From Internship to Challenging Thesis Project: Maarten Vanluchene’s Journey at Beaulieu

With a healthy dose of ambition, Maarten Vanluchene, an industrial engineering student, took his first steps at Beaulieu International Group. What started as a voluntary summer internship soon grew into a student job and eventually an engaging thesis project. Along the way, Maarten got the opportunity to apply his knowledge of automation and process optimization to real-world scenarios!

Why did you choose an internship, a student job, and a thesis project at Beaulieu International Group?

Maarten: "I wanted to challenge myself and gain hands-on experience in a corporate environment. At Beaulieu, I not only got a behind-the-scenes look at an international industrial player but also the chance to work independently on projects. At the same time, I could always count on strong guidance from a supportive team. That combination really made the difference for me."

What was the biggest eye-opener for you during your internship?

Maarten: "At first, I focused on automation, However, I quickly found myself collaborating with the MES team as well. This allowed me to further sharpen my technical skills and gain practical experience with data integration and process optimization. It was also great to see how my theoretical knowledge from university could be directly applied in an industrial setting. It was as if all the pieces of my education seamlessly came together.”

After your internship, you also chose to do your thesis project at Beaulieu. Tell us more!

Maarten: "My thesis focuses on replacing a motor in an extrusion line at the Terni site in Italy, where one of Beaulieu’s Fibres divisions is located. The goal? To find a motor that is more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective. What I love about this project is that it’s not just about the technical aspects—it also touches on energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It’s really about finding impactful solutions."

"Maarten is like a diesel V8 engine: calm and calculated, but once he gets going, he delivers consistent, high-quality performance. What I appreciate most is that he’s not afraid to ask questions, which means he’s always well-prepared for his tasks. His dedication and curiosity made him a valuable addition to our team." ~Korneel, internship supervisor

How would you describe the culture at Beaulieu International Group?

Maarten: "What stands out most to me is the transparency and informal atmosphere. Everyone is willing to help each other. You get clear guidance from your manager, but you’re also given the freedom to take initiative, which makes you feel at home quickly. Oh, and if there’s a chance to play ping-pong during lunch, you can bet I’ll be there!”

What are your plans for the future?

Maarten: "At the start of my career, I want to deepen my knowledge in automation and stay close to the machines. I want to understand how the industry operates on the ground. In the long term, I see myself moving into MES and focusing more on process optimization. But honestly? I’m open to wherever the future takes me."

Interested in an internship or thesis project at Beaulieu? Don't hesitate to apply here.