How did you get into the leather industry?

Robert has been working in leather finishing factories for 20 years and has been employed by Eagle Ottawa for 2 years.

How did he find the job opportunity?

He found the company through an employment agency. Compared to his previous jobs, he finds many challenges in his work, which he enjoys. He wishes to continue working for the company as he finds inspiration in his work.

What is his role in the leather industry?

He is a shiftleader and technical supervisor in the finishing area. He deals with finishing, staking and embossing. He has roughly one hundred people working directly under his supervision in 7 or 8 different working areas.

He feels he has great responsibility in his work, supervising his shift and preparing the area to ensure other shifts can work effectively and efficiently.

What are the challenges he faces in his work?

He believes it’s beneficial to work as part of a team, it’s important for the working area to be properly setup, to determine the capacity of machinery necessary for the given amount of work. There is a need for continuous monitoring, control, so that each process can be conducted in accordance with internal instructions.

What qualifications are needed for the job?

He doesn’t have any specific qualification, but has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. Logistics and Production Management are his main fields of interests. He wishes to learn more and more about the leather profession and to improve continuously.

What is his advice to those colleagues who wish to learn his kind of work?

You have to be thorough and precise during your work. A peaceful atmosphere should be preserved at all times and enough attention must be given to workers in order to achieve a better teamwork.

What does he appreciate in his work?

Another day is another opportunity to learn new things. He considers his work to be an adventure. He also considers the prospects of the company to be solid. The plant is expanding and the company is seen as a positive employer.