From idea to film – meet the people behind the films
2024.08.26 - At Grafityp, we produce innovative, self-adhesive films. Who are the Grafitypers who develop, produce, test and sell the films? And why do they stick with Grafityp? In this blog, you meet the people behind the films.
Phil brings the product idea
Everything starts with a product idea. Those ideas come from Commercial Manager Phil, among others: “The ideas arise during customer visits or conversations with dealers who have a lot of customer contacts. We also respond to trends in the market. Sustainability is one of them. Our own Grafityp Ecological Films were therefore a logical next step.” Phil’s job? “To translate the idea into a commercialisable product with sufficient sales potential in several countries.”
Why do you stick around?
“I come into contact with many different cultures. That is super fascinating. Convincing people to engage with Grafityp is always a fun challenge. I love customer contact and enjoy building a fine relationship.”
Sticking memory
“This year I travelled around the UK with CEO Patrick, by train. We took a train early. After a while, we wondered why the announcements were in English and another foreign language. Turned out we were on our way to Wales. And so that foreign language was Welsh. We managed to get off at the next station and continued on our way to the right destination. Without too much delay in the end. (laughs)”
Kim takes care of product development
The idea then comes to Research & Development, more specifically to R&D Manager Kim. She has more than 20 years of experience in the adhesives industry. “Originally I started in the adhesives department here, but due to internal shifts, I quickly progressed to R&D Manager.” Kim’s job? “Developing new products and constantly improving existing ones, including, of course, our PVC-free films.”
Why do you stick around?
“I really enjoy developing things. The drive to always want to do something new. Why does this not work and that does? How can we improve things? I am working on that every day, not only at work, but also at home!”
Sticking memory
“Every day is a fun challenge at Grafityp. The most enjoyable thing? I can combine my knowledge in the industry and my personal passion for cars!”
Richard produces the film
Once the product is developed by R&D, it comes to Richard and goes into production. “We purchase paper, glue and foil on the one hand. On the other hand, we make top-quality films ourselves on our casting machine.” Richard’s duties: “Scheduling the people at the production machines. I am also on the shop floor every day to help follow up on that planning, quality and instructions.”
Why do you stick around?
“It’s a challenging and varying job, every day you experience something different. Besides, that’s peculiar to our product: “you’ll stick to it.” 😉
Sticking memory
“Working with Mr Bosman Sr. Once you have worked with this man, you don’t forget him easily. Really a very nice experience.”
Luigi follows up planning
Luigi supports Richard in gluing, casting, and extrusion planning. “I also take care of converting planning where we determine how something should be cut or packaged.” Luigi considers the bigger picture: “I draw up the long-term planning and make sure we always have enough film in stock. It is a constant challenge to put together an optimal plan, taking into account delivery deadlines, staffing levels, customer requirements, etc.”
Why do you stick around?
“The reason why I have stuck with Grafityp for 27 years? The variation within my job. Because we are constantly developing new products, my job remains fascinating! And I also always enjoy working with colleagues.”
Sticking memory
“Several fun memories have passed through the years. But the end-of-year events are always a highlight!”
Steven checks the quality
Once the film is produced, it rolls into Steven’s lab for a quality check. “My job? To check everything we produce. That quality check is done by performing various trials and tests on the film.”
Why do you stick around?
“At Grafityp, they give me the confidence and opportunity to grow and gain new experiences.”
Sticking memory
“I will never forget how many opportunities I got at Grafityp. I started here as a gluer in production. A learning experience because the work is very varied. Over the years, I also became a first aider and a confidential counsellor. Last year, a job opening became available in the lab. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity, so I responded immediately. Now I have been working at Quality Control for about five months.”
Walter tests the film on the printer
After the quality check, the film is sent to Walter at ‘Support Digital Printing Materials.’ The ancien has been working at Grafityp for more than 37 years. His main tasks? “Testing the digital printing material and making print samples. If customers have questions about large format printing, I provide tips & tricks. “
Why do you stick around?
“What I like most about my job is the variety, no two days are the same. That keeps it exciting, even after 38 years.”
Sticking memory
“I lived through the early years of large format printing. I followed up on everything around printing from the very beginning.”
The sales and marketing department promotes the product
After a series of successful tests, it is time for the launch. The sales and marketing teams join forces to market the finished (PVC-free) film.
Sales deals specifically with selling the products and attracting and maintaining customer relationships. While marketing focuses on communicating about and positioning the products.
Although the tasks differ, there is a good synergy between the departments. Thus, there are regular meetings to discuss the state of affairs, to cut through knots and, above all, to boost the sales of films as a well-oiled machine.
More news
We help to make brands stick. To do this in the best possible way, a good knowledge of the material is essential. Of films and of adhesives. And of the perfect mix for each application. In our blog we share this knowledge with you and we keep you posted on the latest news facts from our company and from our sector.
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