The challenge
For years, the mechanical design work at IPTE’s Beernem site had to be outsourced to the Genk team, either handled remotely or requiring frequent travel. A structural challenge which affected speed, efficiency and communication. Because the Beernem site primarily focuses on developing custom, high-precision testing machines, the need for close coordination is even more important. To address this, the company needed an on-site mechanical designer who could act as the local point of contact.
Because this person would be the sole designer in Beernem, the role demanded independence, flexibility and a high level of expertise. Reliability and broad technical knowledge—especially in fine mechanics and high-tech automation—were essential. For a company delivering precision-engineered, turnkey factory automation solutions across sectors such as automotive, telecommunications and consumer electronics, having a local expert was essential to improve workflow, speed up decisions and ensure efficient, high-quality design operations. Verhaert Consulting had the perfect profile for this role: John Vanderbeken!
Approach & solution
To integrate seamlessly into IPTE, John began his assignment in the Genk office, learning the team’s workflow and the company’s internal processes. This onboarding ensured a smooth transition to the Beernem site, collaborating closely with other disciplines to bring projects to life.
The custom testing machines developed at the Beernem site are not mass-produced, and R&D budgets are often limited. This made precision and a “first-time-right” approach essential, leaving little room for trial and error. Guided by input from sales and project leaders, John also leveraged methods and expertise from previous projects, tailoring solutions to meet each client’s unique requirements.
Some of the projects he worked on are a compact multi-test handler capable of stacking machines to test multiple PCBs simultaneously, and mechanical support for electronic connections for steering wheel testing under extreme conditions, integrating customer electronics and performing standard programming and verification. His approach combined independence, accuracy and practical innovation to deliver high-quality results efficiently.
Impact & results
The arrival of an on-site mechanical designer in Beernem made a clear difference for IPTE. Operating in the fast-paced electronics sector, where components are expensive, deadlines are tight and precision is critical, the company gained a trusted specialist who could handle a wide variety of custom projects with confidence.
Since 2018, his work has accelerated design processes, reduced the need for extensive travel and remote coordination with Genk and improved overall efficiency. In close collaboration with the other engineers, John contributed to the successful delivery of complex systems, ranging from manual and semi-automatic test handlers to climatized rooms, Faraday cages, high-voltage machines, fine-pitch systems and laser markers with testing functions. Each project was executed with accuracy, ensuring ‘first-time-right’ results.
Key takeaways
The case of IPTE demonstrates the value of having flexible, on-site expertise for complex, custom projects:
- Immediate expertise: John was able to start contributing right away, applying his extensive experience to complex custom machines without a long onboarding period.
- Cross-disciplinary knowledge: John’s expertise from working in multiple industries and technical areas guaranteed integrated, efficient designs.
- Adaptable resourcing: Through on-site consultancy, IPTE can scale up the level of support needed based on project demands, ideal for fluctuating workloads.
This story highlights how strategically placed on-site expertise accelerates innovation and ensures consistent, high-quality results.