Anyone active in the Belgian rail infrastructure market knows that market knowledge and strong relationships are just as important as technical expertise. Fortunately, we can rely on Timo Ven: a native of Antwerp with Finnish roots, a lover of nature and culture, and a familiar face within voestalpine for more than twenty years. As Senior Customer Relationship Manager, Timo brings together Belgian customers, colleagues and specialists from various European voestalpine companies on a daily basis. We spoke with him about his international role, the differences between Belgium and the Netherlands, and what continues to fascinate him about the railway industry after all these years. 

A Familiar Face in the Belgian Rail Infrastructure Market 

After more than twenty years, Timo knows the Belgian rail infrastructure sector and its stakeholders inside out. At the same time, he understands which voestalpine companies serve the Belgian market and where specific product expertise can be found within the group. 

In his daily work, he connects these different worlds. He listens to customer requirements, identifies developments and opportunities, and finds the right specialist, manufacturer or solution within voestalpine. In doing so, Timo contributes to voestalpine Track Solutions Netherlands' role as a central point of contact for organisations operating within the Belgian rail infrastructure market. 

"I support both sides. I help our sister companies understand the Belgian market, the technical requirements and the customer. At the same time, I support the customer in working with our different production companies." 

His involvement often starts with a market demand, project or public tender. He identifies opportunities and helps international colleagues fully understand customer requirements, technical specifications and local ways of working. He remains closely involved during project execution as well, for example in customer coordination, translations and factory product inspections. 

To do so, Timo works together with colleagues and sister companies in countries including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Poland and Romania. This requires not only technical and commercial expertise, but also a strong understanding of language and culture. 

"You effectively work at a European level. The principles of railway infrastructure are often the same, but the materials and working methods can differ from country to country. In addition, you need to know railway terminology in Dutch, French, German and English." 

Relationships Make the Difference 

According to Timo, understanding the Belgian rail infrastructure market goes beyond products, projects and tenders. Equally important is understanding how people work together and how relationships are built. "In Belgium, having a good relationship with the customer is essential. If you want to establish a position as a supplier, good products and services alone are not enough. The customer also needs to know and trust you." In this respect, he notices clear differences between Belgium and the Netherlands. He describes the Dutch way of working as direct and pragmatic, while in Belgium matters are often discussed in a more cautious and diplomatic manner. “In Flanders, we are generally less accustomed to telling someone directly what we think of a situation. When I started working in the Netherlands, I learned to say things more often as they are.” 

Today, Timo sees that directness primarily as an advantage. He describes cooperation with his Dutch colleagues as smooth, professional and practical. “You can simply say what you think. As a result, complicated structures disappear and it becomes easier to move quickly. I had to learn that way of working, but it has helped me tremendously.” 

Learning Something New Every Day 

What continues to fascinate Timo after more than twenty years is the societal importance of railway infrastructure. The work he does together with customers and colleagues makes a visible contribution to mobility. At the same time, the technology continues to challenge him. "There is no end to the technology. I have been working in this sector for many years, yet I still learn something new every day. Sometimes I think: ah yes, I didn't know that yet. That is what keeps the work interesting." 

One experience that stands out in particular was his involvement in major infrastructure projects in Antwerp. As part of these projects, various important railway components were supplied, including rails, turnouts and crossings. Timo supported the voestalpine companies involved and coordinated communication with the customer. Because Antwerp is his home city, these projects carry special meaning for him. "When I take the tram, I travel over rails supplied by my own organisation. That remains something special. In your own city, you can see what you have achieved together with others." 

An Antwerp Native with Finnish Roots 

Timo feels a strong connection to Antwerp. He loves the city's monumental churches, cathedral, museums and, of course, its many culinary attractions. Personal connection also plays an important role in this aspect of his life. "For me, dining out is not only about the food, but also about personal attention. My wife and I regularly visit the same restaurants. The people there know us, and that makes it personal." 

In addition to his love for Antwerp, Timo has Finnish roots. His mother is from Finland, and he enjoys travelling there during holidays. Closer to home, he and his wife regularly seek out nature, for example during walks in the High Fens. The couple also has an extensive library at home. Travelling, hiking, reading, visiting museums and enjoying good food make up Timo's ideal way of spending his free time. 

Always Connecting 

Whether he is walking in nature, enjoying his home city of Antwerp, or working together with colleagues and customers from different countries, personal connections are always central to Timo's life. With his curiosity and many years of experience, he continues to bring people and expertise together. That is exactly what still makes his work so interesting after more than twenty years.