Growth and Development over 25 years, part 2
Growth, contraction, reorientation, and learning experiences
Over the past 25 years, MFS has evolved from a small, hands-on service provider into a globally respected specialist in gas turbine services. Our journey has been shaped by ambition, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for our craft.
Our Services
From 2001 to 2009, MFS primarily operated as a manpower-driven organization — often described as an “hours factory,” providing skilled people where they were needed. A major turning point came with the construction of our new office and workshop facility in Heteren. This investment enabled us to expand our services significantly. In addition to Field Service, we introduced Workshop Service, adding depth and credibility to our offering. This broader service portfolio made it easier to secure projects and strengthened our position in the market.
In 2013, we took another strategic step by introducing lease engines. We initially purchased four machines, sold one, and retained three — forming the foundation of our lease pool. Installing a lease (spare) engine can prevent costly downtime while a power plant’s engine is being serviced, making this solution highly attractive to operators. At the same time, we envisioned these machines as spare engines to support both OEM parts and non-OEM repairs.
Although we did not hold an OEM license, MFS was selected based on the consistently high quality of our work. Operating without a license was challenging at a time when budgets were abundant and OEMs dominated the market. Today, circumstances have changed. Budgets have tightened, and our flexible, high-quality, cost-effective solutions have become increasingly attractive. In fact, demand is sometimes so high that we are forced to turn down work — a clear sign of our relevance in today’s market.
One of our most important service pillars has always been spare parts. Our warehouse has been expanded many times to meet the growing and diverse demand for gas turbine parts. We stock a wide range of spare parts — new, serviceable, and overhauled — both OEM and non-OEM. All parts are thoroughly documented to ensure quality, reliability, and traceability.
At a later stage, MFS introduced long-term service agreements. Our first contract, for an LM1600 engine, proved to be a breakthrough and became our calling card. It reassured customers who were hesitant about non-OEM services and opened the door to many new opportunities.
To better serve the global market, MFS began collaborating with international representatives and established offices abroad. In 2020, offices were opened in Pakistan and Mexico, followed by the opening of our French office in 2024 — further strengthening our international presence.
The market
MFS did not go unnoticed. Over the years, we grew into a serious competitor for established players in the market.
Around 2010, the industry faced a significant downturn that lasted approximately two years. Fortunately, a large, long-term project in Malaysia (Sandokan) provided financial stability during this challenging period.
At the same time, the market itself was changing. Direct engagement with end customers became the new standard. This required decisiveness and a shift in mindset. Our work was no longer limited to technical execution; acquisition and relationship management became equally important. From 2013 onward, we successfully began building strong, long-term relationships with end customers — an ongoing process that continues to define our success today.
Our people
Jan remained actively involved in MFS until reaching retirement age (65), and even after that, he could not resist taking on the occasional project. Rob retired from MFS at a later stage and now enjoys his well-earned retirement, although he can still often be found in Heteren. For both Jan and Rob, the love for gas turbines runs deep.
As the company grew, it became necessary to bring in specialists for administration, purchasing, and sales. In those early years, we worked with a small, close-knit team where roles were not clearly defined. Everyone was hands-on — because at MFS, we do it together.
Today, MFS has grown into a team of approximately 50 professionals, with specialized roles across the organization. This includes office functions such as purchasing, sales, marketing, IT, finance, and project management, as well as highly skilled teams in the workshop and field service, including shop leaders and training specialists.
Workshop and Tooling
With the introduction of our workshop, we also began investing in equipment and tooling — step by step. Balancing machines and the crane were installed, and a wide range of tooling was acquired. In 2021, Air New Zealand ceased operations, allowing MFS to acquire a large portion of their tooling inventory. This substantial expansion created the need for a dedicated tooling department, which until then had been integrated within the parts department.
As part development and repair activities increased, and demand for services continued to grow, our first workshop quickly reached its limits. In 2023, we began setting up Workshop 2, which was completed in 2024. This state-of-the-art facility includes dedicated areas for inspection and cleaning, featuring specialized equipment such as ultrasonic cleaners, fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), dry-ice cleaning, rotary vibrators, dry and wet blast machines, and manual cleaning stations. Workshop 2 also houses module repair, rotor stacking, and our tooling department.
Next Chapter: Success Factors and Values
Discover the inspiring journey of MFS over the past 25 years in our upcoming chapter, “Success Factors and Values.”
Explore the stories, milestones, and people that have shaped who we are today — and get a glimpse of what lies ahead.
MFS – Driven by expertise and passion. Built on trust. Powered by people.
