Raymond, can you tell us what you do as an all-round fitter?
“I’m mainly based in the workshop. That’s where I build our products, working with wood, glass, and metal. I also sometimes work on site, assembling custom-made display cases. So you could say I’m deployable everywhere.”
“A display case should look the way I would want it to look in my own home.”
Are you a technical all-rounder as well?
“I have a background in metalwork and transport, and I spent many years installing roller shutters. That certainly helped when I started here. But I really learned the finer points of the job from my colleagues. And besides, you never stop learning. Recently, for example, I spent some time in the sawing department, which gave me a better understanding of the preparation of the profiles. I can now also mill aluminium myself.”
Which qualities are indispensable in your profession?
“Above all, accuracy so that display cases are delivered neatly and to a high standard. And technical insight: to solve problems and to improve display cases just that little bit more. For example, by using a different profile, a back panel made from another material, or alternative lighting. Any such adjustment is always discussed with the work preparation and sales departments. That means you need to be able to provide solid technical reasoning.”
So you don’t just follow a technical drawing without question?
“Definitely not. I enjoy thinking along, and that’s appreciated here. In the end, it’s all about the result: a display case should look the way I would want it in my own home. If I know it’s right—and that customers are satisfied then that really makes my day.”
Are there any unique display cases or projects on your wish list?
“Absolutely. I’d love to work on truly special display cases that involve a lot of electrical work. For that, I still have a lot to learn from our head fitter. Sometimes the location also makes a project special. I once worked at Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes, England. Places like that stay with you forever. Projects at unique locations? I’d happily add a few more of those to my list!”
