Hello
My name is Mike Pelgrim

"In August 2017, I started here (in Winterswijk) and starting in February 2018, I was primed to become an operator. That means using the laser tube cutter and everything else involved in that process. You start, as in my case, as a production worker and when they see that you are getting a handle on the machine, that you’ve got it under control, then you are able to move your way up to ‘operator’. I was already told about this during the job interview, when I asked about opportunities for growth. And since then, it all feels like it has flown by, but that’s also thanks to my colleagues, who immediately showed me the ropes.

Plenty of variety

As an operator, you actually handle all of the final stages of an order. You pick up your order and the materials you need, load your machine with them, and when your product has been cut, you make sure that it is packaged properly. You check the product out, print a receipt for the client, and ship it in the proper packaging.

My background is in ICT, but I wanted to do more physical activity and keep my hands busy. I wanted to do more than just sit at a computer. Here, you are always busy with one thing or another. Sometimes, you even help with welding and sanding or the loading and unloading of the trucks. You get plenty of variety.

Of course, the laser tube cutters are very advanced, but you have to understand how they work. I figured out how to set up the machine fairly quickly, but you are given the time to learn how to do it. Reading a drawing is not very complicated in itself, but group courses are offered, too. These teach you how to really understand and read a drawing, even for the more complex work. The company arranges all of that really well. 

Your work is appreciated

Of course, working on a 5-shift schedule is something that has to suit you, but you are rewarded well for it. I don’t just mean in that in terms of the money, but also your shift allowance and quarterly bonus. You work is appreciated. The Christmas and seasonal parties are always fantastic and management always takes an interest in you personally. Despite the size of the company, you are absolutely not a number. In any case, the fact that your work is rewarded is typical of the company."