Growing, learning, and thriving at SEKISUI

Anastasia’s journey at SEKISUI POLYMATECH EUROPE

Hello Anastasia, can you introduce yourself and describe your role at SEKISUI?
Hello! My name is Anastasia, and I am 36 years old. I have been working at SEKISUI POLYMATECH (SPE) as an operator for the past three years. My role is multifunctional, involving tasks such as operating mixers, handling cartridges, managing the warehouse, pressing, and packing products.

Tell us more about your path at SEKISUI: since when have you been working at SEKISUI, how did you hear about the company, and why did you decide to join SEKISUI?
I am originally from Greece, where I also worked as an operator, mostly in the food industry, often on night shifts. I decided to move to the Netherlands and initially settled in Nord-Brabant because I had friends there. After meeting my partner, we decided to move and settle in the Limburg region. When I started looking for a job as an operator, an agency informed me about a position at SEKISUI POLYMATECH. I had heard a lot about SEKISUI due to its excellent reputation in the area, so I decided to join, and here we are.

What are your tasks within SEKISUI? How would you describe a typical working day?
We start each shift with a whiteboard meeting to hand over tasks between shifts. After that, the supervisor assigns positions to each operator for the day. Depending on the tasks for the day, I can work at different stages of production with various machinery. At SPE, we produce Thermal Gap-filler using silicone paste. We have different levels of processes to arrive at the final product, and each step requires strong focus and concentration. My daily tasks alternate between manufacturing operations, working with machinery (mixers, pressing machines, and cartridges), and handling warehouse logistics, such as inbound processing, unloading trucks, stocking pallets, and preparing orders for customers.

How do you ensure quality and safety in your daily tasks?
Ensuring safety at work is the top priority at SEKISUI, which is part of why I feel confident and safe working here. We have all the necessary safety equipment, from head to toe, including the right clothes, helmets, and shoes. We follow clear safety protocols, which I make sure to adhere to. By working methodically, staying organized, and focusing on my tasks, I achieve high-quality results.

“Ensuring safety at work is the top priority at SEKISUI, which is part of why I feel confident and safe working here.”

What kind of training or skills are essential for your role?
Knowledge of manufacturing production and processes is vital. The ability to operate and control equipment, attention to detail, and mechanical and technical skills are crucial. Additionally, observation and recording skills, as well as the ability to work well with others, are key to ensuring a smooth workflow. We regularly attend various training sessions (safety training, yellow belt training, communication training), which help me keep learning every day. It is both essential to stay up to date and rewarding because I feel myself growing in my job.

How do you collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operations?
Each department has different time processes. With good planning, there is always time to ensure smooth operations and help each other.

What do you like about working at SEKISUI? And what do you see as a challenge?
I enjoy working on new and complex production processes, I find it both challenging and rewarding because I can learn everyday.

Additionally, working in a predominantly male environment presents its own set of challenges. I need to have a strong character to prove that there is a place for me in the factory. I enjoy working on technical tasks, and I believe that, as a woman, I can bring a different perspective to the job and make valuable contributions. When people are open-minded and set their egos aside, we can achieve great teamwork and accomplish amazing things together.

“I enjoy working on technical tasks, and I believe that, as a woman, I can bring a different perspective to the job and make valuable contributions.”

What is unique for you about working for SEKISUI?
The presence of Japanese culture at work is unique, and it is conveyed to us in our daily operations. Using KAIZEN method of continuous improvement or Poka-yoke, a Japanese continuous improvement strategy based on the concept of mistake-proofing, help us working more effectively and tend to prevent errors before they happen.

I also appreciate that SEKISUI is a global company but operates on a human scale. There is a lot of humanity here; the company takes care of its employees, and you feel it daily.

Do you have a special fact or a fun anecdote about working at SEKISUI to share with us?
During the last weeks of my pregnancy with twins, my belly had grown so large that I couldn't bend down to pick up anything from the floor. My colleagues would playfully tease me about it but also helped me a lot during that time. I really felt supported. One memorable day, when I was six months pregnant, only two of us were working on the production floor. Despite the busy schedule, my colleague and I managed to complete all tasks successfully through excellent cooperation and organization. The camaraderie and teamwork made it a positive memory, showing the supportive environment within our team.

To be a bit more personal: what do you like to do during your free time, any special activity or passion?
I enjoy reading and learning a lot about my new role as a mom. I am also working on becoming a coach in my former sport, discus throw. 

What do you wish or aim for the future?
Goals always push me to be a better person, keep me motivated, and boost my confidence. When I work to achieve something, I try to transform myself into a better person. We should have realistic goals, as they are the reason to live a better life.