Name: Martin
Age: 44
Job title: Tissue machine operator
Nationality: German
Current location: Kreuzau, Germany
“We brainstorm every morning to see if there is anything we could do better.”
I joined the company as an operator assistant at the Kreuzau mill back in 1997. Five years ago I was offered a position as tissue machine operator, and I’m really enjoying it. My daily role is to keep the machine in good condition and, on most days, to produce several tonnes of high-quality tissue ready for conversion into the products you know from your supermarket shelves. I personally check every roll that leaves the machine and document the main quality data.
I try to help Metsä Tissue deliver the best possible products to our customers. I look for ways of saving raw materials and minimising water and energy consumption. Every morning shift, our team members meet for a daily brainstorming session. We look at our daily production figures, health statistics and technical inventory to see if there is anything we can do better. We participate in developing new products to strengthen our position and we strive to take good care of the environment. This way we ensure that future generations can enjoy the same beautiful surroundings as my colleagues and I do.
We encourage job rotation and open dialogue at our mill, which helps us see where we all fit in the Metsä Tissue puzzle. It feels good to get a lot of support and feedback from our managers. Our mill manager oversees the health and safety of all employees, and we are regularly encouraged to take part in health and fitness schemes.
As part of a company fitness campaign, I was lucky enough to take part in a big orienteering relay in Finland last summer. Our German team trained together for seven months. It was great fun, and by the end of our training, everyone ‘knew their job’, leading our team to a successful finish.