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Particularly in the case of Epyon: a start-up that needs to be able to change gears quickly as things are constantly changing. The “bloke is more important that the shop” but the “shop” must produce the right “bloke” at the right time. That’s why showing an interest and being in regular contact is so important. There is no point in merely sending on curriculum vitas.

A provider of services must listen and ask the right questions, picking up on the question at the right time. Furthermore the personal click with the contact person is important. With TMC this is the case: we understand each other. Competitors walk in smooth talking in a three-piece suit. They often find it difficult to deal with the uncertainties of a start-up. Being involved, that is what it’s about.

I am also very positive about the Employeneurs. They are flexible: they travel to Rijswijk for testing without grumbling. And they’ll work there until Saturday morning if need be. They don’t need to be asked to do overtime, they have a natural sense for when it is needed. And the day after I am not phoned by the account manager wanting to discuss the overtime.

These layers improve the yield from a solar cell. Jan van Yperen is working on this breakthrough as a Systems Engineer Software and Electronics. Jan van Yperen develops high-tech systems and equipment, focussing on the software and electronics. ‘Of course I do that together with professionals from other disciplines. During each step in the development process, I make sure the experts can get to work with the product. My passion lies mainly in software development: the cherry on the cake when designing systems.’

Van Yperen is closely involved with the development of the new, super fast ALD machine by SoLayTec. ALD stands for Atomic Layer Deposition. The machine applies an atomic layer of aluminium oxide to the solar cell repeatedly, until the desired thickness has been achieved. This layer improves the yield of the solar cell. The Fast¬ALD machine can treat three thousand solar cells per hour; approximately one hundred times faster than the present process. This speed enables a cost effective production of large volumes for industrial applications.

The Fast¬ALD technology comes from TNO Industry en Technical Engineering. Spin¬off SoLayTec is preparing the machine for the Asian market in 2011. Van Yperen will then make the move to SoLay¬Tec, after having worked for TNO through TMC for 2,5 years. ‘It is exciting, because since the start of my career, I have been working for TNO for the most part. That is how I came to work for TMC, in fact. About 2,5 years ago I was looking for a new employer and I asked TNO: who is your first supplier for the development of high-tech systems? That was TMC. It is a good group of people with a large network and a working method which appeals to me greatly. You have the freedom and the opportunities for rewards which go with being an independent entrepreneur, whilst sharing the burdens of the entrepreneurship. Take the administrative support for example, but also the acquisition of assignments. On top of which I always try to think what is best for the customer and it is ideal to then be able to confer with expert colleagues at TMC.’

2010 was all about management for Van Yperen. ‘For me as an engineer that was an educational process. I am proud of the fact that we developed this product from scratch into a machine which can be sold commercially and with which everyone involved, was happy and content with in each stage of the process. It is wonderful to experience this process. Perhaps I will be able to become more involved in software development in the near future, after all, that is where my passion lies. If the Fast¬ALD machine is a success, my days at SoLayTec won’t be over for a long time yet.