The Story Behind SILICON: Q&A with the Founder

Every company begins with a unique solution that didn’t exist before. For SILICON, it was an idea that sparked a journey of passion and determination. This interview takes you back to 1982, into the heart of what makes SILICON not just a business, but a legacy in the making.

Q: Wouter, can you please share the story behind the establishment of SILICON? What helped and inspired you to start this business?

A: I was working for a company that supplied parts for fabricators, such as plates and heat-resistant materials. One day, a customer asked if I could supply a finished product instead of just the raw materials. Although this wasn't aligned with the company's interests, the idea resonated with me. After three months of discussion with my wife and partner, Sylvia, we decided to start our own company in January 1982. It was a leap of faith, but we saw potential in the idea. Once the product was ready, orders started pouring in one after another.

Q: What personal qualities do you believe have been most important to your success?

A: Since I was 13, I knew that I wanted to have my own business, though I wasn't sure what it would be. After graduating from school, I had to decide which field to pursue at university. During that time, I worked tirelessly, cleaning dishes twice a day, including weekends, for three years, while exploring different fields. At 26, when I started SILICON, my determination to succeed played a significant role. This business drive and entrepreneurial spirit were crucial in my early days.

Q: How did you decide on your field of study at university?

A: I had a passion for technical subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and physics, but I also excelled in languages. I spoke Dutch, Italian, and English, and I even tried to learn Russian, French, and German because I loved languages and communicating with people. Despite my interest in languages, I chose to pursue a technical career. I studied material science at university, which laid the foundation for my work at SILICON.

Q: How did your values influence the early days of SILICON?

A: I always aimed to create quality products, believing that quality would set us apart. By differentiating ourselves with superior products or offering unique services that didn't exist at that time, we could stand out. I was determined to follow my own path, and that mindset drove us forward.

Q: How did you envision the future of SILICON when you started?

A: Initially, I envisioned SILICON as a small operation, perhaps with one or two additional staff members. I never imagined it would grow to its current size - 85 employees from 23 countries. Sylvia managed the finances, which was a tremendous help. Meanwhile, I handled everything else: manufacturing, producing my first anchors in my garage, visiting customers, promotion, marketing, and sales. I had the energy to do it all. I was incredibly busy.

Q: When did the company start to grow, and what triggered this growth?

A: The turning point came in 1986 when I hired my first employee, Fulco. His technical insights and ability to fix machines quickly were invaluable. This allowed us to increase our productivity significantly.

Q: What was your favorite part of running SILICON?

A: I would say the inventor's hat. Inventing and designing new products to solve problems was my favorite part. In the refractory business, people face many challenges, and that hasn't changed. I could, and still can, help them. I always provided a better product than what they were using. My strengths were my metallurgical expertise, knowledge, and creativity. Helping customers with better products was, and still is, my main drive.

Q: What is your fondest memory from the SILICON history?

A: The hard work and long hours were challenging but rewarding. I remember working late into the night. Sylvia and our daughter Danielle, a toddler at that time, were bringing me dinner at the office. I was working almost 20 hours a day. Danielle is now the Head of Engineering department. Another fond memory is when Jerome, who is now Senior Project Manager and RAW Specialist, urgently flew with me to Bahrain to assist with a project. Those moments are very special to me.

Q: How did you decide on the locations for SILICON's main offices?

A: Our headquarters (office and production plant for both anchoring solutions and Rapid Arc Welding)
is based in The Netherlands. Our expansion to other locations was market-driven.

The United States came first. I visited shipyards and decided to open a SILICON office there in 1998, followed by Japan much later. Each location was chosen based on the opportunities and challenges in those markets.

Q: What are you most proud of about your team?

A: I'm very proud of my welding team for their dedication to the technology. There will come a day when I retire, and others will have to take over. Knowing that they care deeply about the work makes me confident in the future.

Q: What role has innovation played in SILICON's success and growth?

A: Innovation has been at the heart of SILICON's success and growth. We excel at creating new solutions that address the market's most pressing challenges. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously push the boundaries of what is possible. Our goal is to develop products that exceed the expectations of our customers. We believe that by staying true to our core values, we can continue to lead and set and new industry standards.

Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in your CEO role?

A: You must have a purpose in life. Purpose is what drives you. Without it, you have no drive. I learned this early in my career. My mentor spent two weeks with me and completely changed my perspective on work, customer relations, and finding purpose. He inspired me to view things differently. It all comes down to having a purpose. If you believe in what you're doing, that becomes your drive. Without a purpose, you lose motivation and direction. My drive comes from helping people solve technical issues. Seeing the gratitude from customers when we help them is incredibly rewarding. It makes me very happy.