Growing within Nedlin

As plant manager at Nedlin Industry, Sander Simons is responsible for the entire operation. From logistics to engineering and building management; with the exception of commerce, Sander is involved in everything. His career at Nedlin began 15 years ago in packing. With a broad smile, he tells his story. “If you want to achieve something, you have to go for it!”

Sander had just graduated in real estate and brokerage from Fontys University of Applied Sciences when the real estate crisis hit. Through the employment agency, he rolled into production at Nedlin. Even on the first day, Sander knew he was in the right place. “The culture suits me. The dynamics, getting things done: that really appeals to me.” First, he was in the Healthcare laundry at packing. After nine months, he transferred to Nedlin Hospitality.

There he joined Björn Frijns, now Director Technical Affairs, then Plant Manager. “Under Björn’s wing, I have grown into various roles. From production worker to coordinator and later production manager. Then to shiftleader and head of production until eventually, in 2019, I became Plant Manager at Nedlin Industry.”

The skills he needed to do so, Sander gained mainly from working. ‘Training on the job’, as it is called. He also attended the General Facilities course at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, and training courses on interview techniques and leadership at Turma and Ormit Talent. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in Business Engineering at NCOI, with a specialisation in energy transition policy.

In his current job, he is the one who challenges others. “I encourage colleagues to undergo training and develop themselves.” Don’t be too modest, he advises. “I knew I could do more and saw there were opportunities. You have to seize them yourself, though. Tell people what you want. That’s how I was able to develop myself.”

Together with her team, Shiftleader Deborah Welling makes sure the laundry is done on time every day. At Nedlin Hospitality, she stands for quality. In the process, she has had to learn to rely on her own qualities. “I did not consider myself a born leader. But I’m better at it than I thought.”

With her open mind and boundless energy, ‘people person’ Deborah gets everyone on board. Production workers, coordinators and production managers: if she wants something done in the laundry, it takes surprisingly little effort. Her secret? “I am very open and treat everyone the same. I think that helps.”

She also knows exactly what the job entails. 10 years ago, she started at the wringer herself. That first day almost became her last, as she did not reach the standard. But because she really needed a job due to circumstances, Deborah was given a second chance. “Then I went for it.” She laughs: “After that, they couldn’t do without me.”

After that, she moved on to preliminary work and claims. Until Luciano Deiana, Plant Manager at Nedlin Hospitality, asked her to be a coordinator. “I myself found it difficult to start leading colleagues. But he believed in me.” Once at the helm, Deborah found leadership ‘super fun’. Moreover, colleagues were not at all bothered by her new role. So she slowly grew to become a production manager and shiftleader. With external training, such as Excel, BHV, forklift driver and ORMIT. But especially with intensive coaching on the job.

She and her production leaders still sometimes take over the floor. All stations, one by one, giving colleagues time for a little extra break. “That is appreciated.” Consequently, she wants to stay on the floor for now. “I enjoy replacing our Head of Production when he is on holiday, but I prefer being among people.”