Our team

BluePrint Automation is full of smart, driven people.
Our team counts over 400 employees  worldwide.
We work hard and enjoy what we do!

BluePrint Automation BV

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Martin Prakken
Owner & Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Prior to becoming Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Martin served 23 years as CEO of BluePrint Automation Group and 8 years as the President of the U.S. division. He introduced many innovations in automatic case packing that are widely used in the food Industry today. Martin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration at Nyenrode Business University (NL). He is a past member of the Board of Directors of Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), serving two terms.

Gijsbert Dezaire
CEO BluePrint Automation Group

Upon joining BPA as CEO from October 2023, Gijsbert was already member of the Supervisory Board and familiar with BPA. Gijsbert brings more than 20 years of MD/CEO experience to the company. He holds a Bachelor's degree of Nyenrode University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Leuven. Most recently, he finished an executive program at IMD Lausanne around digital strategy, transformation, and execution. Gijsbert's focus is to continue to build on our BluePrint difference, which is about a deeply embedded customer focus, true partnership, customized solutions, and delivering best service levels within the industry.

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André Verkleij
Managing Director

André Verkleij joined BPA in in 2012, when he started his career at BluePrint Automation as Operations Director. In this capacity he was responsible for Engineering, Controls, Purchasing & Logistics, Manufacturing, Assembly, Service and IT. This enabled André to learn every aspect of the company inside-out. In 2014, he became our Managing Director with full P&L responsibilities. André studied Mechanical Engineering at Fontys University of Applied Sciences (NL) and holds an MSc degree Business Administration of the Technical University of Eindhoven (NL).

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Jos van Oekel
Sales Director

Between 1989 and 1993, in our company’s early years, Jos van Oekel was responsible for developing the European market for BluePrint Automation. After that, he left us for a while, holding several positions at various companies in industries related to packaging. In 2015 he returned to the nest, by becoming the Sales Director at BluePrint Automation. His responsibilities include all global commercial activities, except for the separately managed Americas. Jos holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a BBA at Nyenrode Business University.

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Kasper Tappel
Financial Director

Upon joining BPA in 2016, Kasper enriched BluePrint Automation with over 10 years of experience as CFO in machine manufacturing and production environments. He is responsible for staff departments, including Finance & Control, HR, Legal, Facility and IT and is also the legal representative for BluePrint Automation in China. Kasper holds a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy at Windesheim University (NL) as well as a master’s degree in Economics at the University of Amsterdam (NL).

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Elbert Griffioen
Technical Director

Elbert, our Technical Director, started at BluePrint Automation in 2001 as a Field Service Engineer. His passion for engineering led him through various roles, including Service Manager, after earning a cum laude bachelor's degree in Engineering & Business Administration in 2008. Currently pursuing a Master's in Business Administration, he transitioned to the role of Technical Director in October 2020, overseeing Project Management, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, driving innovation and standardization within our organization.

 

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Kees Nijenhuis
Director Operations & Service

Kees Nijenhuis joined BPA in 2018. Before joining BPA, he worked in the graphical equipment industry as Manager Operations in The Netherlands and as Vice President in the United States. At BPA, Kees is responsible for Operations, which includes Purchasing, Logistics, Production and Assembly. As of October 2020, Kees is also responsible for Testing, Installation and After Sales. Kees holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Economics at the HAN University of Applied Sciences (NL) and a master’s degree in Business Administration at the Radboud University Nijmegen (NL).

 

BluePrint Automation Inc.

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Andre Boom
President

Andre Boom joined BluePrint Automation, Inc. in 2018. He is responsible for Sales in the Americas, Engineering, Manufacturing and Service for both Blueprint Automation (BPA) in Richmond, VA and Blueprint Robotics (BPR) in Longmont, CO. Andre spent the last 25+ years in progressive roles with leading snack food manufacturers such as Snyder's-Lance, Pinnacle Foods, Frito Lay and Quaker Oats. In these roles he has gained a significant amount of experience in both business management and food related processes on the processing and packaging sides. Andre holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Amsterdam and an MBA in Accounting and Business Management from William Woods University.

 

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Rocco Fucetola
VP Sales & Marketing

Rocco Fucetola has been with BluePrint Automation since 1997. Prior to becoming our VP Sales & Marketing in 2015, he served as Northeast Sales Manager. His crowning achievement was winning the 2007 PMT Line of the Year. This prize was awarded for the successful automation project of all Swisher Internationals mail pouch tobacco production. Rocco’s previous experience includes working at Garvey Corporation where he was introduced to the world of packaging automation. Rocco Fucetola holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland.

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Mario Pino
VP Sales Latin America

Mario Pino joined BluePrint Automation in February 2020.  Having worked for several top packaging companies, MarioPino, as he is known in LAM by most customers and friends, is a well‐known professional in the processing and packaging industry in Latin America (LAM).  Mario loves LAM and he enjoys helping companies improve their packaging lines. Most importantly, Mario is always focused on his customer’s needs and builds long lasting relationships with customers. He does what it takes to make a difference for everyone around him.

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Mark Thompson
VP Service and Aftermarket

Mark A Thompson joined BluePrint Automation Inc. in 2018 as the Service Manager.  In his current role as VP Service and Aftermarket, he is responsible for the Service and Aftermarket business for both North and South America. Mark has 12+ years of experience in automation, controls, and customer service. His previous experience as a Field Service Engineer for a Fortune 500 automation company, Vice President for a system integrator, and President/Founder of a successful Automation and Controls business has allowed him to develop and grow the Service and Aftermarket business for BPA.  He graduated top of his class from VECAP and Rockwell Automation’s Field Service Program. Mark also holds a Master Electrical License in the state of Virginia.