As Production Leader, my job is to make sure everyone in the factory can do their job. This includes assigning people to various machines based on production orders. I make sure that the machine is set up/converted for the relevant work and solve breakdowns where necessary. I prefer to rotate the people as much as possible so that they remain versatile and motivated. I also keep an eye on delivery dates and carry out checks. And I just make sure I am where I need to be.
In this job, I feel responsible for how people develop. It is important that the atmosphere is good and morale remains high. When you have that, the company runs like a well-oiled machine. In the years I've been here, I've witnessed considerable growth in the company and as a result, I've been able to mentor a lot of new colleagues, which of course is great fun.
When I was 18, I started at Van der Valk as a general assembly assistant. Showing initiative and thinking along with others is noticed here, which gives you the confidence to grow. I have now been working there since 2007, have operated all the machines and get to lead a fantastic group of people.
The great thing about this company is the mentality: you can always talk to anyone, at any level. People here are not a number, but real people, who treat each other with respect.