Meet Steve Jooris - Mould installer at Bekina Indurub

Today, we are putting Steve Jooris, mould installer at Bekina Indurub, in the spotlight. He has been part of the Bekina family since January 2007. After almost 19 years, he still enjoys coming to work every day. Curious to find out what his job has to offer and why he loves working at Bekina? Read on to find out!

I started 19 years ago as a machine operator on the night shift at Bekina Indurub and a few years later I switched to the day shift, where I still work as a mould installer. At Bekina Indurub, we have around 26 injection moulding machines. My main task include installing, changing and maintaining the moulds, and I also take care of the daily start-up of production. Maintaining the moulds between changes is an essential part of an efficient production process. The cleaner the mould, the better the quality of the end product. During injection moulding, the air must be able to escape properly, which is only possible if there is no excess grease present. This enables us to guarantee the highest quality every time.

After my job in the textile sector, I came to Bekina Indurub for a trial period and was immediately convinced! I found the variety of products very interesting. At Bekina Indurub, we make anti-slip ladder feet, springs for slatted bases, household items such as pullers and dustbins, and safety materials such as collision guards. Not only the products, but also the work is very varied. Just look at how many steps there are in a production process to ultimately arrive at the end product. What's more, the operation of the machines is very interesting. For example, the machines are equipped with robots that need to be programmed manually. Over the years, I have seen the production environment evolve into an increasingly efficient and automated working environment. In the past, a robot was only given one task, but now we can programme them to perform different actions. This also reduces the workload on the operators.

When I was working the night shift as a machine operator at the start of my career, I took the initiative to change moulds myself so that the machines never had to stand idle. Afterwards, I asked to be trained to install moulds myself, so that I could do this independently at night. These initiatives did not go unnoticed by Georges Vanderbeke, second-generation entrepreneur. Commitment and initiative are greatly appreciated and rewarded here.

When the very first automatic robot arrived at Bekina Indurub, many people had to get used to it and figure out how best to work with it and programme it manually. It required a significant adjustment. By spending my free time learning about it, I can programme the robots myself and resolve any issues that arise. Not everyone has mastered this, so it's nice that my colleagues know they can count on me for this. I continue to immerse myself in programming and look for possible improvements. The goal: to keep improving, work in a customer-focused way and deliver the highest quality.

I still enjoy my job every single day – that’s how much I love it. No two moulds are the same and every mould change is different. I also regularly help out other departments. A job as a mould installer at Bekina Indurub involves so much more than you might think. Between changing the moulds, I often have some spare time, so I help out in other departments. For example, I help with packing, maintenance and shipping, and sometimes I even empty the containers. My colleagues from other departments appreciate this help and come to assist us when necessary. This keeps my job varied and challenging. I would never do a job I didn't enjoy. After 19 years, I still come to work with the same enthusiasm.

At Bekina, sustainability is high on the agenda and there is a strong focus on the environment. We try to limit waste as much as possible by sorting and recycling as much as possible. I find this very important myself, and I appreciate that they are so committed to this – something that not every company does so consistently. I also notice that there is an active focus on creating a positive working environment. Activities are regularly organised for employees, which is in keeping with the company’s family spirit and further supports the positive group atmosphere. You get to know each other better, which also means you can work together even more effectively. I always enjoy taking part in these activities and like to add a little something extra. A few years ago, for example, there was a pink dress code for the New Year's reception. While many colleagues wore a subtle pink touch, I was dressed entirely in pink with a pink coat, pink hat and I had even dyed my hair pink. I often dare to go a step further. That makes it extra fun, and it's great that this is possible and allowed here. My colleagues are getting to know me well and know that they can often expect something extra from me.

I have been working here for 19 years now, so that speaks for itself. I would definitely recommend anyone who enjoys varied tasks to come and work here. Outsiders often perceive factory work as repetitive, but that is certainly not the case for me here. I have a very diverse range of tasks. At Bekina, they also pay a lot of attention to the well-being of their employees. For example, they often look for tools and optimisations in the workplace to keep the workload as low as possible. As mould installers, we use a boulonneuse (impact wrench) to secure the moulds, which reduces physical strain on the shoulders.

It is good to know that once you start in a particular role, you also have the chance to try other positions later on. Are you interested in a different job, or are there medical reasons for a change? Then we will always work with you to find a solution. In addition, training courses are offered regularly, such as learning to operate a forklift or bridge crane.

 

Would you like to be part of the Bekina family like Steve? Then take a look at the Bekina job page and who knows, maybe we’ll meet soon!