Raymond

Raymond Freeke is a service employee at Elektrolas. His glasses and beard are characteristic. Raymond has broad interests, but technology is his future. Especially welding equipment. With his approach, he is in line with his colleagues from the service team: conscientiousness and honest advice. This is how Elektrolas' service department contributes to the greatest possible reliability of the welding process at production companies.
 
Love for technology
‘I was born in Terneuzen. After high school, I moved to Tilburg to study. I started with English teacher training and switched to History and Architecture. For me, it is not strange to have gained knowledge of different things through various courses. It is simply in my character. Architecture, for instance, gave me insight into constructions and how they are made. By studying Process Technology, I ended up in the food industry. Part of my job was machine maintenance. That is where my love for technology grew. I am currently studying Mechanical Engineering part-time at MBO 4 level. Our training coordinator tipped me off to apply for a job at Elektrolas. He had experienced how things are done here and was quite pleased with Elektrolas' vision of welding technology.’
 
Specialist
‘Right from my job interview at Elektrolas, there was a click. I really fit in here. The service department is part of our Disk of Five, which reflects Elektrolas' total approach. It consists of Service, Sales, Rental, Training and Quality Management. This gives us a comprehensive offering for companies where welding is part of the production process. Most of my work is very specialised and takes place indoors. I repair welding torches, repair faults on the welding machines we receive for repair and prepare machines for rental. I also visit customers for maintenance and inspections. We are well organised and work great together as a team.’
 
Honest and credible
‘Elektrolas wants to be the most reliable supplier for its customers. Our customers rightly expect us to work by the book. But in the end, they benefit most if we perform our service work with foresight. Only then can they rely on a continuous production process. Technical knowledge alone is not enough. Social skills are also important. They ensure a good connection with our customers' employees, such as welders, foremen and entrepreneurs. When I work on location, I notice that they see Elektrolas' service department as honest and credible. The moment we foresee technical problems, we will give clear and fair advice. Based on this, they are better able to make a considered decision. Our Welding Portal, in which we report on the work, brings overview at any time. So by providing clarity, our customers know exactly where they stand.’
 
Maintenance
‘I am eager to learn and have a lot of interests. Also in my private life. With the common thread being the love for my 1998 Volvo V70. I do the maintenance in-house. Among other things, I took the engine in and out for a complete cylinder overhaul. But it's not all about technology. After work, I might as well dive into a psychology book, watch a good film or play a game. I also do snowboarding and krav maga, a non-violent defence sport.’
 
Developments
‘I want to grow even further at Elektrolas and am also curious about all the new technologies coming our way. Elektrolas is at the forefront of the market and shares this knowledge with its customers. For example, about what the welding workshop of tomorrow looks like. Cobots and digitalisation are gradually making their appearance. These new developments make production processes at our customers even better, smarter and safer. Our service department is prepared for this and my colleagues and I are ready for the future.’