In the paragraphs below, four colleagues who last year found a temporary new home in various places around the world tell us about the skills and insights they gained during their stay, about everyday life in their host country and how the exchange has made a difference in their daily work.
“I was able to get to know two countries during my Across Borders exchange: Thailand and China. In my job as digitalization engineer for packaging and conveyor system technology, I’m tasked with designing a more intelligent, more reliable line control system from the sensor data and operating data collected. That’s why I held workshops in Bangkok for the colleagues in local second-level support on the basics of data acquisition, data flows and data volumes of Krones machines. To put it another way: I explained which data we get from the machines, how these are processed in the machines and which digital products can subsequently be created on the basis of such data. My tasks in Taicang were similar. The discussions we had in those training sessions resulted in further workshops, for example on how relatively old machines can also be included in the digital knowledge transfer.
I think it’s fascinating to watch the speed at which everything to do with digitalization is developing. I was able to witness that at both facilities. The exchange was about much more than simply travelling to these countries. I was actively promoting the exchange of knowledge, so that all of us could learn a lot from each other. What’s more, matching Krones’ digital products not only to European requirements but to Asian needs as well gave me an entirely new perspective.
In addition to the professional input I got, I also learned quite a bit about the cultures of both Thailand and China during several outings with my colleagues. And back home here in Germany, I still enjoy cooking the delicious food I was able to taste there.”
“I’m a mechatronics engineer in Filling Technology Production, subsection Module Carousel. The things I do here every day include electrical and mechanical work on a wide variety of filling lines. At Krones Inc., I was able to draw upon my multi-facetted knowledge and get a taste of the daily routines in various departments. That allowed me to take part in many different projects and to expand my personal skill set. My activities covered a broad spectrum. To give you just one example: I was involved with the entire process from a Canmatic labeller’s basic construction right through to its commissioning. For me personally, living and working in another country for six months was an exceptional experience, and I really appreciate having been given that opportunity.”
“In my job in Brazil, I’d already had frequent contact with the Steinecker colleagues in Freising. As LCS project manager, I often support customers by answering their technical questions. And thanks to Across Borders, I then went to work in Freising myself and closely cooperated with the Steinecker team. During my stay, I gained a whole lot of new professional expertise, which enables me to enhance customer satisfaction with after-sales projects here in South America.
My aims were to get a good look at the technical documents and to understand the working methods of my German colleagues. On one particularly memorable day, I visited a customer together with a field-service technician and helped with a machine inspection and was able to pick up a number of tips and tricks and get to know the methodology of line inspection and maintenance jobs. But this exchange to Steinecker didn’t only enhance my professional expertise. I also learned a great deal outside of work, as my stay in Germany enabled me to travel all over Europe. My highlight in that respect was a visit to the Budapest Beer Week.”
“Thanks to my stay at Krones headquarters in Neutraubling, I not only enhanced my professional expertise as bottle designer in the LCS NA Plastics Retrofits department and discovered bottle designs that are different from those used in North and South America. I was also able to work on my soft skills. At first, I found it difficult to strike a balance between two facilities located in different time zones. But gradually both planning and organisation between the two countries got better and better and have meanwhile become a matter of routine. Ever since I took part in the Across Borders programme, communication has really improved, and it’s a lot easier to clarify any questions or uncertainties because I know exactly whom to contact.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the corporate culture that bonds all the staff together here in Neutraubling. That team spirit is palpable everywhere, during short coffee breaks, shared lunches or the outings that colleagues go on in their leisure time. The pleasant work environment and the countless great people I met in Germany and all over the world have given me the feeling of being part of something really big.”
