Kees on Smicon’s course: vision, improvement, and trust

At Smicon, it’s all about progress — in sustainability, customer focus, and innovation.
Managing Director Kees Uppenkamp is at the helm of this mission. In this interview, he shares his vision for where Smicon stands today and how he plans to lead the team toward a successful future.
 

From Vision to Action

Kees Uppenkamp leads Smicon with a clear purpose: to contribute to a circular economy through smart, reliable technology for food waste recycling. “We have an exceptionally broad product portfolio. No other company offers such a complete solution for separating and processing organic waste. We work with a close-knit team of dedicated professionals for both listed multinationals and SMEs. Our strength lies in flexibility, collaboration, and genuine customer commitment.”

According to Kees, this personal approach is also what makes the difference for clients and distributors. “Smicon never leaves customers behind. When there’s a challenge, we find a solution — always.”

According to him, that personal approach is also what makes the difference for clients and distributors. Smicon never leaves a customer behind. “If there’s a challenge, we’ll find a solution – always.”
 

Growing in a Changing World

With recent turnkey installations in countries such as Germany and Spain, and a growing network of distributors, Smicon has quickly gained a strong international foothold.
At the same time, Kees remains clear-eyed: “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved. But growth also means ensuring the organization evolves while maintaining quality. That’s something we’re actively working on — by expanding the team, improving internal processes, and investing in strong partnerships.”
 

Sustainability — With or Without a Label

Sustainability is deeply rooted in Smicon’s DNA. The company enables circular processing of food waste, actively buys back used machines to refurbish and resell, and helps countries with fewer financial resources enter the food waste recycling market with low-entry solutions.

“Both our office and production facility are off the gas grid, and we encourage employees to use Smicon’s electric shared cars for client visits,” Kees explains. “We also work with HR to invest in long-term employee health — for example, by using height-adjustable lifting tables. Even old workwear is recycled. We don’t do this because we have to, but because it aligns with our values — and those of our suppliers.”

Still, there’s more to gain: “We’re testing different materials to explore more sustainable choices. That’s why we regularly test different materials for wear resistance. It’s an opportunity to strengthen our position as a circular player.”
 

Learning, Leading, and Letting Go

In recent years, Kees has learned a lot — about the company, the people, and himself.
“If I could do one thing differently, I’d make some decisions faster. Your instincts are usually right. Trusting your experience is key — and that applies to the team, too.”

His leadership style is based on connection and the belief that vulnerability is a strength.
“I don’t believe in knowing everything. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to listen and give space. Then people will naturally start thinking proactively and taking initiative — and that’s exactly what we need.”

What drives him? “The combination of the impact we make and the team we do it with. There’s a lot of openness here, a great atmosphere, and room to grow.”

When Kees looks to the future, his ambition is clear: Smicon should double in size within five years — but in the Smicon way. “We want to grow without losing our core values: solution-oriented, personal, and professional — worldwide.”

His message to the team? “Speak up. Get involved. You don’t need to be in a management role to make a difference. We’re building Smicon 2.0 together.”