Servicemonteur
Stefan Konijn
Becoming a specialist through confidence and deepening
Stefan has been working at SMT since 2010 and specialises in Sennebogen machines. Large handling machines in ports and industrial areas, exactly the kind of work that energises him. "They are impressive machines. The work on them is technically challenging and no job is standard." His move to SMT came out of curiosity. "I was already working with Volvo machines and had a lot of contact with SMT. When I got the chance to start and continue learning here, I took it." Since then, he grew from all-round mechanic to specialist. "You get the space here to really deepen your knowledge."
The interview with Stefan
What does a working day look like for you?
Stefan starts his day early. "I leave home around six and arrive at the customer's premises around seven." First tune up, then get to work. That could be planned maintenance, a breakdown or a complex repair. Because he works with large machines, he often spends a whole day with one machine at one location. "My van is supplied at night, I don't have to pass by the branch and have everything with me. That works efficiently."
What gives you satisfaction in your work?
For Stefan, it's all about quality. "When a breakdown is fixed and a machine is running again." But just as important is the way. "The approach is always: right the first time. Taking the right parts and knowledge to the customer, so that the work is really finished." This does not always succeed, but the bar is set high. The contact with customers and the fact that you come to a different location every day motivates him to get to work every day. "Customers are happy when you come but even happier when you leave and their machines are working again. That makes the work a lot of fun."
How do you experience the responsibility within SMT?
"You have a lot of freedom, but that includes responsibility," Stefan explains. "You decide together with the customer what has priority and how you organise the day." Sometimes that means working longer hours. "You don't leave a job half done. You get that trust here, and that suits me."
Why he has worked at SMT for so long
For Stefan, SMT's strength lies in reliability and professionalism. "The salary is good and always on time, and with 40 days' holiday you can rest well too. AND most importantly, you work with challenging technology on top brands." Education and training are taken seriously, which is essential for him. "That's how I was able to specialise in Sennebogen machines." "They are machines that could do with a bit more attention," he says with a smile. "And the work on them is really special. That's what makes me still in my place here, after all these years."
