: enjoying what you do, together.”

Taking Intero around the world

When the topic turns to travel, Hendrik’s eyes light up.
“I spent three years in South Africa,” he recalls. “There were just three of us, in the middle of nowhere. The next pump station was 240 kilometers away. You really learned to improvise. But it was beautiful - the freedom, the responsibility. I’ll never forget it.”

Jarno listens attentively. “That sounds incredible.”
“It was,” says Hendrik. “And that sense of adventure - that’s what kept the work exciting all those years.”

Loyalty and change

“Forty years in one company - that’s rare nowadays,” Jarno says.
Hendrik smiles. “Well, I haven’t been forty years in just one company. Spitman, Union Carbide, Ucisco/Ucar, Intero - the names changed, but the work stayed the same. The craft and the people, that’s what I’ve been loyal to.”

He looks thoughtful. “Your generation changes jobs more often and that’s fine. But if you stay, you really master your trade. You see how things grow and you can make a difference.”

Safety and responsibility

The tone turns serious. Hendrik talks about his decades of experience with nitrogen and its risks.
“You can’t see it, you can’t smell it. It’s dangerous stuff. You always have to stay alert.”
He grins briefly. “Some people think they know everything after three months. I’ve been here forty years and I still don’t know everything.”

His message is clear: respect for the work and for safety is never optional - it’s essential.

The essence of Intero

At the end of their conversation, Jarno asks:
“So, what do you think is the core of forty years at Intero?”
Hendrik thinks for a moment and says:

“Stay curious. Understand what you do. Work with pleasure. Help each other. That’s what made Intero great.”

He smiles. “And don’t forget… the best part of this job isn’t the machines it’s the people.”

Jarno nods and laughs. “Then I hope I can talk like that in forty years.”
Hendrik grins. “If you enjoy it, trust me the years will fly by.”

Thank you & well‑wishes

We thank both Hendrik and Jarno for their time, their openness, and the stories they shared. And to Hendrik: as you prepare for your well‑deserved retirement this year, we wish you all the best. Thank you for forty years of dedication, craftsmanship, and humanity - you leave a legacy that will continue to inspire many at Intero.