At Sneeboer, we strive to make the best garden tools in the world – tools that last for generations. This requires not only traditional craftsmanship, but also constant innovation. Education, safety and technological advances are at the heart of our craft. A great example of this is the work of Stijn Duijn, our laser welding and laser cutting specialist. In September 2025, he shone in Metal Journal as “the trainee” – an acknowledgement of his drive and expertise in modern production techniques. And that did not go unnoticed: Stijn has since passed his Laser Safety Officer course with an impressive mark of 9.2 – an achievement we are immensely proud of at Sneeboer.
From craft to high-tech precision
Although Sneeboer is known worldwide for hand-forged tools, laser technology is playing an increasingly important role in our production. Using laser welding and laser cutting, we create parts with unprecedented precision. This technology enables us to further improve the quality of our tools, reduce waste and design our production more efficiently. This is how we combine the best of both worlds: the artisanal craftsmanship of the past with the technological advances of today.
Stijn is the driving force behind this technological development. With his knowledge and experience, he translates the traditional craftsmanship of our blacksmiths into innovative, high-tech processes. The result: tools that are not only made by hand, but also benefit from the precision of modern laser technology. This is how we uniquely bring craft and technology together – exactly what sets Sneeboer apart in the world of garden tools.
Continuous learning and improvement
What makes Stijn special is his constant drive to learn and improve. In the article in Metaal Journaal, he talks about how he continues to learn about the latest laser techniques and safety regulations. By attending training courses and actively sharing his knowledge with colleagues, he contributes to a culture of development and cooperation. His recent exam result – a 9.2 for the Laser Safety Officer course – shows how ambition and craftsmanship go hand in hand at Sneeboer.
At Sneeboer, we believe that growth starts with curiosity. Thanks to people like Stijn, we can constantly optimise our processes and keep innovating our products. This means that not only our tools, but also our employees keep getting better at what they do. Training, sharing and improving is an integral part of our corporate culture, and Stijn is an inspiring example of that.
Safety as a foundation: the Laser Safety Officer exam
On 26 September 2025, it was an exciting day for Stijn: he took his exam for the Laser Safety Officer course. This certification is very important, as laser technology requires a safe working environment and in-depth knowledge of risks and regulations. And we are proud to report that Stijn completed his exam with a 9.2 – an exceptionally high score that underlines his expertise and dedication.
His commitment shows how seriously we take safety and knowledge development at Sneeboer. We invest not only in machines, but above all in people. And Stijn is a shining example of that – someone who knows how to perfectly combine craftsmanship, responsibility and innovation. His success confirms that investing in training and safety contributes directly to the quality of our work and to the trust within our team.
Pride in craftsmanship and vision for the future
A score of 9.2 is not just any mark – it is the result of months of dedication, discipline and passion for the job. For Stijn, it is a crowning achievement for his learning process, but for us as a team it means even more. It shows that the combination of craftsmanship, curiosity and technological innovation is a powerful engine for growth. We are enormously proud of his achievement, which shows how far you can get when you combine craftsmanship with modern knowledge and responsibility.
The new insights Stijn gained during his training are already being applied in our workshop. From improved safety procedures to refined welding settings, every step contributes to a more efficient and safer working environment. Thus, the whole team reaps the benefits of his success.
Craftsmanship meets technology
Stijn’s story shows how tradition and technology reinforce each other. Where once the hammer and anvil were the main focus, today laser welding and laser cutting add a new chapter to our craft. Thanks to these techniques, we can guarantee the highest level of quality while staying true to the values Sneeboer has stood for since 1913: durability, precision and passion for the craft.
The future of craft does not lie in the past, but in the connection between man and machine – and that is exactly what Stijn works on every day. With his dedication and expertise, he continues to build a Sneeboer where innovation and tradition go hand in hand. And with his 9.2 in his pocket, we confidently look forward to the next step in our joint journey towards perfection.
Congratulations, Stijn! On behalf of the whole team: we are proud of you and grateful for your commitment, vision and craftsmanship. Thanks to people like you, Sneeboer continues to grow – as a craft, as a team and as a family business.