International Companies in the Netherlands: Opportunities in Blue-Collar Sectors

The Netherlands have always been a popular destination for tech experts, blue-collar professionals, and a myriad of international companies, thanks to the country’s strategic location in Europe, and outstanding business climate. 

And while the country is often talked about because of its financial and tech sectors, it also boasts a tremendous number of opportunities within the blue-collar sectors for expats and foreign workers who want to leverage the Netherlands’s high wages and quality of life.

In this article, we cherry-picked some of the best international companies in the Netherlands for job seekers, who are looking for work at familiar businesses as a basis for their new life.

Blue-Collar Workers and International Companies in the Netherlands: A Match Made in Heaven

The Netherlands is among the best countries to work in Europe. With exceptionally good wages, great work-life balance, and quality of life. That in mind, also many multinational presences choose to do business in the Netherlands, thanks to its stable economy, forward-thinking work culture, innovative ecosystem, and skilled workers. Additionally, as a logistics leader in the area, it opens vast opportunities of growth for job seekers and businesses alike.

This vibrant business climate is also heavily reflected in the wages blue-collar experts earn. According to statistical data, the average pay for blue-collar workers is €37,626 a year across different sectors, which amounts to around €18 per hour.

Key Sectors for Blue-Collar Roles in Dutch International Companies

Whether you are looking for international companies in Rotterdam (Europe’s largest port) or Amsterdam, you will find that the Netherlands has several key industries and sectors for blue-collar workers where international companies are present. 

• Agri-Food Companies: As a major player in agriculture and food processing, the country always has open roles for production line workers, farmhands, packaging specialists, and food processing operators, both for seasonal jobs or long-term cooperation.
• Automotive Industry: Even though the Netherlands isn’t synonymous with car production like Germany or Italy, the country boasts an impressive number of local and international automotive companies. To be more specific, the Dutch automotive sector focuses on parts manufacturing and assembly the most, offering opportunities to assembly and production workers.
• The Manufacturing Industry in Holland: From simple consumer goods to advanced machinery, there are also several international manufacturing firms in the Netherlands. They typically employ assembly line workers, machine operators, maintenance technicians, and quality control personnel
• Logistics and Distribution in the Netherlands: Given its status as a gateway to Europe, global logistics giants operate extensive warehouses and distribution centers here. These firms constantly seek warehouse workers, forklift operators, truck drivers, and order pickers. Companies like DHL, UPS, and various large-scale distribution centers for retail and e-commerce frequently have openings.
• Energy Companies in NL: The Netherlands has been at the forefront of using and advancing renewable energy, the sector offers a myriad of opportunities for blue-collar experts in roles such as solar panel installers, wind farm maintenance experts, and roles in the traditional energy infrastructure. The sector is also abundant with technical roles, such as mechanics, electricians, and field service experts.

Where to Look: Finding the Biggest Companies in the Netherlands

While it’s safe to say that you will definitely find international companies in Amsterdam, the capitol isn’t the only city for opportunities. There are several major hubs for blue-collar talent in other regions as well, including:

• Rotterdam Business Hub: As we’ve already mentioned the country’s second largest city, and  home to Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam is a powerhouse for logistics and maritime industries, offering numerous blue-collar jobs. A good example is ASML, which single-handedly revolutionized the entire blue-collar market.
• Eindhoven Tech Firms: Also known as BrainPort, the area is known for it’s valuable tech firms. The region is also known for its strong manufacturing bases that require skilled assembly and production workers.
• Other Dutch business locations: Areas around major ports, industrial zones, and agricultural regions across the country will also present opportunities.

Employment & Career Pathways for Foreign Workers

Do you need to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands? Fortunately, there are a myriad of English-speaking jobs in the country in the blue-collar sector, and there are several international companies in the Netherlands that are accustomed to a diverse workforce. Additionally, the government also has a related work program implemented, which primarily targets white-collar experts, but may also come in handy for blue-collar experts as well.

List of International Companies with Blue-Collar Opportunities

There are quite a few big companies in the Netherlands that do business internationally, either focusing mostly on Europe, or the entire globe. These firms have a significant presence in the country and often offer roles for motivated and talented blue-collar workers.

1. DHL

DHL (named after Dalsey, Hillblom and Lynn) is a global import-export company originally hailing from the United States, with its headquarters today in Germany. With close to 600.000 employeesacross the globe, it’s among the largest logistics companies. The firm also has several operations across the Netherlands, offering different roles either in warehousing, delivery, or sorting.

2. UPS

UPS (United Parcel Service) is another world-leading logistics and shipping company. Also founded in the US in 1907, UPS today ranks 45th on the Fortune 500 list, making it one of the largest companies in the world. As such a massive player in the labour market, the company employed 490,000 people in 2024, and has several facilities in the Netherlands as well, offering a variety of opportunities for blue-collar workers, including warehouse staff and drivers.

3. Unilever

Unilever is a consumer goods giant with its headquarters in London, England. The company was founded almost 100 years ago in 1929, as the result of a merger of a British soap maker company (Lever Brothers) and a Dutch margarine producer (Margarine Unie).

The company and its brands produce a variety of products from baby food through breakfast cereals to cleaning agents, dairy products, hygiene products, pet food, and pharmaceuticals. Unilever is the largest soap producer in the world, with products available in more than 190 countries.

Just like the others on this list, Unilever also offers several roles in the Netherlands in sectors such as production, manufacturing, and supply chain management.

4. Heineken

Heineken is a world-renowned Dutch brewing company, headquartered in the Netherlands. Founded in 1864 in Amsterdam, Heineken operates over 165 breweries in over 70 countries, producing 348 types of ciders and specialty beers regionally, internationally, and locally. The company employs around 85.000 people, and has an annual beer production of around 24.14 billion litres. For blue-collar workers, the company offers various roles in logistics and production.

5. ASML

Even though ASML is a tech company, it has extensive manufacturing and assembly operations in Eindhoven which requires talented workers in production and technical support roles. ASML or Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography, was founded in 1984 in the Netherlands, specialising in photolithography machine development and manufacturing with integrated circuitry. It is the largest semiconductor supplier in the world, and the only supplier of EUVL in the world.

6. Philips

Philips is a diverse technology company hailing from the Netherlands. The business was also founded in Eindhoven, in 1981, but in 1997, the company’s headquarters was moved to Amsterdam. During the previous century, the brand grew into one of the largest electronics companies in the world, producing a variety of products from televisions to cassettes, light bulbs, electric shavers, kitchen appliances, and compact discs.

Source: Pexels

The company employs around 69,700 people, and with diversified manufacturing and logistics operations in the Netherlands, it offers several blue-collar roles for interested workers.

7. Jumbo

Jumbo is among the largest supermarket chains in the country, also operating in Belgium. The company has around 740 stores in the Netherlands alone, making it the second largest chain in the country behind Albert Heijn.

As a massive supermarket chain, Jumbo has large distribution centers requiring warehouse workers, order pickers, and logistics staff.

8. Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, with numerous distribution centers and logistics operations offering blue-collar positions. The company was founded in 1887, and has been operating under the Ahold Delhaize group since 2016.

Work with International Companies in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a myriad of vibrant, international work opportunities for white- and blue-collar experts alike. The country has a large and intricate logistics sector, highly developed agricultural sector, and a rich manufacturing sector.

If you are thinking about joining one of these international teams in the Netherlands, you’re in the right place. Robin is dedicated to making the opportunities accessible, connecting you with trusted recruitment agencies that can facilitate both your employment and housing needs in the Netherlands. Start your new path by registering on our site and checking out our available positions.