“I was briefly unemployed until I got a job at SARIS through an employment agency, that was in 2014. Here I found my place. I love the people at SARIS and think my boss is great. Through my dedication and hard work, I got a permanent contract when I was 56. Now I am almost 60 and look back on my time here with satisfaction. I enjoy life in the Netherlands and although I still regularly go to Portugal for holidays, I always quickly return!”

SARIS 65 years
SARIS Aanhangers celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. We look back on a rich history of growth and beautiful products. But what truly makes our company special? It’s our loyal employees who work at SARIS every day with dedication and commitment.
who are much appreciated!
In the coming months, one of our valued team members will be featured each month in a series of inspiring stories. Discover the people behind SARIS and learn more about their unique individual contributions to our success story!

My Career in Portugal
“My name is José da Silva Maia and I have been working at SARIS for 10 years now, since 2014. I have been living in the Netherlands for 18 years, but my roots are in Portugal, near Porto. I started working when I was 14.5 years old, following my father’s choice to either study or work. I chose work and began in metal constructions. At the age of 20, I served two years in the navy in Lisbon, but then returned to Porto to start a job in beer distribution, found by my father.”
“In beer distribution, I started at 22 as an assistant driver. Later, I got my driver’s license and became a driver and salesman myself. I sold beer, water, and juice, mainly Superbock. I liked the job; I was young and always on the road. I did this job with great pleasure for 19 years. However, when my employer sold the business, I lost my job, and it was time for something new. During a vacation in the Netherlands, I discovered a high demand for labor. Through Metalflex, I quickly found a job and thus began my adventure in the Netherlands.”
A New Beginning in the Netherlands
“In the last week of August, I moved to the Netherlands, and within a week, I was already working at Hapert through an employment agency, where I stayed for a year and a half. In this arrangement, I had to return to Portugal after that period, but I wanted to stay in the Netherlands. I found a new job through another employment agency and started at VDL in Boxtel, where I worked with welding robots. The economic crisis of 2008-2009 caused me to lose my job, and I began working at a company in the polyester industry. Unfortunately, this company also went bankrupt.”
Happiness Found at SARIS
