MEET BENOIT BEUKELS, OUR INDUSTRIAL MANAGER

December 22, 2023

This month, we are very happy to introduce Benoit Beukels, our industrial manager. A key element in the organization of the Iguana Yachts shipyard, Benoit is responsible for maintaining quality, integrating customer requests, monitoring deadlines, and ensuring that each boat is on time.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?

“After a degree of 2 years in industrial product design with a focus on CRO and product, I continued with a professional license in composite materials because, at the time, I had started kitesurfing and had the ambition to manufacture my own composite kite. I worked 4 years in the automotive industry at Renault in the quality department during the development phase. When I wanted to go one step further, I decided to return to my studies at an engineering school with a prep course in Saint Nazaire. I went to Nice after completing my studies to work in the elevator industry. The discipline of the automotive industry led me to enter this field, dealing with schedule management and site supervision. Then, I went to Australia to work and improve my English. I was planning to stay for a year, working on projects, and after 2 months, I found a position as an engineer for industrial valves for nickel mines and oil & gas. I worked in the design office improving valves to handle water in a very aggressive manner with materials like titanium. I was offered 3 options by the company: go to Madagascar to develop the branch, stay in Australia, or go to New Caledonia to develop the branch. So, I chose the third option. I found a challenge there, but also a conducive living environment for my passion, which was still kitesurfing.”

“I evolved there over time with on-site technical responsibilities for valve repair. It’s worth noting that these valves weigh more than 2 tons for nickel factories. When I arrived, we were 12, and I left 9 years later with more than 30 people in different departments and a structured organization. When I came back to France, I got a job in petrochemicals, but I felt a lack of intellectual stimulation and challenge. My profile was on standby, and I was contacted by an intermediary to join Iguana. I found an interest in testing a new environment and work setting with an innovative and stimulating concept, backed by unique technology. Moreover, the fact that it is a Normandy-based company, located in the Caen region for the luxury market, played a role in my decision to join Iguana.”

HOW IS YOUR JOB AT IGUANA YACHTS?

“I have been with Iguana for a year and a half now, and it’s always a source of pride to deliver these amphibious boats from a Norman shipyard that are unique in the world and present in several countries. There is potential, and that’s what makes it stimulating because each boat is unique in its manufacturing, a source of pride every day. The challenge is different, with a human aspect and a family structure where you have to give 100% to make it work. My position is industrial manager, with a part of the job involving the design office. The goal is to ensure that everything goes well from the moment of order until the boat leaves the shipyard and meets the customer’s expectations. It requires adhering to a supply cadence with a schedule to follow while managing daily issues. I also wear the hat of human resources for the production part. It involves finding alternatives and technical solutions for parts or assembly. There is also a social aspect so that teams can work in a good environment. What I currently enjoy the most is facing daily challenges, challenging team leaders, and their team members to meet deadlines, and thinking about other organizational aspects to make everything align. I have had experience in management and human relations, starting with Romania. It’s a different culture, as with Australia or New Caledonia.”

The boat I am the most proud of is, I think, the first Iguana Sport. We had so many adventures on this boat, but I believe it represents what Iguana is capable the most.
Benoit Beukels, industrial manager

WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU REALLY PROUD OF?

“The boat I am most proud of is, I think, the first Iguana Sport. We had many adventures with this boat, but I believe it represents what Iguana is capable of the most. It’s very beautiful and allows for stunning images. Of course, we can always do better, and understanding mistakes to improve is essential, but we are very proud of this boat. We aim to improve with each boat in all aspects. That’s the goal of industrialization: every method, operation, and product must be better.”

HOW IS YOUR TEAM ORGANIZED?

“In each assembly service, there is a team leader. These team leaders are in direct contact with me to allocate tasks. They are free to organize their teams. However, I will intervene when resources need to be lent from one service to another. When I talk about resources, I mean a person from one team who can help another team with a mission to advance the process. I still leave the person’s choice to the team leaders to maintain continuity with their teams.”

For me, Iguana, in three words, is innovative, challenging, and visionary. I am happy to have accepted this challenge. Building a boat is difficult, but having this type of boat in Caen is a pleasure. It's a dream.
Benoit Beukels, industrial manager

The industrial team leaders:

F abrice Chirain – Before decking leader

L aurent Cormery – After decking leader

Zied Bougatef – Electrician leader

David Aguado – Painter leader

Interested in joining the team? Check out our latest positions.

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