We share our knowledge and stories, always with the support of a marketing communications consultant from Circa Twee, our communications agency. For the past six months, this has been Janneke Buitenhuis. Five questions, five answers.
“Thankful for the growth opportunities”
She would have loved to given her colleagues a big hug on her last working day, but that was not possible due to the corona measures. It says a lot about the bond that Daniëlle van der Heijden (35) has with Vetipak. After nearly seventeen years of employment in various positions, it is time for a new chapter in her career.
Daniëlle still remembers her start at Vetipak. “I was nineteen years old, finished school and looking for a job. I read in a local newspaper that Vetipak was looking for some production employees. Ideal! The company was almost around the corner, I could go there by bike. The application went well: I could start work the following Monday.”
A nice team
What particularly appealed to her was the team of young colleagues. “Especially the girls, mostly peers, a very nice group. But I also liked the work on the line: putting chocolates in mix bags. Although I must say that at that age I especially thought it was fun. And that it was!”
Promotion
A few years later, her team leader asked if she would like to become a quality employee. Daniëlle: “That seemed like a good idea to me ... And he was proven right. As a quality employee I checked the production lines and I was also a raid shift manager. Very nice in content! Other activities, more responsibility … But also exciting. Suddenly I no longer stood next to my colleagues in terms of function, but I had a leading role.”
“Thanks to the opportunities which Vetipak has given to me, I have become much more confident”
Multiple positions
In the years that followed, Daniëlle held multiple positions. So she was a receptionist, working on the production of new articles and her last role was that of a quality coordinator. After nearly seventeen years, now it is time for a new step. “I could have continued to grow successfully at Vetipak, because the company constantly offers new opportunities, even now. But I really wanted something different. It was difficult, but I took on a challenge outside of Vetipak.”
Vetipak children
Daniëlle is currently QESH officer at a manufacturer of spices and sauces. And although she thoroughly enjoys her new job, she still remembers the Vetipak time. “I have experienced so much at Vetipak … All those lovely colleagues, of whom I even married the sweetest one. I got to know my husband Michel at Vetipak. We now have children, so real ‘Vetipak children’!”
“I think Vetipak is still a people business,
which feels like family to me”
More confidence
Daniëlle has also grown personally. “I came in as a little quiet mouse with no experience. I hardly dared to say anything and often asked myself: ‘Can I do this?’ Thanks to the opportunities which Vetipak has given to me, I have gained much more confidence. I am still grateful to Vetipak for that.”
A people business
Of course she has also see the company change. From a relatively small organisation, Vetipak grew into a company with nine locations. “And where previously only people were on the production line, today there are many more robots and machines. Nevertheless, I still think Vetipak is a people business, which feels like family to me. That is why saying goodbye was so difficult for me. I am sure I still return soon to see everyone again.”
