ETIMEX EMPLOYEES

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CSR

ETIMEX is a member of the non-profit organisation "Sedex" (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), which is actively promoting social and sustainable environmental conditions throughout supply and manufacturing chain. "EcoVadis" offers our customers additional insight into our goals and successes in this area. Of course, we also maintain other ethical principles such as the "Code of Conduct".

EMPLOYEES

Our employees are important to us. We offer:

  • Occupational health and safety certified to ISO 45001:2018
  • Continuous qualification and on-the-job training
  • The promotion of young talents and internal health care document our commitment to welfare far beyond the legal requirements

WHAT OUR EMPLOYEES SAY

Marco, please introduce yourself briefly.

My name is Marco Blatt and I am currently in my third year of apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic.

When I'm not on site at ETIMEX, I attend the vocational school in Ulm. The school is excellent with friendly teachers, offering a wealth of learning opportunities. Our schedule includes theoretical lessons every Tuesday, along with a workshop day every two weeks.



What aspects of your work as an industrial mechanic do you find most enjoyable?

I appreciate the diverse range of tasks involved. Working on different machines and handling various assignments keeps things interesting. I have to decide on my own how to proceed and organise my work steps. That's what I really appreciate. Starting from the second year of the apprenticeship, we work relatively autonomously, though guidance from the training supervisor is always available. The freedom to make decisions, coupled with feedback at the end, is something I value.

Of course, as apprentices, we always receive a briefing from the training supervisor for any machine (e.g. drilling machine or lathe). Before we are allowed to work on them ourselves, the supervisors check again that we have understood all the instructions.

For example, I'm currently working with a CNC machine, offering numerous possibilities, that are even applicable at home. However, familiarization is crucial since programming is a self-driven task. It is really rewarding when everything works properly after all.


Reflecting on your first year, what surprised you about the training?

That time goes by so quickly. The first and second years of my apprenticeship flew by unexpectedly fast. 

Besides that, having done thorough research beforehand and having friends in the field provided a good idea of what to expect. A trial day at ETIMEX at the beginning further enriched my understanding.

 

What subjects are covered in your vocational school curriculum?

All subjects are essential, including typical subjects such as German, English and Economics and Social Studies. But the focus is on BfK, a vocational subject. This is broadly strucutured, covering broad areas including math and various mechanic subgroups

How do you receive support during your training?

During the initial year, extensive support is provided since there's a lot to learn. The introductory training course, with close supervision from training supervisors, is particularly beneficial.

In the second year, there is less supervision, adapting to the trainee's level of independence. In any case, you always get assistance when you need it.

 

Could you share your application process for the apprenticeship?

I discovered the job advertisement about 2.5 years ago on the ETIMEX website.

Having a friend working at ETIMEX, I applied online, underwent a successful interview, did a trial day, and started my apprenticeship in September.

 

What would you recommend to future trainees?

ETIMEX is a great company, in particular in terms of training. During the training programme, the trainers pay attention to each individual on how they can develop and what talents they have. Unlike larger companies with over 30 trainees, at ETIMEX, trainers are always accessible, fostering a supportive environment. We also swap ideas with the other trainees and help each other solving new challenges. 

Basic knowledge in subjects like math, physics, and a bit of chemistry is beneficial, but the rest can be acquired through school or work.

In which position do you work at ETIMEX Primary Packaging GmbH? Please introduce yourself.

My name is Manuela Hartmann and I work at ETIMEX as Head of Logistics. In this position, I am responsible for ensuring that the flow of goods works efficiently throughout the plant - this includes everything from incoming goods to internal transport by the forklift drivers to the procurement of freight space and the dispatch of finished goods.

I always keep an eye on potential areas for optimization and intervene if something is not running smoothly. I am also in close contact with our forwarding agents and conduct negotiations with them. We handle many other tasks in our logistics team, which currently consists of 12 employees. I am proud that we have a large but very well-balanced team.

What skills are important in your position?

In my position, negotiating skills are an important ability, but also experience in organization and planning. Customs, for example, is a major topic in our department. And personnel management is also essential, so as to be able to motivate, promote and develop our employees consistently.

 

What challenges do you face in your day-to-day work?

A big challenge, which also keeps my work interesting, is that we have interfaces with various departments throughout the company. The reason for this is that we accompany every product that comes into the company until it leaves the company all over again. As a result, we are in close contact with Purchasing, Sales and Customer Service, as well as with Production, Work Preparation and Quality Assurance. Sometimes the interests of the individual departments do not coincide one hundred percent, that's just part of the way of doing business. Then it's important to find a common path despite these differences. Everyone has to pull together so that the team spirit can grow.

Naturally, our work is particularly challenging when our business is at its seasonal peak. That's when functioning processes are especially important.

 

How can one picture you at your workplace - do you spend a lot of time at your desk or rather on the move?

Well, both. There's a lot of desk work for me to do, but I'm frequently moving all over the company buildings as well. I like that I don't just sit at my desk but have a lot of interaction with my colleagues.

 

When you think about ETIMEX as an employer, what do you appreciate about working at the company?

I appreciate the loyalty. We have a great team, great people. We can work well with each other, I think that's very good and important. And for me, the regional proximity to where I live is a real advantage.

To conclude: Where can people usually find you on the weekends?

Well, on weekends you can frequently meet me when I'm performing, because I play in the municipal music band in the neighboring town of Illertissen. And otherwise I like to go hiking or skiing in the mountains.

 

Tell us some things about you: Who are you and how long have you been working at ETIMEX?

My name is Alphan Kiran and I have been working at ETIMEX as a machine setter since December 2009. I make sure that the machines run smoothly in production and carry out repairs if necessary. I work in a three-shift system.

What is the first thing you do when you start to work in the morning?

In my job, I can always be prepared for the work that's waiting for me the next day. For example, we already prepare for Monday in advance. After all, we roughly know which machines will be in operation on that day. And then we set up the machines - for retooling or maintenance.

What skills are particularly important in your job?

Technical knowledge is definitely very important. One should be familiar with various tools. In this area, a trained eye and experience pay off.

Other than that, you can learn anything if you want to. I was an industrial mechanic before and only got into the plastics industry while working here at ETIMEX. You get to know the different machines, and that's a good way to find your way around.

How do you rate ETIMEX as an employer?

My work here is great and I am very satisfied with the company. I have always had a very good experience with my colleagues and was treated with a personal welcome right from the start.

If you had to describe ETIMEX as an employer in three words, which ones are they?

One gets recognized here at ETIMEX. That's not so easy to describe in one word. I know few companies where it is like that, but what I see here is people at work and they simply enjoy their job. And when people enjoy their work, the company is doing well too. That's how I feel. I think it's the people and the cooperation which is excellent.

It's also a pleasure to talk to the people. They all listen, everyone gets involved and helps out. That generates a good team spirit on site.

As far as I'm concerned, our company is very open to its employees. For example, it's taken seriously when you mention that something is missing or out of place. Not always immediately, but I can be sure that someone will deal with it.

Katja, which department are you working in at ETIMEX and how long have you been there?

Hello, my name is Katja Neubauer and I have been working in sales for ETIMEX since November 2021. As a sales manager, I am responsible for the flexible films division. In fact, this is a totally versatile field, as it includes very different areas - regardless of whether it involves films for flooring laminates, packaging, pharmaceutical applications or for adhesive tape applications.

In my job, I do business all over the world. Occasionally, we get inquiries from Australia or Asia, and we also supply customers from the USA. But most of my customers are located in Germany or Europe.


What has been your most exciting or interesting project so far?

All of our projects are exciting, and our work is very varied. But what I'm particularly interested in at the moment are all the developments concerning sustainability. It's exciting to see how the topic permeates all areas.

One example: At first I wouldn't have thought there was any potential for sustainability in the area of flooring laminate, but our mono PP film can even be used in this field. That always shows me just how many more possibilities there are that we are able to exploit - the replacement of PVC in particular is currently a major topic for us.

Tell us about your experience at ETIMEX. Why do you consider ETIMEX to be a special employer?

I was excited about the focus on sustainability at ETIMEX from the beginning. I had already read a lot about it on the website during the application process, and since I've been working here, I know that sustainability is not just written on the company's website, but is actually part of it. For example, a large part of our electricity is produced from renewable energy sources and the strong focus on the recyclability of our packaging materials is really exceptional in the plastics industry. I used to find this point particularly challenging about the industry: we actually sell waste products that are thrown away after they have been used. At ETIMEX, I now have the opportunity to work on this issue and turn it into a "greener" solution.

Another factor that sets ETIMEX apart are the fast decision-making procedures. There is close contact with everyone, but at the same time you have significant flexibility in your own work. Instead of being controlled, we have a very flexible way of working where I can organize my working day the way I want - whether in terms of my working hours or the way I work best.


So what do you like to do in your free time?

Besides the time I spend with my two children, I like to do sports - as far as time allows I go jogging - and I love to cook.

I also love learning new things, which is why I've been doing personal training for many years now. Currently, for example, I'm doing a distance learning course to become a personal coach.
I find it very exciting to keep gaining insights into completely new and different subject areas.


If you could describe ETIMEX in three words, which ones would you use?

The word that immediately comes to mind is, of course, sustainable.
Moreover, I enjoy the atmosphere in the team. I think the best way to describe this team cohesion and the helpfulness of the colleagues is to say familiar.
I also perceive ETIMEX to be a very customer-oriented company. Throughout the company, we are totally open to requests that come from the customer. We are always ready and willing to take action quickly.


Alexander, please introduce yourself. What are you currently responsible for at ETIMEX?

My name is Alexander Appelhanz. I recently completed my training as an Electronics Technician for Operating Technology at ETIMEX and have now been taken on as a permanent employee.

That sounds like an exciting job. How was your training at ETIMEX?

My training lasted a total of 3.5 years. During the time of the Corona pandemic, there were of course a few changes to the usual schedule, for example in the vocational school lessons. In the first six months, I didn't have any vocational school at all, and in the second year I only had online classes. In other words, the classroom phase didn't start until the third year of my apprenticeship. But I think the training was very manageable, despite Corona.

Which tasks did you particularly like during your apprenticeship?

I have to say that theory and practice are really different in electronics. In my job, I work mostly hands-on and always on very different tasks; in my training, I worked much more on the PC. I had a lot to do with PLC programming. That was great, because I really enjoy programming in general. And my training focused on automation technology. You learn a lot about automation as, for example, regarding smart homes.

Apart from the tasks, what convinces someone to do the training at ETIMEX?

What I really liked, apart from the tasks, were the trainee meetings that the ETIMEX youth trainee representative organizes at least once a year. We did a wide variety of things there, such as visits to other companies, a trip to the climbing forest, or a dinner together. At these events, all the trainees from the different departments were able to get to know each other better.

What's also very cool is that the company also gives us time to study for school. Especially during exam time, this gives us the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming exams without any problems.

In addition, the salaries at ETIMEX are all paid according to collective agreements. Just like all the other employees, we have 30 days of vacation per year, we get reimbursed for our travel expenses to school, and we even get a Christmas bonus.

Another thing that I personally liked very much are the opportunities for further training after the apprenticeship. You can become a "master" craftsman, a technician, a technical specialist, catch up on your A-levels or even study. There are many possibilities and ways to the top.

And then, of course, there is something very important: ETIMEX is very keen to take on its own trainees after their training. After my apprenticeship, I was given a permanent contract, and that's what I've heard from many other apprentices.

In my opinion, ETIMEX is a top training company in the craft sector.

How did you get your apprenticeship?

I first did an internship here at the company. You get to know two jobs - in my case it was Industrial Mechanic and Electronics Technician. My internship lasted four days, two of which I was shown various things in the locksmith's shop and two in the electrical workshop.

After that, I looked at the current job postings and applied. That went really well for me: After my interview, I had a recruitment test with a practical exercise and was accepted straight away.

And in the meantime, I've even been allowed to give new interns an insight into my profession. Everyone always finds automation technology in particular very exciting.

And now something completely different: How do you spend your lunch break?

I walk home during my lunch break and eat there. Because I don't have far to go. But I always stayed at the company during the breakfast break, especially during my apprenticeship - that's when all the apprentices eat together at one table.

And what advice would you give future applicants?

Become an Electronics Technician, not a Metal Worker. No, just fun! ;-) Do what you enjoy. And if you're looking for a skilled trade, ETIMEX is a great company. The training program here is really advanced. You learn a lot of things here and always get enough time to study for vocational school. I think the training plan is top.

And for those who want to become Electricians. I can really recommend the training. You can apply all the knowledge practically and meaningful in everyday life. I can replace a broken socket at home or set up a complete smart home at a professional level.

Eva, tell us a few things about your role at ETIMEX. What are your responsibilities?

I'd love to. I have been with ETIMEX for about five months. As Manager R&D, I am responsible for Research and Development. One of the key areas of my work is sustainability - this is also an important part of my master's degree in "Packaging Technology and Sustainability," which I am completing part-time.

My daily tasks at ETIMEX include numerous laboratory activities. In agreement with quality management, I analyze our films and check the current development status. By the way, in development we are also responsible for new formulations, which is truly exciting. This means that we run trials in production, prepare calculations, supervise packaging tests and are also responsible for comprehensive documentation. One of my main areas of expertise is food law, which I handle together with a colleague. And I deal with sustainability on a daily basis - that's a very broad field. This also includes legal regulations and new technologies. So I guess you can already see that my job is very diverse and every day is completely different.

That sounds very diverse. How do you combine your studies and your work at ETIMEX?

It is. However, in order to combine studies and work, you have to be flexible. When I asked for a part-time position that could be combined with a master's degree, I got a direct response from ETIMEX that it was not a problem. I therefore work here four days a week. Fridays are my days off, which are dedicated to my studies - but any other day is also possible by arrangement. The fact that ETIMEX is also flexible in this respect is a great support.

In addition, there is the fact that the master's program can be combined very well with my job. My studies are very contemporary, as the program is still very new. Many of my lecturers work full-time in the packaging industry, so they all know the day-to-day business in detail. However, if I have any questions about understanding course content, I can also approach everyone at our company at any time and get helpful practical insights. It's a really great experience to be able to apply my knowledge of sustainability issues gained during my studies directly to my day-to-day work at ETIMEX.

I'm already handing in my master's thesis in a month. But I have to say, I'm also looking forward to being able to devote myself completely to work then.

What is the coolest part of your job?

I think it's very cool that the paths to our management are very short. That means that if you have a concern, you can exchange ideas at any time. People really listen to your ideas - that's why it's so easy to make a difference at ETIMEX. Everyone at ETIMEX always has an open ear and as a young professional you are taken just as seriously and treated just like everyone else. You can't take that for granted everywhere.

In addition, when I started my job, I had an intensive orientation phase in the company. I was able to get to know all my colleagues right away, especially the people with whom I have many interfaces. I think that's exactly how it should be. This was very good.


What is your most important work item and why?

One of my most important work utensils is my laptop. Conference documents, meetings, SAP, everything is digital on the computer - you can't do anything without it. I need to be up to date at all times and remain in step with the latest developments. It's also an excellent way to stay in touch with everyone remotely via Microsoft Teams.

The other thing that comes to mind is my calendar. I still use a haptic calendar where I write everything down. That helps me keep track of everything.

Which two words would you use to describe ETIMEX?

The first word I can think of is based on our slogan "everyday & everywhere": everywhere. After all, it's true, we are everywhere. I am a local person from the area. Before I started working for ETIMEX, I was not aware of where our films are used throughout the region. Now, of course, I have a good overview and I have to say - we are truly everywhere. We have food packaging in various areas and we are active in the pharmaceutical sector. We have films for technical applications as well as non-food packaging. When I go shopping, I see all kinds of possible ETIMEX packaging everywhere. Then I also check if our stamp is at the bottom of the packaging.

And the second word that comes to mind: open. At ETIMEX, everybody is open to new ideas and opinions. You are always listened to and you can get actively involved. There is also a great deal of openness with regard to my studies. The fact that a part-time job alongside my studies causes no difficulties was something I had never experienced before. At the time I started studying, no one or very few people knew about my course of study in our industry. However, all the departments are very interested - interested in me as a person, my knowledge and my ideas. That's really great!