As a team leader, I have the opportunity to shape how we work together.
What's your story? How did you end up at MEIKO?
MEIKO is where I did my training as an industrial mechanic and I received an advancement award that had to be invested in further training within 2 years. It didn't take me long to decide – I completed a foreman's qualification in metalwork but the course was full time so I had to leave MEIKO. I was 23 when I returned to MEIKO with my qualification, this time as Team Leader for the Door Station and KD Covers. I am responsible for table cover production, for all types of MEIKO doors, for surface processing and for slop sink unit manufacture.
Why do you like, working at MEIKO?
My coworkers are the main reason. The working environment is right. It's as simple as that. You are welcomed warmly when you start and, if anything is wrong, you are supported.
That is how you create a great working environment that grows deeper roots every day.
You say hello to people at work. That was the first thing I was taught in my training. And we really do greet one another and everyone greets you. That is not always to be expected from a company of this size. Greeting one another starts conversations with coworkers so you get to know people quicker and better.
Do you sometimes feel that men and women are treated differently?
No. At MEIKO, you are accepted as a person. I have never found that people have reservations. If something is hard work or tricky, your coworkers will help you with it.
What is interdepartmental work like at MEIKO?
Let me give you an example: new employees from the design engineering department regularly come down to production.
Do you notice, day-to-day, that MEIKO belongs to a foundation?
Definitely, yes. Because the ethos of the foundation means that the company's profits are invested back into the company and that means that we have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge machines which makes us faster and more efficient.
Do you think there is such a thing as a typical MEIKO story?
Yes, there is. In the training phase, you are in a different department every 4 to 5 weeks. From shop fitting to assembly lines, you see every stage in warewashing, conveying and food waste technology for all types and sizes of machine – from the big dishwashing machines like the M-iQ through to hood type dishwashing machines. That makes training at MEIKO a unique experience.
It gives you a real-world impression to see what appeals to you the most.
What do you find meaningful in your job?
Supporting younger employees. They are our future. As a team leader, I have the opportunity to shape how we work together every day.
What do you imagine your future at MEIKO to look like?
As a team leader, I have just received a great opportunity for my future. The other thing I could see, would be actually working as a foreman at MEIKO.
What is a little-known fact about MEIKO?
Ettenheim is home to the MEIKO iron foundry which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in two years' time.