Why machine and plant operators find more than just a job at the group of companies based in Southlohn-Oeding
When you ask Andreas Gesing why he has been working at BEWITAL for over 25 years, he doesn't have to think twice and laughs: ‘It's just fun. And no two days are the same.’
Andreas works in the pet food packaging lines division as one of the shift supervisors. However, his professional career began in a completely different field.
From the textile sector to the industry of the future
Andreas originally trained as an electrician and worked in the textile sector. However, the industry became increasingly difficult and prospects uncertain. The move to BEWITAL was a real new beginning for him. It is a decision he has never regretted. ‘There have been incredible developments here in recent years,’ he says. ‘We have shifted heavily towards automation. Heavy lifting is a thing of the past – instead, technical understanding and proactive thinking are required.’
Technology, responsibility and variety
Today, Andreas is the first point of contact when there are problems with the systems in his area. If a machine or system operator reports a malfunction, he first checks himself what can be fixed immediately. Minor repairs, root cause analysis, the famous ‘thinking outside the box’ – all this is part of his everyday work. In the event of more serious problems, he coordinates maintenance or external technicians and is in direct contact with the machine manufacturers. ‘I'm something of a problem solver for the technical department,’ says Andreas with a smile. ‘So that everything runs smoothly in the end.’
Development instead of stagnation
What makes BEWITAL special for him:
‘You're not left to your own devices here. Further training and personal development are really encouraged.’ Regular courses, in-depth background knowledge about the systems, new technologies – anyone who wants to learn is given the opportunity to do so at BEWITAL. Performance-related pay and genuine appreciation are a matter of course.
BEWITAL: An employer for professionals and career changers
Andreas himself is the best example of how BEWITAL does not require a perfect CV. Starting out in a part-time job, he later moved to a permanent position as a lorry driver at the westrans group's own haulage company before joining the factory. Today, as shift supervisor, he plans and is responsible for the technical processes.
And he is by no means the only one with an unusual career path:
Many colleagues in the field of machine and plant operation are genuine career changers – from master bakers and unskilled workers to skilled workers from the metal or electrical industry. Some previously worked for the federal government, others come from completely different backgrounds. Even a former professional show jumper and trained electrician who wanted to return to the Münsterland region from Australia works with Andreas at BEWITAL – starting as a machine operator, he is now responsible for production planning as a shift supervisor.
BEWITAL is growing – and looking for people to grow with us
The team responsible for the machinery in the pet food division currently consists of 23 colleagues working in three shifts. However, BEWITAL is growing rapidly and is also looking for new machine and plant operators for other areas – with experience or as career changers. Technical understanding, commitment, willingness to work shifts and a desire to find solutions together are important. New employees are carefully trained, supported and integrated into the processes step by step.
‘BEWITAL is a great family-run company,’ Andreas sums up. ‘People matter here. You are valued and have many opportunities to grow together with the company.’