I joined BENTELER Automotive in 2016 as an employment lawyer. After holding various positions, I am now manager of the legal department for the Mercosur region, which includes South Africa. 

I find it really exciting to work with people from different countries. Our global network ensures a lively intercultural exchange, and I can't tell you how much a global perspective enriches my personal life! 

And that's what I try to encourage every day. For me, what makes a good leader is the ability to inspire others. I try to strengthen my team by encouraging collaboration and transparency across borders. I know that my colleagues in other departments have similar priorities.  

The biggest challenge? Probably finding the right work-life balance. But with a clear organization and support from family and colleagues, I manage it well - most of the time.  

To balance my work, I regularly play volleyball, enjoy time in nature, especially by the sea, or spend time with friends. I've found that these habits help to reduce stress and promote a positive outlook on life! 

I have been part of BENTELER for over ten years – it all started at the Bielefeld site. What inspired me from the very beginning was the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally. People like Mr. Hoene, our Global Service Manager, recognized my potential early on – even before I did myself – and repeatedly encouraged me to push beyond my limits. 

Today, I live and work in Texas, USA. I took this step in 2018 – a turning point in my life. Among other things, I work here as a start-up technician. I supervise the commissioning of new production lines, work closely with our software and project management department, and guide customers through the entire commissioning process. This also includes maintenance planning: I inspect systems on site, advise the maintenance teams, plan the annual service visit together with the customers, and monitor its implementation. I also ensure that our spare parts warehouse in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is always stocked with the most important components – so that our customers in the USA can remain operational at all times. 

What do I particularly like about BENTELER? The cooperation on an equal footing – from technicians to management. This strong teamwork makes it possible to achieve great things. I have never regretted becoming part of this company. 

Despite all the technology, I am first and foremost a family man. I am a passionate father and husband, and my free time belongs to my family. We enjoy spending time outdoors together – whether on motorcycles, bicycles, or doing creative crafts with my children. I enjoy showing them the world and encouraging them to try new things. When they are older, I would like to join the volunteer fire department – a long-held dream. 

In the long term, I have a clear goal in mind: I would like to become Service Manager at BENTELER USA. For me, that would be the next logical step – and an exciting new challenge. 

For me, BENTELER is much more than just an employer. It is the company that has enabled me to provide for my family and offer my children opportunities that I never had myself. BENTELER stands for security, stability and the opportunity to grow together. 

New beginnings and cohesion 

The closure of our plant in Alberton was a challenge for all of us, but BENTELER gave us the chance to start again at the Kariega site. It was a brave move to leave a familiar place, but it was the start of an exciting new chapter in our lives. 

A day in the life of a forklift truck driver 

Every working day brings new tasks and challenges, but that's what makes my job so exciting. With my forklift truck, I support the teams wherever I can and help ensure that our products find their way to the customer safely and efficiently. 

34 years of loyalty and the changes I have experienced 

I am proud to have been with BENTELER for more than 34 years - for which I was recently recognized at an anniversary celebration. During this time, I have witnessed the growth of the company and an increasing openness that inspires us all. 

My wishes for the future 

I hope that we will come even closer together as a team in the coming years and work together for the good of the company and our community. 

My hobbies and my commitment 

Reading is my passion – it broadens my horizons and inspires me. I do voluntary work in our community wherever help is needed.

Since starting at BENTELER, I have worked in various areas: from machine operation to project planning. The experience I have gained has been important for my personal and professional development. I appreciate working for a company that is constantly developing and innovating. 

What helps me to improve my skills, for example, are learning and training programs: The opportunity to keep learning and keep up to date with the latest technology is a benefit for me. It is just as important to be open. Ideas and suggestions that contribute to improving our products or processes are very welcome. 

Working with my colleagues, who come from different departments and have different backgrounds, enriches my everyday life. We have a good working atmosphere and support each other. This is especially true when it comes to sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences. It's a real win/win situation. This allows us to work as a team on exciting projects that inspire our customers and increase our competitiveness. 

Plans for the future? To continue to develop professionally and grow together with the company. I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together. 

I love to spend my free time outdoors. Whether with my family or with my dog Cricket. I also enjoy traveling. I think it's a wonderful way to experience new adventures and get to know other people.

Innovation, technology and material science – these are the areas that make my heart beat faster. As a Material Engineering Specialist at BENTELER, my mission is not only to push technical boundaries, but also to connect people worldwide. I am convinced that the best solutions come from collaboration between different disciplines and cultures. 

Multidisciplinary and multicultural - the secret of our success 

At BENTELER, we value the diversity and strength of a multicultural team. It is this unique mix that enables us to develop the most interesting and innovative solutions. The unexpected challenges that arise in each region are discussed together and seen as valuable lessons that enrich both my professional life and my personal development. 

My journey: From technical expert to source of inspiration 

Since 2020, I have been working as a technical expert on materials engineering topics in the Mercosur region. This role has given me a variety of experiences, from solving complex technical problems to effective conflict management. As a Brazilian woman in the technical world of the automotive industry, I want to bring about change and inspire others to follow their own path. 

What drives you? 

Now it's your turn: What motivates you to give your best every day? What goals are you pursuing in your professional and personal development at BENTELER? 

But why marketing intelligence? I’m often asked this question. There are many reasons why I chose this field. For example, the constantly changing market information. What has happened overnight? What data can I work with? When I have the right information, I analyze it. Then I prepare the data in such a way that it’s helpful for BENTELER.  

For me, marketing intelligence is an integrated process in which information from different channels is brought together. This allows me to create a comprehensive analysis. With what goal in mind? I calculate the success of our marketing activities and check whether we are achieving our objectives, whether it’s on specific channels, in markets or with certain customer segments. 

In my life outside of work, I am the mother of a curious 8-year-old daughter. Her favorite question is: "Why?" It reminds me how important it is to question things and, most importantly, stay curious.  

My family and friends play a huge role in my life. Their experiences and perspectives inspire me both in life and in my work. 

For us, the motto "work hard, play hard and enjoy everything" is more than just a slogan. It's a way of life that drives us to pursue our goals with passion while enjoying life to the fullest. 

And you? What motto do you live by? 

I have been working in sales and project management at BENTELER in the Asia-Pacific region for almost three years. During this time, I have learned that my role goes far beyond traditional customer support. I see myself as a bridge – between BENTELER and our customers, between requirements and solutions, between challenges and growth. 

Where there is competition, expectations are also high. When customers demand annual cost savings, for example, we see this not just as pressure, but also as an opportunity: to optimize, to increase our efficiency – and to learn together. This is how pure connection became real added value. 

These experiences have shaped me: I now work more proactively, more agilely, think in a more networked way – and that's exactly what I love about my job. Because coordination, collaboration across departmental boundaries and creative solutions are what drive me. This has resulted in a deep mutual trust – with colleagues and customers alike. It forms the stable foundation of our collaboration, just as a bridge rest on solid pillars. 

It is more than just a connection. It is responsibility, professionalism and my striving for further development. And that's exactly what drives me - every day. 

This year is my sixth at BENTELER – and my tenth in my professional life. Looking back, my start was rather accidental: I had studied English, had no fixed career plan and ended up applying for a job at a large company – in the tax department. Today I know that it was a lucky coincidence. Not only did I find a specialist area that challenged and fulfilled me, but I also met many people who inspired me. 

Tax issues require precision, patience and concentration. This contrasts with my private life, which is relaxed, varied and often surprising. I have been climbing regularly for two years. I sometimes joke: “Everyone here can do ten pull-ups – except me.” But that's okay. I enjoy every little bit of progress. And sometimes a good movie is enough to broaden your view of the world and calm your heart. 

I used to want to be perfect in everything. Today I believe that contentment is sometimes smarter than perfection. A little leeway, a little self-indulgence – that's good for you. I hope that my colleagues can also find little islands of peace in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  

Errors? Fixed before they happen! 

I’ve worked at BENTELER in Changchun since 2011. In the twelve years since then, I can say that I’ve grown with the company. I started out as a PLC engineer and today I’m chassis line manager.  

At first, I worked as a kind of fireman, rectifying faults on our systems. Every machine malfunction was a new challenge.  

Today, I’m proud of the fact that I have been able to solve many problems on and with the machines. I always had the support of my team for this. In the meantime, we have changed our strategy and introduced predictive maintenance, which is now one of my main tasks. What does that mean? We read data that is made available to us via AI or sensors. After detailed analysis, we carry out necessary maintenance or repairs. In other words, we rectify faults before they occur. This enables us to reduce machine downtime and increase efficiency. 

Why do I like working at BENTELER? Here, I’m getting closer to my dream step by step of becoming an expert in troubleshooting AI-controlled machine systems. 

How do you think AI will affect our work and our lives in the future? 

I started at BENTELER seven years ago and since then every working day has been an opportunity to grow. My path led me to the BENTELER plant in Wuhu, China, where I work as a welding process engineer.  

I love tinkering and finding solutions for our customers. Innovative technologies and a well-coordinated team help me do this. When I optimize processes, my focus is on increasing quality and efficiency. Things like improving our First-Time-Through-Quality (FTTQ), reducing workload or effectively managing cycle times. 

I’m convinced that many small steps performed diligently often lead to the most impressive results in the long run. For me, positive communication and continuous learning are keys to future changes in our working world. This is the only way we can master the challenges and continuously improve. That is precisely my personal aspiration – and that of the entire company. 

What do you need to successfully overcome challenges in everyday work?