Leading with Clarity: How Refresco’s EHS Director Streamlines Safety Across Global Operations
At the 2025 Benchmark Gensuite Customer Impact Conference, we spoke with Remy Wierenga, Health & Safety Director at Refresco, about his approach to building efficient, people-first safety programs across one of the world’s largest bottling companies.
Drawing from decades in EHS — and a long-standing collaboration with Benchmark dating back to his GE days — Remy shared how his team balances technology, practicality, and partnership to drive smarter, safer work.
Key Takeaways
- Refresco’s EHS team implemented digital tools across global sites in under six months.
- Out-of-the-box functionality enables teams to spend less time on admin work and more time in the field.
- AI-powered Permit Manager tools are transforming compliance visibility and leadership assurance.
- For Remy, long-term success comes from partnership and user-driven innovation.
You’ve worked with Benchmark Gensuite for decades. What made it the right fit for Refresco?
Remy: When I joined Refresco, we looked at several systems — there are quite a few good ones out there. What stood out about Benchmark is that it worked right away.
We didn’t have a lot of time, and I didn’t want to spend it on customization. Benchmark was solid — it just worked. Within six months, we had Incidents, Action Tracker, and Compliance Calendar all up and running.
What has changed for your EHS teams since implementation?
Remy: There’s so much power in the system — so much clarity in the data. It gives EHS teams real ownership.
Action Tracker, Compliance Calendar, Inspection Tool — all of it is right at their fingertips. It takes away admin work and lets them spend more time on the work floor, where you really want them to be.
What aspects of the digital platform design stand out to you most?
Remy: The out-of-the-box functionality is huge, especially when you’re rolling out multiple modules. Once you get one, the others work the same — same data mining, same reporting, same flow-down structure.
People who got used to Action Tracker can say, “Ah, that’s how Calendar works.” It’s intuitive, and that consistency really helps with adoption.
You can also feel that the system was built from an EHS manager’s perspective. Back in the GE days, Mukund always asked, “What do you need, and how should this work for you?” That mindset is still there today. Even though Benchmark now serves so many companies, it’s still about that close connection — asking, “How would you want this to work?”
That feedback culture is still alive — Benchmark continues to listen to customers and evolve features based on what EHS leaders like us ask for.
How are you bringing AI into your safety and compliance work?
Remy: We’re implementing Permit Manager — the new AI tool — and I can’t wait. It will save so much admin work for my people.
It also gives compliance assurance to my leaders. Every plant will be able to say, “I’ve checked all my permits, I’ve got all my compliance requirements in the calendar, and I get monthly updates on where we stand.”
That’s real power — for managers, for EHS teams, and for leadership. It even strengthens our SOX compliance assurance by giving leaders confidence that every site is meeting its regulatory commitments.
What metrics help you measure progress and engagement across Refresco’s operations?
Remy: We track traditional metrics like lost-time injury rates and recordable rates, but we’ve also added KPIs for concern reporting and potential serious incidents — PSIs.
It’s part of our learning and listening culture. These KPIs are now tied to our bonus system. With Benchmark, we have limited assurance on these KPIs, so we can rely on the data.
How would you describe your ongoing collaboration with the Benchmark Gensuite team?
Remy: Always good. We have regular interactions with our account team — at least monthly. They help me push things forward, and if I ever email our account manager, Harveen, or her team, they get back quickly.
It works well. There’s a dedicated team that supports us, and we know each other by name now.
You’ve said you see Benchmark Gensuite as a partner, not a vendor. What defines that partnership for you?
Remy: For me, it’s a partnership because it’s about enabling my EHS community with the right tools. Benchmark helps me do that.
And it’s not just about Benchmark alone — it’s about integration. For example, if there’s another good tool, like 3motionAI or MākuSafe, we can integrate it into Benchmark.
That’s real partnership. We’re in this together — making the best platform possible. It benefits me, and it benefits Benchmark.
About Refresco
Refresco is a global bottling company serving leading retailers and brands across Europe and North America. With a focus on operational excellence and safety, Refresco partners with Benchmark Gensuite to deliver efficient, scalable EHS solutions.
About 3motionAI
3motionAI provides motion-capture and computer-vision solutions that analyze human movement to improve workplace ergonomics, reduce injury risks, and enhance safety performance.
About MākuSafe
MākuSafe is a wearable safety technology company whose platform helps organizations identify environmental and behavioral risk factors through real-time data, enabling proactive injury prevention.