Bram De Maesschalck, Production Engineer, Belgium

What is your current role? How long have you worked for Monument?

I’ve been a Production Engineer at Monument Kallo in Belgium for the last year and a half, coming from ExxonMobil where I was in Process Engineering and Process Coordination roles with similar responsibilities. I serve as the interface between the supply chain and shift teams, translating the planning into instructions regarding our plant operations — how long they have to run certain products, how and when to start the next campaign, etc.

I use my chemical engineering skills and expertise and my knowledge of our site capabilities and how the columns operate to help everyone have an understanding of what we can and cannot do in terms of production. I’m regularly communicating with the rest of the organization to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding what needs to be done in order to achieve our goals and desired outcomes in the most efficient ways possible.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

As a team of four production engineers here at Monument, the work is truly a shared effort, and the most amazing thing is how compatible we all are. We each have our own areas of expertise and tasks we prefer to do, and we do a great job at working together to capitalize on our strengths and be successful.

Coming from a large corporation like Exxon, I knew I wanted to be part of a company that enabled me to take more ownership in our processes and improvement. With much smaller lines of operation, I can implement new initiatives that are quickly put into motion. I get to witness the impact I’m making on our processes and have the opportunity to continue to improve them. And even better, we’re encouraged to do so! I love that if we have an idea or feedback as to how to make our company better, I’m supported by our leadership to take responsibility and make it happen.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a big sports guy. Running and cycling are my two greatest passions. There is a forest close by, which is perfect for running since I live in a very flat region of Belgium, but when it comes to riding, I prefer the mountains! Every Spring, my friends and I take a big cycling holiday to Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean, where we spend the whole week riding and enjoying drinks in beautiful weather.

Our plans may have to change a bit this year, however, since my girlfriend and I are expecting our first child in April! We’ve been a family of three for the last few years with our English Cocker Spaniel, Luna. We’ve made it a ritual of ours to take long walks through the woods as a way to escape our busy days and have uninterrupted “us” time. And in a few months, we’ll be busier than ever!

What is the most surprising thing about you?

While most people know I like to cycle, not many know that I’m a big fan of the sport itself. I try to watch as many big races as I can, and I love the data behind it. From the power meters required for the climbs to the nutritional aspect in terms of calories, heart rate, and everything in between, I’m a real nerd with this stuff! It’s definitely the engineer in me — whether I’m analyzing the top riders in a major race or looking at my own stats when I virtually race other people, it’s very fun for me.