Permanent Contract for Frans at Kroon Packaging

Meet our star employee, Frans!

We met Frans at the end of 2020. Frans told us then that he had enjoyed working for many years at a packaging company in Bunschoten-Spakenburg. He had been with the company for over 38 years!

As a 17-year-old, he started working at this company. He felt comfortable there—right at home. He was also able to grow personally there. He worked his way up from production worker to operator. In his role as an operator, he oversaw the production of a variety of attractive cardboard displays.

After more than 38 fulfilling years on the job, the unthinkable unfortunately happened. His employer had to file for bankruptcy. That’s where Frans’s career came to an end after more than 38 years! That’s no small feat, which is why it was so sad to have to start looking for a new employer again after such a long time. And, naturally, it was also very nerve-wracking, because he had never applied for a job before.

A Fresh Start Through BergWerk

Erwin, a former colleague and supervisor, was eager to help his reliable colleague find a new job—and a new sense of fulfillment at work. So he reached out to BergWerk. This was also because we had a job opening at the time that had caught Erwin’s interest on social media. A position at a similar employer specializing in cardboard boxes—that might just be the right fit for Frans! Initial contact was made quickly.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go smoothly right away—this job opening had just been snatched up right under our noses and was already filled. We took the next step. Frans stopped by BergWerk for a personal interview. We realized pretty quickly that we were dealing with a reliable, top-notch candidate, because Frans is friendly, modest, one of the old-school types, and a man of his word. He does what he promises. That’s the kind of attitude every employer wants. Through BergWerk, Frans then worked at various companies. This allowed him to discover, at his own pace, what kind of work—and perhaps even more importantly, what kind of company—suited him best.

Eventually, he ended up at Kroon Packaging in Nijkerk. As the name suggests, it’s a company that specializes in packaging—an industry that felt like a natural fit for Frans. And it was just a ten-minute bike ride away!

Get Started at Kroon Packaging

In June 2021, Frans started working at Kroon Packaging as a production worker through BergWerk. There, he works on the packaging line, where he prepares cardboard, stacks packages, and operates the machines. These tasks and this employer make Frans very happy indeed.

Whereas Frans used to spend 45 minutes commuting for some jobs, he now gets to work in no time. He calls it a relief. He now comes home much less tired.

Frans also feels comfortable working with the great team he’s part of. During breaks, he and his coworkers share plenty of laughs. They also regularly talk about soccer, and Frans has already managed to convince a few of his coworkers that Feyenoord is the best club in the Netherlands. Frans also works closely with machine operator David. Together, they work on the same packaging line and make each other’s workday just a little bit more enjoyable.

Back to Permanent Employment

His team leader is so impressed with him that he was offered a permanent contract as early as December 2021. Back in permanent employment after all this time—and yes, at a great packaging company with a relaxed atmosphere. He feels completely at home again and goes to work every day with the same smile on his face!

That just goes to show. Together we’re strong, and where there’s a will, there’s always a way. We wish Frans all the best in his new job!