Starting out in the warehouse

Yvanilson, known as Yvan, has now been working at Cartec for three years. He started in November 2022 as Warehouse Coordinator, taking over the role from his colleague Tjeerd.

“In that role, I arranged everything related to transport, including dangerous goods. There is a lot involved in that. Through Cartec, I completed two courses, one on working with ADR, which covers the transport of dangerous goods, and one on export documents. That gave me a lot of practical knowledge.”

During that initial period, he received plenty of support. “Tjeerd is a safety adviser and still helps a lot. Nick, Head of Operations, also trained me well. I came across quite a few challenges, but that is exactly how you learn quickly.”

Since January, Yvan has taken on a new role. “I am now Warehouse Supervisor. The work is similar to what I was already doing, but there are more meetings. That is important, because we discuss things that have a direct impact on the warehouse floor.”

His background is also in logistics. “Before this, I was a team coordinator at a large company in the food trade.”

A considered choice for Cartec

Yvan came to Cartec through word of mouth. “A friend’s brother worked here. It was also closer to home than my previous job. That was important to me, because my first daughter had just been born. Fixed working hours meant I could be home on time every evening.”

The company culture also played a role. “The fact that Cartec is a family business and a Christian company appealed to me. I was curious about that. In the end, it has turned out really well. I have great colleagues and get along well with everyone.”

Working as Warehouse Supervisor

As a supervisor, his focus is clearly on the team. “The most important thing is that the team is able to work well. I make sure everyone can do their job properly and that we keep running smoothly as a group.”

He also looks at practical improvements. “When people run into something, I look for solutions. For example, mechanical lifting aids, because colleagues were experiencing physical strain from heavy work. We want people to be able to do their work properly, healthily and safely.”

A busy and varied working day

According to Yvan, an average working day is busy, he says with a laugh.

The day starts at 8.00 am with a daily team briefing. “We discuss the planning, what needs to be done that day and which transports are being collected.”

After that, he checks his inbox. “That includes questions from Sales, logistics, ADR documents or changes to shipments.”

At 9.00 am, there is an operational daily briefing. “We coordinate with other departments, such as Production and Purchasing. We discuss how things are going, what we are running into and whether we need to make adjustments. This could be about planning or staff capacity.”

At the moment, he also helps out on the warehouse floor himself. “We are one colleague down due to surgery, so I help with order picking. I actually enjoy doing that.”

In addition, he works on process improvements. “We work with Boxwise, our order system. It allows us to scan products and immediately see the stock level and location. We want to move away from manual work and assumptions,” he explains.

He also keeps in contact with new logistics partners. “We look at whether partnerships are a good fit for Cartec, for example for transport across Europe or sea freight.”

Despite his role, he remains close to the team. “I see myself more as a team member than as someone who only manages others.”

Responsibility and challenges

His main responsibility is clear. “Keeping things calm within the team and communicating clearly. Making sure people can do their work as well as possible. Because happy colleagues are the most valuable.”

The biggest challenge lies in peak moments. “During a busy week, getting all orders, both Benelux and export, out on time can be a real challenge. We also depend on the Production department for that.”

Working together as one team

He describes the warehouse team as strong and close. “We have a cheerful team. Everyone is friendly, laughs and helps each other. There is no one who does not fit in.”

According to him, that mentality comes naturally. “We all have a ‘can I help you?’ attitude. I do not have to teach anyone that here.”

There is also a focus on further collaboration within the company. “We want more exchange between teams, for example between the warehouse and production. That way, you really work as one team within one company towards the same mission, and you can also alternate physically demanding work.”

Dealing with busy periods

During busy periods, staying calm is the starting point. “Remaining calm is the most important thing. When you stay calm, you keep an overview.”

He also keeps an eye on the balance. “We want to deliver everything on time, but not at any cost. In the long term, overloading people eventually leads to absence. We communicate in good time if something is not going to work. And that is okay,” says the ever calm Yvan.

Yvan with colleagues Danny (left) and Kishen (right)

Working atmosphere and culture at Cartec

He describes the atmosphere on the warehouse floor as positive. “Good, friendly and energetic. Everyone thinks along and is flexible.”

Yvan clearly feels at home. “You spend more time here than you do at home, so the atmosphere has to be good. And it is, because of the colleagues and the work. There is always plenty to do and enough variety.”

What makes Cartec unique, according to him, is the combination of culture and involvement. “The family business and the Christian character appeal to me. For example, there is room to pray before a shared meal, which I think is special.”

He also notices the appreciation shown towards employees. “Company outings are organised, we receive bigger things such as a bonus and smaller things such as an Easter gift. Cartec really does a lot for its people.”

Growth and motivation

What gives him energy is the dynamic nature of the work. “Every day is different. You never know exactly how things will go, and that makes it interesting.”

What he is most proud of is his development. “I have grown from my first role into my current position. The courses have also really helped me. If you want to grow at Cartec, you are given the opportunity to do so.”

The best moments

For Yvan, the best moments are found in shared activities. “Team outings are always great. It gives you a chance to focus on something other than work and build team spirit.”

The internal moments also stay with him. “For example, at Easter, we had a StoryBoost workshop followed by lunch together. You are still at work, but in a different way. Those are enjoyable moments too.”

What makes Cartec special

What surprised him most when he started was the way employees are treated. “Cartec does a lot for its employees. It shows that it really is possible to be a professional company while also taking good care of your people.”

Curious to read more stories from the people behind Cartec? Meet the ladies from Customer Sales Support here!