Stefan Thiel – field service, surface treatment technology A lot revolves around process engineering, technical innovations and energy efficiency.

In the first six months I enjoyed a very good and intensive induction, completed internal work experience studies and got a taste of work in the various departments, from the planning and design of the plants to their manufacture. That was enlightening. I worked for about five years in project management for cleanroom technology and then “swapped sides”. Now I work in field service for project development. There are various core areas at RIPPERT. Together with my colleagues I’m responsible for the planning of plants for surface coatings or cleanroom technology. Cleanroom technology is frequently needed for special coating processes – for example in the automotive industry. Our goal is to minimise faulty coatings due to particle inclusions and the resulting product scrap or rework. A lot of the work has to do with process technology, technical innovations or energy efficiency. The individual projects are sometimes very complex. We are in Sales, and it’s not a matter of course that one should be involved in every project phase. That makes the work exciting and not at all boring. There are virtually no simple “Copy & Paste” processes. In many companies, Sales mostly has to do with the sale of a finished product. It’s different here. We accompany the technical development of the plant, the selection of the components and sometimes also the commissioning on site. It’s really very nice to see the successful completion of a project at a customer with your own eyes. We exchange information internally with colleagues from the other branches in the company, as well as externally with manufacturers and market observers, because plant construction is always evolving, whether it be new application techniques, handling systems or robotics concepts. I find it very exciting that we in Sales collaborate in that and concern ourselves with such new trends. In general, the job is very communicative. The telephone handset and the clicking of links for video conferences is just as much a part of daily work as the exchange of information with professional groups, colleagues, the different trades involved and naturally with the customers. RIPPERT brings along a great deal of experience in the fulfilment of specific customer requirements. I’m not just saying that, it’s something that I experience again and again in practice. What do I appreciate about my employer? The working atmosphere, the short-decision making processes and the (hopefully) good relations with my colleagues. The working conditions are outstanding. We are provided with free coffee and water and we have an excellent canteen in which the food is freshly prepared every day. The air-conditioned offices have height-adjustable desks with state-of-the-art IT. Home office is also possible if necessary. What I also like a lot is that my personal wishes are respected. I’m a family man, so it’s nice that I can enjoy parental leave and also take longer holidays.