The first e-commerce machine of Niverplast in Japan was installed by Gerwin
Gerwin Beltman (25 years old) | Technician at Niverplast E-commerce Team
If you were to ask colleagues to describe Gerwin, they would say; calm, not always in the spotlight. For example, he'd rather skip being in photos for the company vans. But when it comes to talking about his work and getting others excited, he's all for it. "That's when I understand the purpose, and I find it important."
From a young age, Gerwin has been fascinated by technology. It's not surprising since he grew up in a family where technology holds a prominent place. Father Beltman works for himself as a service technician. One brother works as a technician at Voortman Steel Machinery, and the other at Aebi Schmidt, a well-known manufacturer of spreaders.
So, it was no surprise that Gerwin chose a technical education. It became a work-and-learn program through REMO Twente. Gerwin had just received a permanent position with his previous employer when he saw about three years ago that Niverplast was setting up an E-commerce branch. This caught his attention. It was during the time of COVID-19, and Niverplast saw enormous potential to become a major player for online supermarkets.
Not long after, Gerwin started with E-commerce. Gerwin was the first technician to be hired. The work consisted of assembling and finishing packaging machines in the workshop. Gerwin: "You start with an empty frame, and eventually, you have a complete and working machine." How the work would further develop was difficult to say at that time, but the team was motivated and eager to progress. It grew quickly, and now there are about 20 people.
First Time in Japan
Especially in the last year, a lot has changed for Gerwin. Whereas he used to handle the finishing and testing, he now also does installations at the customer's location. "This combination is super fun and very varied," says Gerwin. This change came rather abruptly. One colleague was unavailable, and another colleague didn't want to go to Japan for three consecutive weeks. "On Tuesday, they asked me if I wanted to take over the first 1.5 weeks, and on Friday, I was already on the plane!" Of course, Gerwin found it exciting, going all alone to the other side of the world. "But I thought immediately, 'Sure, I'll do it!'"
Gerwin had been to England a few times, but never outside Europe. The machine's assembly was done in collaboration with a group of Japanese technicians. Gerwin supervised the Japanese technicians, and together, they made the machine ready for operation. The installation went very smoothly, thanks in part to good preparation. And halfway through, a colleague flew in to handle the start-up and provide training.
"I installed the first E-commerce machine of Niverplast in Japan. That's pretty cool!"
Typically, multiple colleagues go to the customer for an installation. When you're with 2 or 3 people, it's obviously more enjoyable. You can have a meal together, explore the area, and have a beer together in the evenings. Gerwin: "In Japan, I worked longer days because I was alone."
Challenges in the Field
In the field, you sometimes face challenges. The key is to find a solution. Upon arriving at a customer's site, they discovered that there was an entire wall in the way, which wasn't on the drawings. A conveyor belt had to go through the wall. "Well, that causes delays. It also adds an extra challenge; ultimately, it has to be sorted out."
There are also occasional issues with the plastic bags, the production of which is external. For example, last week, a customer in the USA had a problem with the bag not running smoothly on the machine. They wanted a technician on-site to resolve it. Gerwin received a call on Tuesday and was on a plane to Monroe, Ohio, by Friday. Gerwin: "Of course, there can be frustration on the customer's part in such situations, but they generally remain polite and courteous to us because we're there to solve the problem."
Niverplast as an Employer
In the workshop at Niverplast, there's a good atmosphere. The team has a lot of fun together. "Startling each other or unexpectedly throwing a small ball at someone's neck, that kind of fun." The Friday afternoon drinks at the Bruine Café are also enjoyable. The colleagues come from various backgrounds. "Wiljan was in construction, Adri was a stage builder, Leo worked at a caravan dealer. But if you have the interest and you're really committed, you'll get a chance here. If you want to take a course or training to specialize in something, you can do that." Learning can also happen on the floor. "Once, a colleague was told: Tomorrow, you need to connect a control cabinet. He had been awake all night worrying about it, and now he just does it. With the team's guidance, it turns out fine!"
Gerwin experiences good employment from Niverplast. He knows that it can be very different elsewhere. "You get a lot of freedom but also a lot of responsibility. For example, time tracking, you can manage it yourself. You don't need to punch in, and taking an hour off is not a problem. But it's a give and take. You also sense when it's not possible."
Working Together for Progress
On Friday afternoons, the E-commerce team always has a 10-minute meeting, very brief and constructive. What can be improved? Are there any issues? Things like that. If good points come out of it, Engineering incorporates them into the drawings. "For example, connecting electrical cables. We realized it could be easier. Now, we do it in half an hour instead of three hours." The machine concept that the E-commerce team builds is still very new. Gerwin: "And yet, the first T-Plast and how the latest version looks now, that's already a world of difference. Different components, equipped with servo-motors instead of air cylinders. That development, we do it all together."
"I've become more serious. Well, maybe 'more responsible' is a better word."
In three years, Gerwin has also undergone significant personal development. He shoulders more responsibility and is more willing to make decisions. "You have to grow in your work, get to know the machines. I've become more serious. Well, maybe 'more responsible' is a better word. Now I think, 'Bring it on!'"
The Right Choice
Gerwin is very satisfied with how things are going now. He enjoys working in the workshop and handling exciting projects. Sitting behind a computer all day is not his thing. He sometimes hears from his father that he wants to take it a bit easier. His father is always busy and on the move. The work at Niverplast is not physically demanding. All the tools are available; overhead cranes, forklifts, everything is there. "And if not, we'll arrange it. Before, for connecting a control cabinet, you'd be on your knees all day. Now, we have a lift where we can place the machine."
What Gerwin will be doing in 5 years is hard to say. Maybe he'll eventually take over his father's business with his brother, or he might continue as a self-employed professional. "But honestly, I feel really good here at Niverplast!"