'All my life I have lived in Krommenie. When you drive past the chimney with the coloured rings, it feels like home. The Forbo factory is almost in my backyard. I grew up with technology, tinkering with vintage mopeds from an early age. I chose the metal direction and gained work experience at Conijn Metaalbewerking and at Royal Duyvis Wiener as a metalworker and mechanic.'

Reliable

'I have been working as a work planner at Forbo for two years. It is super interesting to now work at a manufacturing company after my experience at machine builders. For the internal customer, you investigate what their problem is, and how you are going to solve it in the short term and in the long term in the best possible way.

The dynamics and challenge of getting something going again is great fun. That people are happy to be able to carry on working. A breakdown causes stress. It's a challenge to get a line running, the stress helps. You do that as a team. It's great fun that together you achieve that the machine is nicely overhauled in time so that it is ready for production again. Sometimes we are also happy when the machine is down for a while, then we can do maintenance. We are more interested in that than in running a lot of metres. We want to do good maintenance so that there are reliable installations.'

Wide range of technology

I really like the product Forbo makes, but also the different techniques. Old and new are mixed together here, which makes it very interesting in terms of technology. Older machines are very critical and therefore sensitive to failure. The quality is really good, but sometimes they reach the end of their lifespan or a part is no longer available. Then the machine has to be rebuilt or a new solution is sought. That makes it very dynamic. New technology keeps you on your toes; you have to learn how to maintain it properly.'

Language of technology

'You have contact with mechanics, with planning, with purchasing and suppliers. Every day is different. It is important that I speak the same language as the fitters. I listen carefully to colleagues so I can prepare the work. You can't assume anything from behind the computer. You always have to check the drawings with reality, because they are old and new. Practice is the guide.'

Text: Sarah Vermoolen
Photography: Mike Bink