From India to a new career at PureBlue in Zeeland

Written by: Zeeland.com

A shared dream: the couple working side by side at PureBlue

Haniel and Nimmy (both 31) moved from India to Zeeland after a couple of years living in the northern province of Friesland. Both have taken up exciting roles at PureBlue. Headquartered in the village of Kapellebrug in Zeeland Flanders, the company focuses on an issue close to the couple’s hearts: returning water to its natural state.

They’ve fallen in love with Zeeland and are planning on making their move permanent! We asked them a couple of questions to find out what they think makes living and working in Zeeland so special.

What brought you from India to Zeeland?

‘We first relocated from India to Friesland. I had the opportunity to conduct scientific research at Wetsus, a company in Leeuwarden, and write my thesis’, says Nimmy. ‘Once I’d almost finished my thesis, we both started looking for our next job. We found several in the Randstad that matched our profiles, but then we discovered PureBlue and settled on Zeeland instead. It’s rare for a couple to be hired by the same company, so we’re both thankful.’

What do you enjoy about working at PureBlue?

‘We both feel strongly about creating meaningful, sustainable change. That’s why PureBlue’s mission, to return water to nature as we got it, is so close to our hearts.

PureBlue has big ambitions in the international market. For instance, it works in the Middle East, a region facing growing drought problems as well as an increasing demand for clean water. We’re now doing our bit to tackle those issues.’

What are your job responsibilities and tasks?

‘I have a flexible role as an asset manager. I engage with customers every day to find the best solution that works both for them and us as a company. Given where PureBlue operates, it’s helpful that I have a network of contacts in the Middle East. We can now bring them on board,’ says Haniel.

‘I oversee the development of innovative technologies that remove harmful substances from water, such as medicines, micropollutants and other residues, so that it can be reused. We’re involved from the very beginning of the thought process right through to the tech and final product, providing product support and service in a small-scale setting. I love working here, as I can learn so much about the different aspects of the technology,’ says Nimmy.

What’s it like to work in Zeeland?

‘Zeeland has a much better work-life balance compared with other parts of the world. There’s a healthy working culture, and you feel comfortable to talk about any issues you’re facing. People are more efficient and perform better, even though they work shorter hours. At the end of the working day, we still have time to take our son for a walk in the forest or along the beach, both of which are never far away.’

What’s it like living in Zeeland?

‘We currently live together with our two-year-old son in a rental in Hulst. It’s a lot quieter here than we’re used to, having moved from a city like Leeuwarden. Of course, it’s difficult living in a country without having family nearby, but the people here are so friendly that they feel like family to us.

Our son goes to De Tivoli international daycare and is thriving. De Tivoli has a special group of children of expats, providing lessons in English. It’s ideal for families like ours!

We’re thoroughly enjoying Zeeland’s abundant nature and beaches, and we can definitely picture ourselves staying permanently. It’s a huge plus that Antwerp is just half an hour’s drive from our home in Hulst, as we’re members of a church community over the border.

We’re currently looking to buy a house either in Hulst or somewhere else in Zeeland – we’ll leave that undecided for now.’

What would you tell other people who are considering moving to Zeeland for work?

‘We chose Zeeland over other locations and wouldn’t hesitate to make the same decision today. It’s a very short drive from big cities, and you’re right next to the beach and fantastic natural surroundings. If you’re looking for the perfect work-life balance, you’ll find it in Zeeland. What’s holding you back?’