Motivated Hertel team supports AEB around the clock
Frank Schiltkamp has worked at Hertel for 32 years and is currently the project manager and contact person for the customer and Hertel at the Amsterdamse Afval Energie Bedrijf. His pride is also evident in his responses: "The whole team is there day and night for AEB, in principle. I know that everybody keeps their mobiles by their bedside, just in case AEB calls."
Periodic maintenance number 2
The Hertel team is currently working around the clock, because a big shutdown is under way. One of the boilers is out of operation for four weeks and the people on Frank's team are responsible for the scaffolding and for insulating all the pipes and equipment. The shutdown also means a heavy workload for Robert Miskovic and Mahmut Atay, who work closely with Frank. Robert is a financial administrator and Mahmut is a foreman and scaffolding planner. Frank explains: "Every morning, a review meeting is held with everyone involved. AEB then tells us what's on the agenda for that day. There is a fixed protocol for this, which means the lines are kept short and problems can be tackled immediately." Robert adds: "That isn't to say that we just plan things from one day to the next. We start preparing for the work months ahead of a major shutdown, and we work according to a pre-defined scope." Mahmut laughs: "Yes, otherwise there wouldn't be enough equipment on hand.”
Teamwork: the essential ingredient of good service
Frank stresses the collaboration within the Hertel team. "We are there for the customer, 24 hours a day. Our strength lies in good cooperation and communication between team members. We are a united team and we are all experts in our own right, with knowledge and experience. That includes our Lithuanian colleagues."
Says Robert: "Teamwork is essential when you're providing a service. What's more, we are aware of our responsibilities and we get along well."
Proud of the job
According to the men on the team, Hertel can be proud of this job. "We started out here with scaffolding, and that was soon followed by insulation. Now, we have a contract for four years. Furthermore, as Hertel, we also provide fire-retardant coatings for the company. That's a job for an expert," explains Frank.
"In terms of hours, it's certainly a mammoth job. By the end of it, I think we'll have spent 8-10,000 man hours," says Robert.
"People don't see what goes on behind the scenes at a waste company, just how much is involved in keeping this business running. That's why clear communication and swift action are so important. Hertel delivers all of that," states Frank, with conviction.
Tuesday 07th of August 2012, 11:01:17 AM BST
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