Marnix Van Der Mee (Pasman): Entrepreneurship, Building Networks, and Growing Through Smart Power

Custom connectivity solutions, entrepreneurial spirit, and technical expertise serving industry. At the Made in Smart Power event, we met with Marnix van der Mee, founder and CEO of Pasman. He shares his journey, his company’s vision, and the trusted relationship he has maintained with the Smart Power network for nearly ten years.

Could you introduce yourself briefly? What is your role at Pasman and what is your background?

Marnix Van Der Mee: My name is Marnix van der Mee. I am originally a micromechanical engineer. I spent most of my career in the connector industry, particularly at Radial, where I worked for 24 years. I held various positions there, starting in product development before moving into technical marketing roles. After all those years, I wanted to embark on a new adventure. An opportunity arose: acquiring a business unit from a small connector manufacturer who wanted to pass on their products. I decided to take the leap and create Pasman. Initially, I worked alone, with an existing product portfolio, serving clients interested in new developments. That’s how the adventure began!

What are your specialties, activities, and areas of expertise at Pasman today?

Marnix Van Der Mee: In a small organization, everyone pitches in! My expertise in connectivity was a major asset for launching Pasman, but running a company also means learning to master all aspects—management, finance, purchasing, investments. Today, Pasman is a team of 10 versatile employees, driven by a genuine team spirit. This cohesion enables us to operate efficiently and meet daily challenges.

What is the main challenge you face today?

Marnix Van Der Mee: Our biggest challenge is finance. In our industry, each new product requires time and resources: study, validation, industrialization, then manufacturing. Depending on complexity, development can take from a few months to over two years, mobilizing significant resources. Clients sometimes participate in financing, but this is far from systematic. We often move forward through self-financing, which requires strict financial discipline. On the technical side, however, we are in our element and projects generally proceed well.

Is there a project or recent development you are particularly proud of?

Marnix Van Der Mee: Yes, several! The most significant this year is obtaining ISO 9001 certification. It was an ambitious project that we wanted to be structuring for the company. This certification is not merely symbolic: it has strengthened our internal processes and overall performance. The auditors and our clients have praised the quality of the work accomplished.

In parallel, we have received several new projects in the aerospace sector, which promise excellent prospects for 2026. These projects are leading us to recruit to support our development.

Are you looking to strengthen your teams?

Marnix Van Der Mee: Yes, we are currently seeking a technical profile for our design office. We are also considering recruiting soon in the methods and quality area, as well as in the production workshop.

You have been a member of the Smart Power cluster since 2015. What motivated you to join this network?

Marnix Van Der Mee: We joined Smart Power to develop our client base. This network brings together numerous companies from the electronics and electrotechnical sectors, which perfectly match our target markets. Our connectors are directly aimed at these industries. Smart Power has enabled us to gain visibility and create qualified contacts more effectively than with a traditional commercial approach. Additionally, we have been supported by the cluster in preparing funding applications, which has been invaluable assistance.

What is your vision for the future of your industry? Are you confident?

Marnix Van Der Mee: I am optimistic. The electronics and electrotechnical market is constantly expanding. The evolution of alternative energies also contributes to this growth. Everything related to electronic and electrical equipment will continue to develop, and our role as a component supplier is essential in this chain. As long as we can meet our clients’ technical needs, the future remains promising.

Any final words to conclude about your relationship with the Smart Power cluster?

Marnix Van Der Mee: For me, Smart Power is a true center of expertise. I am part of several professional associations, but Smart Power stands out for its efficiency, dynamism, and appropriate size. I am very pleased to be part of it and I plan, in the future, to become more involved in the industrial network, perhaps by taking a more active role within the cluster.

Learn more about Pasman