Kema’s activities involved with certification and testing, including facilities and 600 people, were acquired early in 2011 by the Dekra Group. The Photometry department is managed by Wilfried van Laarhoven. Dekra Certification is one of the biggest labs for testing with LTIK and TÜV SUD in Germany, UTAC in France, IDIANA in Spain, and others.
DVN asked a few questions to Wilfried van Laarhoven Wilfried,
What is your education and what is your experience since now?
I have done studies of physics and informatics. After 3 years in the industry, I arrived at Kema 22 years ago. At this time, there were 3 specialists in photometry. I am now in charge of the photometry department with 6 specialists. 2 more people are coming during this year.
With 22 years’ experience, what are your personal strengths?
I think that my main strengths are in understanding the needs of customers. Thanks my knowledge of regulations, I am able to solve most of the lighting problems, to clarify a situation, how to use a point of regulation. This knowledge of regulations can save a lot of money and can even avoid some US recalls. I also search a mutual trust to have a personal relational with customers and all lighting experts, talking to lowest until the highest level of the company.
What are the strengths of your photometry department?
I could list:
– Knowledge of regulations, right work and professionalism.
– Establishment of planning and respect of it. – Help during the development of project, both ECE and FMVSS
– The special relationship with (U.S. testing lab) Calcoast ITL, coöperation and signature. It saves a lot of time when questions arise for new systems in US for FMVSS. Instead of going to the US to discuss and rediscuss, talk to Dekra to have the answer.
Who are your main customers?
Most of the worldwide OEM lighting suppliers are our customers but not aftermarket suppliers because Dekra is very strict. What is your relationship with other lab? We meet together in one Working group of photometry, part of GTB, 2 times per year during 2.5 days