Product developer bridging design, engineering and making

I'm Benjamin Panis, a product developer currently working at Fero V, Belgium's ornamental forge. My role spans launching the HIDN brand, designing its product line and trade-fair presence, meeting with clients, producing technical drawings in SolidWorks, ordering parts from external CNC, turning, milling and laser partners, and following production through to delivery.

My background combines sustainable development, design and engineering with a strong hands-on foundation in metalworking. I hold a Master's degree in Product Development from the University of Antwerp (graduated with distinction in 2023) and a secondary degree in Electromechanics from VTI Zandhoven. Alongside my work, I'm taking an evening course in construction and pipefitter welding at CVO to deepen the craft side of my profession.

I've been driven by making things for as long as I can remember — in my spare time I build furniture, tinker with IoT projects and follow a fairly broad set of interests. Outside the workshop you'll usually find me at the climbing gym or in the pool.

I'm a team player who's equally comfortable working independently, taking ownership of a project from the initial client briefing and CAD design through supplier coordination and production follow-up to final delivery.