Blog

In access technology, everything revolves around precision, innovation, and reliability. At RDA, a specialist in control systems and drives, Teun Tielemans (40) is one of the driving forces behind technological developments. For 16 years, he has passionately worked on the electronic solutions that form the foundation of RDA’s products. Who is Teun, and what motivates him? We sat down with him for a conversation.

A passion for electronics

Teun: “I’ve always been involved in electrical engineering.” From vocational school (VMBO) to higher education (HBO), he delved into the world of electronics. His first steps into the professional field were at HVL in Dordrecht, but he quickly realized that the programming side of industrial automation wasn’t quite his thing. “Electronics seemed more interesting to me anyway,” he says. Through an online job vacancy, he joined RDA in 2008 as a production employee. “I thought I’d take it easy for a while,” but the company quickly recognized his potential, and he soon started working on control systems and circuit boards.

From small warehouse to innovative company

When Teun started at RDA, the company operated from a modest corner of a warehouse. “Back then, we were based in Waspik, and later, we renovated a large part of our office ourselves,” he recalls. Today, RDA is based in Udenhout, and Teun plays a crucial role within the R&D department. “In a smaller company, everything is more transparent, and I have more freedom to structure my work as I see fit.”

Freedom, responsibility, and challenge

When asked what it’s like to work at RDA, Teun mentions three key words: challenging, responsible, and free. “Every project has its own challenges. We manufacture products that are sold in large quantities, so if there’s a mistake, it has serious consequences.” But it’s precisely that responsibility that makes the work exciting and motivating. Additionally, he values the freedom he gets: “I can largely determine my own schedule.”

Proud of innovative projects

One of the projects Teun is most proud of is the development of an advanced fire door control system. “At first, we were assigned a project for a predecessor of our current fire door control: a system that closed electrically with a UPS as backup. If we could deliver it quickly, the client would switch to us.” And they succeeded. Later, RDA offered an improved version of an existing system. “I worked on it for six months, and it was quite intense. But now, I have much more confidence.” Meanwhile, a full range of innovative control systems for fire-resistant doors and other applications has been developed and is now being shipped worldwide.

Continuous learning and development

At RDA, Teun has plenty of opportunities to continue developing himself. He visits trade fairs such as the World of Industry, Technology and Science and Electronics and Applications and recently gained access to a new design software package that makes his work significantly more efficient. “Technology is constantly evolving. When you start a new project with different and new requirements, you need to stay up to date with the latest developments.” Additionally, practical training is encouraged, and Teun and his colleagues regularly attend courses and seminars.

A close-knit team with unique strengths

At RDA, Teun works closely with colleagues like Anton and Edwin. “Anton has more mechanical knowledge and designs the casings, while Edwin, like me, focuses on PCB design and software.” This collaboration is essential. “We complement each other well, and that makes the work enjoyable.”

A culture of collaboration and humor

According to Teun, RDA has a friendly and approachable work culture. “We can easily consult with each other, and there’s always room for a joke.” He recalls a colleague who, with great enthusiasm, would always greet a delivery driver with: ‘Wait, guys, I’ll take the package!!’ “Those little moments make work even more enjoyable,” Teun says.

The biggest lesson: stay calm

Over the years, Teun has learned a lot, but the most important lesson, according to him, is to stay calm. “Making mistakes under pressure ends up costing more time. It’s great when things move quickly, but if you have to go back and fix everything, you’re worse off.”

A tip for future colleagues

For those considering working at RDA, Teun has a golden tip: “Be open to your colleagues' ideas. Listening is much more important than immediately pushing your own way.” With his passion for electronics and his dedication, Teun remains an indispensable part of RDA. And with the technological future constantly evolving, he continues to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm every day.

Looking for a new challenge?

At RDA, we are regularly looking for new colleagues to strengthen our team. Does Teun’s story inspire you, and are you curious about what RDA can offer you? Take a look at our job vacancies!