Rob Jansen is a foreman in weld preparation at Gpi, where he and his team prepare the smaller stainless steel components for tank construction. In his role, he maintains an overview of the planning and manages his team. ‘I make sure that work runs efficiently and everything connects well.’
About thirteen years ago, Rob Jansen started as a welder at Gpi. After seeing a Gpi vacancy in the newspaper at the time, he got in touch. He had a meeting with the director and was given a tour of the production hall. It quickly became clear to him that this was where he wanted to work. Rob then worked for a number of years as a welder and as the foreman’s assistant. When some shifts occurred within the company, he was given the opportunity to become a foreman himself. He worked on special projects and later as foreman of the M hall, where Gpi builds medium-sized stainless steel tanks. He currently fulfils his role as foreman in weld preparation.
Weld preparation
In the weld preparation department (weld prep), all small yet essential components, such as nozzles, manholes, flanges and pipes, are prepared, inspected and welded. By manufacturing these components in advance, tank construction on the factory floor ultimately runs faster and more efficiently. Rob explains: ‘We started this department within Gpi a number of years ago. I thought it was an exciting challenge, so I moved over. By now, we have a team of about ten people working on preparatory welding for tank construction.’
What role does the foreman play in this department?
As foreman in weld preparation, Rob is primarily occupied with project planning and managing his team. ‘I check whether all components have arrived and look at the planning to see when a particular project needs to be finished. We actually have small prep projects running constantly. I direct the team so that we stay on schedule and everyone knows what they can work on,’ he explains. In addition, he also handles the paperwork for certain quality inspections.
'Gpi is a great company. We really make beautiful things at Gpi.'
What does a working day look like?
Rob talks about what he occupies himself with on an average working day: ‘I start the day by getting the work going and reviewing the activities on the floor. I check whether everyone knows what they can work on and whether everything is clear to get off to a good start. After that, I join the daily standup with colleagues within Gpi, where we discuss the planning and the progress. Any bottlenecks and urgent matters are also shared here, so that we can switch quickly and adjust where needed.’
Rob continues: ‘Throughout the day, I help colleagues with questions, I keep an eye on whether the work is running according to planning and whether everyone can move forward. In addition, I approve the worked hours and adjust the planning where needed. I also inspect the quality of the welded components. In that way, I make sure that the work runs efficiently and everything connects well together.’
'I look forward to being able to continue to grow in the coming years and keep making beautiful products'
Working at Gpi
About working at Gpi, Rob is enthusiastic: ‘Gpi is a great company. We really make beautiful things at Gpi. From very large work to small specialist work that is beautifully TIG welded. Because it is custom work, we encounter all sorts of things. We also have more and more permanent people in the team and that works pleasantly too. I try to listen well to the team and do my best to make sure everyone works with enjoyment. Sometimes we also have large challenging projects and then we really all go for it together to finish a project quickly and well.’
Future
Rob sees himself definitely staying at Gpi in the coming years: ‘I enjoy it here and look forward to being able to continue to grow in the coming years and keep making beautiful products. I try to get the best out of my team. We want to remain the best player in the market by working progressively and implementing innovations, such as working with a cobot.’
