This is the year we, CSi palletising, exist 60 years. In honour of the occasion we’ve spoken to people who have been with us for considerable time. They’ll take us with them on their journeys to and in the company. Up first is Daniëlle van Tilburg, Documentalist at CSi Raamsdonksveer, the Netherlands.

Hi Daniëlle, what do you do at CSi?

“I’m Daniëlle van Tilburg, my official function is documentalist for the department Manuals, but in truth I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I create mechanical spare parts lists for the Manuals department and provide support to the hardware engineers. Additionally, I manage electrical articles for the entire company and generate the hardware drawing package for the i-Pal. This involves creating a package of all drawings in the i-Pal configuration, including all order lists, etc. I also make the drawing packages for the installed base of i-Pals for the hardware. I have an electrical engineering background and now support overall in the Hardware department. Furthermore, I am involved in the first aid team, the Works Council, and the ERP project.”

You’ve been in several roles within CSi, could you take us through?

“I’ve been here since June 1^st, 1997, so that’s 27 years now. I still enjoy it because I always have plenty of challenges. I also find the systems fascinating, the way they operate and move. And we have an extremely interesting clientele. From the beginning, the company has had a family atmosphere, the contact with colleagues is always pleasant. The working atmosphere is very nice, e.g. the director is on equal footing with the rest, it’s an open culture. Furthermore, there are growth opportunities, and management thinks along with you if you’re not in the right place.

I started through an agency at Stork (which was later taken over by CSi) as a hardware engineer draftsman. Then I was brought into the Manuals department. After two years, I went back to hardware engineering, which I did for 10 years. Gradually, I started taking over work preparation and purchasing, doing less engineering. When CSi Romania opened its doors and part of the drawing work was moved there, I became a project support officer for a year, but that wasn’t for me. At that time, I looked to see if there was a spot in the R&D department, and in 2012, I found a place in the Manuals department, where I still am. My manager was very supportive, and together we looked for more supportive tasks I could fulfil for the engineering. I’ve had many different roles at CSi, but I’ve always felt supported and at home.”

How would you describe your colleagues?

“There are very diverse people working at CSi, and they are great to work with. Generally, there are two trends among the employees: either they leave within a few years, or they stay for a very long time. Colleagues rarely leave between 7 and 30 years of service, and of those who do leave, a quarter comes back. This shows that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and I’m not the only one who enjoys working at CSi.”

What is the memory that stands out the most to you?

“My anniversary two years ago was really well-organized and well-done. We were with three people celebrating 25 years of service and one retiree. I received more compliments in 5 minutes than I had heard in 25 years, and they were very kind and special words. There are so many great moments to choose from. Two years ago, we spent a day on the water with small boats. We were divided in teams but all from different departments, I got to know people in a very different way. Also, because everyone is on the same level, everyone is equal, we’re all human.

I also participate annually in the motorcycle tour, a few years ago we visited Elimar. He’s a German colleague, the bond with foreign colleagues is very strong. In 2003, we also visited Elimar on the motorcycle tour, it was very memorable to tour there again together after so many years. It was such a fantastic weekend, we were with 15 people. Additionally, simple things like the Christmas breakfast or Easter brunch make it just a bit more fun. The fun we have with colleagues is always great. You must continue to enjoy going to work, that’s the ambition.”