New figures from ChemistryNL show that employment in the Dutch chemical industry fell slightly in 2025. Even so, the shortage of process operators remains large, and enrolment in MBO chemistry programmes is almost half what it was ten years ago.
Fewer hands for maintenance
With fewer skilled workers on the floor, there are also fewer hands for maintenance. Specialist components such as cable carriers then quickly drop out of sight, until there is a fault and a line comes to a standstill.
That is understandable. A cable carrier does its job unseen, and the maintenance department has its hands full with pumps, valves and the primary process. But it is precisely a cable carrier that usually signals wear well in advance.
Signs that are often missed
- The carrier makes more noise than before: rattling, clicking or squeaking with every movement.
- Links or crossbars are worn or broken.
- Cables twist into a spiral or creep out of the carrier.
- The carrier runs out of the guide channel or rubs against the machine.
If you spot these signs in time, you can schedule repairs instead of dealing with downtime.
Outsourcing specialist maintenance
Outsourcing specialist maintenance can then provide relief. Wisman Techniek takes the inspection, overhaul and replacement of cable carriers in the process industry off your hands, so your own maintenance department can focus on the primary process.
What this means in practice:
- A fixed inspection round, with the condition of each carrier recorded in RupsInspect, including photos and advice.
- Repair or replacement scheduled at a time that suits you, preferably during a planned shutdown.
- Including carriers from other brands or of unknown origin.
- One dedicated point of contact who knows your installations.
