Gijs Willems, not a farmer's son but now an experienced layer farmer, took over the Scheepens family business in the Netherlands, in 2025. Just before the takeover, they invested in two Speedpacks, two Ovoclears, two Meggsius Selects, and a Pallet Loader. That turned out to be a brilliant move.
“We now collect the eggs, including cleaning, in 3.5 hours with one person. That used to take 5.5 hours with the old line, where we often had two people working with the older flocks,” says Gijs.
Not only does this save a lot of time, it also makes work more pleasant and peaceful. “You're no longer constantly sorting eggs. That happens automatically. We're no longer egg sorters, but process operators. That's more varied and less physically demanding.”
Business takeover
Gijs keeps 122,000 white laying hens in three barns. After his studies he ended up working as a laying hen business advisor at feed supplier Vitelia, quite by chance. “I only had a few hobby chickens at home. I knew next to nothing about real poultry,” he laughs. That changed quickly: he enjoyed working as a business advisor in the laying poultry industry for thirteen years. “I wanted to start something for myself,” says Gijs. His network helped him find a rental barn to gain experience. That went very well. Through the hatchery, he heard that the Scheepens family was open to a partnership. “One thing led to another. We worked together for five years, and in 2025, I took over the business completely.”
The old packing machine had been running day in, day out for 20 years. So it was time for an upgrade, especially with a view to the labor requirements after the takeover. Through their network, they came across young used Speedpacks, Ovoclears, Meggsius Selects, and a Pallet Loader. “I knew the company that was closing: very neat. That felt familiar.”
One person can do the work
Gijs also looked at other packing systems, but the deciding factor was that with the Prinzen line, one person can do the work, even with older hens. “With other systems, this becomes more difficult from 60-70 weeks of age due to declining egg quality. With these machines, everything continues to run smoothly.” The software for the machines has been updated, and this investment was a perfect solution just before the takeover of the company.
His goal is to be able to check the eggs himself in 2.5 hours in case of an emergency and to finish packing them in 2.5 hours. “That way, I can always be done by noon on the weekend. Time for my girlfriend and our son,” he smiles. During the week, permanent staff help out, and on the weekend, weekend workers help out.
Meggsius Select: stable egg quality
The Ovoclear removes loose feathers from the eggs, which improves both quality and smooth operation. “There are a lot of feathers on the eggs, especially between 25 and 45 weeks. This makes a huge difference.”
Each egg passes through the Meggsius Select, where it is scanned. Based on set criteria, abnormal eggs are automatically sorted out.
“The selection process is really great. Dirt, too big or too small – the Select picks them all out. You could never do it that well manually.”
The egg quality has visibly improved and, above all, is much more consistent. “With multiple people, you always have different eyes. The machine does it the same way every day. The egg quality is better and more stable than before.”
Job satisfaction
The spacious packing area made it easy to arrange everything logically. Drip trays are cleaned daily. “Clean and hygienic working is a priority here.”
The noise in the packing room is also lower than before. “Quieter for yourself and your staff.”
And, not unimportantly: “I even have time to check my emails and messages while packing,” says Gijs with a smile. “You're doing a lot more varied work, and I can also enjoy it when the process is running smoothly.”
Future
Egg prices have been favourable for Gijs so far, but as a former consultant, he is also familiar with the lean times. “I try to anticipate that: keeping a close eye on the cost price and spreading the risk by selling part of the eggs at a fixed price.”
The future looks promising. The packing room is ready. In the short term, a renovated hygiene lock, canteen, and the completion of the house are planned. “We are looking forward to the three of us living on the farm.”