A reliable and sustainable railway starts with proper material protection. Coating plays a crucial role: it extends the lifespan of rails and contributes to safe and efficient rail infrastructure. Every day we work on that quality, particularly on our coating line. Our colleague Mike Sertons is the driving force behind it. With his eye for detail and drive to improve, he ensures our products meet the highest standards. We spoke with Mike about his journey from operator to coating expert, his international experience, and his vision on innovation in our field.

From the galley to the engine room

After high school, Mike joined the navy, where he trained as a cook. He worked six years on board minehunters, including a year in Curaçao – a personal dream come true. During his time at sea, his interest in engineering grew: "Alongside being a cook, I sometimes worked in the technical control room on board," he recalls. "You see all those panels and machines. Once, I joined a tour in the engine room and helped with inspections. That’s when I realized: yes, I have a knack for this. Maybe I should pursue engineering further."

That curiosity led him to an internal retraining program in electrical and mechanical engineering. "It lasted four months. After that, I worked in the technical department on board." When his navy period ended, he wanted to transition to a technical role on land. Thanks to his welding certificates, he joined voestalpine in 2009 as an operator at the Rail Service Center.

Doing more than the standard

As an operator, Mike worked on cutting, welding, and machining. But he soon wanted more: "In the long run, it offered too little challenge. I always want to improve and innovate." When a vacancy opened in 2011 in the Quality Assurance department, he seized the opportunity. "At the Logistic Service Center I inspected all incoming products. They had to meet ProRail’s requirements, and I checked them based on regulations," Mike explains.

He saw room for efficiency: "Everything was noted on paper, which was unclear." In his spare time, Mike taught himself Microsoft Access and created a database to digitize inspection data. "I bought a book, Microsoft Access for Dummies, and taught myself." We gave Mike the trust and space to push this innovation forward, and his self-built tool is still in use today.

Training as a coating expert

Mike quickly grew into his specialization: the coating line, where he is now also foreman. He introduced modern measuring equipment for layer thickness, roughness, adhesion, dust, and climate testing. "What we’ve always done isn’t necessarily the best way. There are many paths to Rome—you need to understand that, not just run on routine."

In 2024, he completed an intensive CIP1 coating course. The program, held in a converted car paint shop, combined theory, lab assignments, and practical exams. From blasting steel plates to applying and inspecting a two-layer coating system—everything was covered. "I already knew how things had to be done, but not always why. That theoretical depth was what I was looking for." After graduating, Mike became a certified Coating Inspector Level 1. "During the course, our methods were highly valued and even considered unique. At the same time, I learned there are multiple approaches to guarantee quality. That makes our work so fascinating." His ambition goes further—he hopes to achieve Level 2 and 3 in the future.

International projects

Mike’s expertise goes beyond the Netherlands. He was part of the team working on the Eurotunnel and Perthus tunnel projects, carrying out inspections on site. In France, he was involved in deliveries at test locations at the coast and stations where rails are exposed to extreme corrosion from seawater and waste. Recently, coated rails have also been supplied to Hong Kong, serving as an international showcase of our expertise.

Far from done in Hilversum

"The freedom and trust I get here make me feel truly heard and valued," Mike says. "I see a very supportive company that really wants to move forward and gives me space to contribute. That space keeps growing, which means I can really make an impact. I enjoy that a lot—it motivates me to keep going the extra mile."

Mike is always improving, but he won’t be fully satisfied until the blasting and coating line is fully automated: "As long as it’s not, I keep looking for opportunities to innovate and optimize."

Despite his passion for technology, he now consciously takes more rest in his free time: "I used to always be ‘on,’ constantly busy. That hyperfocus is a strength, but it can also be my pitfall. I’ve become more aware of that. Now I decide each day what I feel like doing, and that brings me more rest and balance. But my ideas keep coming."

Want to work for the most inspiring employer in the rail industry? Check out our vacancies — you might soon join us in Hilversum!