Some people have a special bond with The Swaen. That’s why we asked around to see what they had to tell. In a series of interviews you will get to know the company through the eyes of our staff, former employees, customers old and new, distributors and even some legends of the business. It’s time to talk with Wouter, our head of malting. This is Celebrating The Swaen with Wouter De Sutter.
When did you first hear about The Swaen?
My first encounter with The Swaen was in 2019. I had just started my internship at the KU Leuven brewery in Ghent. The topic was high-quality chocolate malt, and The Swaen came out on top, with the richest chocolate notes in their malt.
Do you remember your first day at The Swaen?
Absolutely. Full of wonder and enthusiasm, I drove onto the malt silos , that were shining in the sun. I was introduced to the different teams, assigned a desk, and good to go. There was no shortage of support, trust, or feedback. Being Belgian, the Dutch language took some getting used to. I thought it would get better… it doesn’t. 😉
How would you characterise The Swaen in one sentence?
Everything for malt, and malt above all.
How would you describe the culture in one sentence?
“Can’t do” does not exist here.
Which moment has stayed with you the most?
My first night operating the Probat roaster. Instructions were written on an A4 sheet by a roasting process operator. I reviewed the fault explanations, and then started roasting away. About three batches in, I was relieved by a colleague who came in early to double-check how I was doing. There is no lack of collegiality. And the batches were good!
What perfectly shows what The Swaen stands for?
The container loading screw broke during loading. Loading was no longer possible. Thanks to close contacts and cooperation with nearby companies, it was repaired within 24 hours. In the end, thanks to the efforts of the team and customer service, the shipment was completed within the planned timeframe.
What is The Swaen’s greatest strength?
Its character. This includes the brand, the people, and more.
What is the most important development you have experienced?
We are a malthouse that is still evolving. In 2019, construction started on a new kiln, which was completed in 2022. This enabled both sustainability improvements and scaling up the malthouse. With the new wind that is blowing, the plan is not to stop there. We still have a lot of potential and want to make the entire malthouse future-proof through well-considered investments. Our most important development is continuous development.
What sets The Swaen apart from other malthouses?
Our craft. As a small player, we can switch quickly and meet specifications that can sometimes be more challenging for others. We do not shy away from challenges, but always look for ways to fit them into our malthouse. How can we be as compatible as possible with our customers, and how can we add value to their products and processes?
What does an average working day look like?
- 5:00 My alarm clock goes. First check of the production units and adjustments with the night shift, if needed.
- 7:30 Arrival at the malthouse. I begin my coffee chat with the head of technical services, and have a briefing with the team.
- 8:00 – 9:00 Tour of the malthouse. Checking germination units, followed by a quick stop at the laboratory.
- 9:00 – 10:00 Coffee and emails.
- 10:00 – 12:00 Meetings, brainstorm sessions, and a follow-up with my production team.
- 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch.
- 13:00 – 15:00 Checking the planning – incoming, production, outgoing, bagging.
- 15:00 – 16:30 Finalising new emails, and preparing work for the next day.
- 16:30 – 17:00 Briefing the late crew and have a short discussion about analyses with quality control.
Which moment made you proud to work here?
I am proud to work here several times a week. Whether it is the quality, the commitment, or the achievements being made. A company that evolves often gives you satisfaction, because so much is happening and so much gets completed. Plenty to be proud of.
Which period was the most challenging, and why?
The start-up and takeover of the base malthouse. You take over a team with expectations and questions that you need to answer before they are even formulated. Fortunately, the teams were there to support me with tips and insights, which made the challenge very manageable.
What do you think is crucial to remain relevant as a malthouse?
Consistency in improvement.
What would you like to pass on to new colleagues?
Malting is badass. So are we, but with a small-big heart.
Where do you see The Swaen in 10 years?
Purveyor to the world. The sparkle of quality that every brewer or beverage producer wants in their beer or drink.
