Frank, CNC press brake operator

From a career at Philips to a warm welcome at Contour: Frank (64) tells his story

After a long career of 37 years, Frank made the move to Contour. Now, as an experienced CNC press brake operator, he feels completely at home at the Winterswijk metal specialist. “From day one I felt at home here, it was a really warm welcome,” Frank begins.

A new start

“When the factory where I worked was going to close, I came into contact with Contour through former colleagues,” Frank says. “They were looking for an experienced press brake operator and that is how I got in. I was welcomed right away and introduced to everyone. I got all the time I needed to get used to the machines, the products and the company. That was very nice, no pressure to be fully up to speed after a week.”

At Contour, Frank mainly works with Safan press brakes. “Because I am a bit older, I now do the smaller projects and products. That suits me well. Every now and then I still help out at a larger press brake, but mostly I focus on the finer work.”

Frank, CNC press brake operator at Contour

Working at Contour: independence and atmosphere

Frank noticed that the approach at Contour was different from what he was used to. “Here you are expected to work independently fairly quickly; you get the assignment and you get started. That took some getting used to at first, but it also fits my experience.

Feeling at home and enjoying the work

According to Frank, the “warm welcome” feeling comes mainly from the colleagues and the atmosphere. “The cafeteria is pleasant, the breaks are good and the two-shift working hours suit me fine, especially at my age,” he explains. “I am always in a good mood. Look, I always say: we come here to work. I brought that attitude with me, and it means we get the jobs done together.”

This positive attitude and good work ethic are appreciated. “It is nice that Contour also has an eye for experienced people. I am glad that I could still get a permanent job here after the age of sixty.” Frank now uses the generation pact scheme, so he works 80% but builds up 100% pension and has every Friday off. “After more than 40 years of work, that is wonderful!”

Proud of high-tech

Frank did not know Contour before, even though he worked nearby. “When I tell people at parties that I work at Contour, I explain what we make. I tell them that we make, for example, complex enclosures and parts for ASML chip machines. People often don’t realize everything that goes into that.”

According to Frank, the contact with colleagues from other departments, such as the programmers, sheet metal workers and welders, is also pleasant. “If something comes up, they help you right away. The programs and orders are almost always well prepared, which works nicely.”

A vital craftsman full of energy

Frank is far from done, as his active lifestyle shows. “I cycle 35 kilometers to and from work every day, and I have done that for 40 years! I also play padel, like to walk and do volunteer work with people with disabilities. That combination of physical work and exercise keeps you fit.”

Looking ahead: variety and learning new things

Although Frank sees bending as his specialty, he is always open to new things. “At my previous employer I always jumped in where needed: assembly, the paint shop, the warehouse. I always liked that variety. Here at Contour I have also spent a few weeks working along in Assembly, which I enjoyed. Working with your hands and seeing how things work in other departments teaches you something and keeps the work interesting. I want to look for that variety at Contour too.”

Why Contour?

Asked why someone should come to work at Contour, Frank is clear: “If you are looking for a place where your craftsmanship is appreciated, where there is a good, informal atmosphere and where you help make impressive products, you are in the right place. There is a good mix of experienced employees and young, enthusiastic colleagues, and that is a good basis for learning from each other. I would rather be busy than have to look for work, and there is always plenty to do here, with a lot of variety in the parts we make.”

Frank’s story shows that Contour is a company where experience counts, where you quickly feel at home and where you make a concrete contribution to the high-tech manufacturing industry. A place where the down-to-earth Achterhoek mentality and innovative ambitions go hand in hand.

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