After completing my degree in food technology, I started working at Stephan Machinery in 2018 as a food technologist. What fascinated me most was the versatility of ProXES machines – they can be used to produce a wide variety of food products.

In 2022, I left ProXES to gain new perspectives in the industry. However, when I saw the job posting for an Application Specialist role in 2024, I decided to return. What excites me about this position is the opportunity to dive deeper into the technical side, to be involved early in the process of designing a production system, and to work with my former colleagues again.

What are your responsibilities?

As a food technologist, I used to work closely with customers to develop processes that ensured optimal production methods. I also conducted product trainings and supported the commissioning of our machines on-site, where I trained the customers’ staff in machine operation. That role required a lot of travel – mostly within Europe, but also to the United States.

Today, as an Application Specialist, I’m already involved in the early stages of machine development. I review the specifications, advise customers on technical matters, and develop a concept that meets their requirements. This means closely collaborating with other departments – especially with technologists, project engineers, and automation experts.

Together, we address key questions such as: How much space is available for the machine? What product diversity does the customer expect, and how can we implement this technically?

What do you enjoy most about your work at ProXES?

I really enjoy the diversity of food applications our machines can handle. I work with a broad product range – from convenience foods to processed cheese and even pet food on occasion.

Traveling also gives me the chance to get to know different countries and cultures – sometimes even discovering regional production methods I hadn’t encountered before.

Another highlight of my job is the freedom I’m given. There’s very little bureaucracy here. I can develop tailored concepts from scratch, and at the same time, I need to consider various product and process aspects in parallel.

What should a new colleague bring to the table?

You should have a strong interest in technological processes and a mindset that constantly questions and improves things.

It’s important not to work with tunnel vision – being open to collaborating across departments helps to integrate different perspectives within the company.

I work at the Almelo office in the Netherlands. As Service Director I am managing our European companies in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, France and Poland. Our team is responsible for our complete installed base and provide customer support, services and spare parts for all ProXES machines, from models dating back to the 1980s to the latest installations. My role mainly involves coordinating and driving the service business and strategy across the region, identifying synergies and enhancing team effectiveness.

Career Path and Experiences: 

I joined ProXES in January 2019 as a Customer Service Manager for Terlet in the Netherlands. Later that year, Terlet's production facility closed and was integrated into our Hameln facility, and we began anew as ProXES Benelux. My position continued as Customer Service Manager, but with a focus on Stephan Machinery and Terlet for the local market, while still supporting our global service for the worldwide Terlet installed base. Since September 2023, I am the Service Director for our European subsidiaries. 

One of the key milestones was the transformation of Terlet into ProXES Benelux. It felt like working for a startup as we moved from a full production site to a small sales and service office. In my new role the challenge is to optimize our synergies, processes and workforce in order to grow the business and focus on our customer centricity. On operational level I love to work with the team on major retrofit projects, extending the lifespan of existing machinery for another >15 years by upgrading them to state-of-the-art standards.

Through my time at ProXES, I have developed valuable skills, such as working effectively with different cultures and applying various management styles to achieve the best results. I have gained and continue to build leadership competencies though provided training programs and support of our global HR team.

Challenges and Achievements:

One of the significant challenges I faced was the restructuring at Terlet shortly after I joined, which resulted in many colleagues leaving, while in parallel we had to pivot our focus to other ProXES brands and continue developing the service team. Starting ProXES Benelux felt like launching a new company within an established international group that was going through its own internal challenges. Today, ProXES has globally grown into a well-recognized name, and our customers know where to find us.

I overcame these challenges by maintaining strong personal relationships and I always aimed to add value in every interaction.

Company Culture and Work Environment: 

What I love about working at ProXES is the energetic nature of the service organization. Every day brings a new challenge, requiring creative problem-solving. The flat hierarchies are a significant advantage—everyone treats each other with respect and on equal footing. I appreciate the openness to suggestions and the ability to discuss both positives and negatives freely.

Personal Development and Growth: 

My career at ProXES has taught me the importance of maintaining focus amid changes and viewing situations from a broader perspective. By fostering open communication within the team, I aim to create a sense of involvement and ownership. This approach has been beneficial not only in my professional life but also in my personal endeavors, such as leading the development of a new multi-functional sports park in my hometown, chairman of a local sports club and involvement in various social initiatives.

When I was promoted to my new function, I received significant trust from management, which supported my ambition to grow into this new role.

Future and Goals:

Looking ahead, my goal is to instill a more customer-centric approach across all teams at all ProXES sites. Our focus must always be on the needs and requirements of our customers, who are the foundation of our success. I want to encourage new employees to think creative, embrace the ProXES family with its famous brands and always keep the customer in mind. It’s essential to approach work with a sense of humor, maintain a healthy work-life balance and continually reflect on one’s actions.

Conclusion and Personal Insights:

What motivates me daily at ProXES is the dynamic environment, the continuous interaction with both internal colleagues and external customers and the opportunity to support others in achieving successes. I appreciate that everyone here can be authentic, open, and enjoy every working day. It's a unique and refreshing atmosphere!

I’m  23 years old, and I work as a Strategic Buyer at Stephan Machinery, a subsidiary of ProXES.

In my role, I focus on supplier development and ensure reliable material availability. As a strategic buyer, I’m responsible for long-term procurement planning in a defined area. I identify and develop suppliers, negotiate contracts, and ensure cost-effective and dependable supply chains. I also analyze market trends and evaluate supplier performance to maintain delivery quality and punctuality.

My journey at ProXES started in 2019, right after graduating from high school, when I began an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at Stephan Machinery. Thanks to ProXES, I was able to shorten my training to two years and successfully completed it in 2021. Even during my apprenticeship, I knew purchasing was exactly the right field for me. After graduating, I was given the opportunity to continue working as a buyer – and in May 2024, I was promoted to Strategic Buyer.

While still an apprentice, I knew I wanted to pursue a business degree alongside my job. ProXES supported that goal and is financing my part-time bachelor’s program at Hochschule Weserbergland.

During my training, I got to know all departments of Stephan Machinery – a big advantage. I now understand the entire process chain from order intake to goods dispatch. One of the biggest challenges in my job is solving unexpected issues – like sourcing urgently needed parts to ensure machine delivery.

Balancing my job and studies is challenging – and my private life sometimes takes a back seat. But with discipline and good time management, I’ve found a way. I’m especially proud of my promotion in May 2024 – that’s a big achievement at my age.

What I love about working at ProXES is the variety and constant learning. It’s never boring – our product range and the business itself are really exciting. And I really value the great atmosphere with my colleagues – it makes the workday more enjoyable and motivating.

My time at ProXES has shaped me and made me more confident. The daily challenges gave me security, and the company supported me – by allowing me to shorten my training and by funding my academic studies.

Looking ahead, I want to keep growing professionally, take on larger projects, and tackle new challenges. My advice for new colleagues: Take time to get to know all departments. It’ll help you understand the bigger picture and connect better with your teammates.

All in all, my career at ProXES has never been boring – the work is fun, and the company, its markets, and products are genuinely fascinating.

As Group Director Application, I operate at the intersection of Sales and Engineering. Together with my team, I focus on clarifying customer requirements and developing the best technical solutions. We ensure that our customers’ expectations align with our portfolio and guide the process from the initial idea all the way to handover to Project Management and Engineering.

My journey and experience
I joined ProXES in 2018 as a food technologist – I was immediately fascinated by the tasks and the products. After two and a half years, I moved into the Application department, first as a Specialist and later as a Team Lead. In spring 2024, I took over the newly created cross-group Application department.

One of the projects I’m especially proud of is the aseptic process line. I also played a key role in establishing new workflows that are now used across the company.

Challenges and achievements
Large-scale industrial projects and the impact of the COVID pandemic have pushed me to grow. Taking on a leadership role at a relatively young age was a steep learning curve. What helped me most was my openness to seek support and collaborate with others.

A particular success for me is the transformation of our department into a cross-functional, group-wide unit that now acts as a strategic interface.

Culture and work environment
What excites me most about working at ProXES is the open culture. Here, you can talk to anyone – regardless of title or level – and make a real impact. Feedback and suggestions are taken seriously, and I genuinely feel that I can help shape the company’s direction.

Personal development and growth
Working at ProXES has made me more independent – especially during customer visits, often in remote regions. Taking on a leadership role has accelerated my personal development, and the trust placed in me by my supervisors and the executive team has been a big part of that.

Whenever I set a goal, I was supported – whether through the freedom to act or through dedicated training and development opportunities.

Vision and future goals
My aim is to further evolve the Application function – not just as a support unit, but as a strategic business partner. This means identifying trends early and proactively driving innovation.

My advice to new colleagues? Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your ideas. At ProXES, there’s always someone willing to listen – and initiative is genuinely encouraged and rewarded.

At my previous job in a switch cabinet company, I had to travel a lot – and I didn’t really want that anymore. So a friend suggested I apply to ProXES, and that’s exactly what I did. Now I’ve been with the company for 8.5 years.

What does your typical workday look like?

Our team consists of five electrical technicians. Together, we make sure that the assembled machines work properly and are powered up correctly. We handle tasks like wiring terminal boxes, connecting to the control cabinet, configuring displays, and checking or fixing cables – especially when software errors occur. We also take care of labeling, comparing blueprints, and documenting everything.

Usually, we each work independently on one machine – from small machines to large-scale projects. But we also support each other and jump in when needed. Small machines might only take a few days, while more complex systems can take up to two months.

Even though deadlines are often set by customers and time pressure is part of the job, we still have room to structure our workflow ourselves. There were times when the goals felt impossible – but thanks to great teamwork, we got there early. That’s a great feeling. In the end, it’s in all our interest to get the machines ready for shipping on time and meet the high quality standards.

What do you enjoy about your work at ProXES?

We get along really well as a team and support each other. There were moments when our targets seemed out of reach at first, but with teamwork, we made it – sometimes even finishing ahead of schedule. That feels great. I also enjoy the success of seeing a machine work flawlessly – because we got everything right.

No day is the same. We’re always solving new problems and working on new machines – since we don’t produce standard machines here in Switzerland.

What should a new colleague bring to the table?

A new team member should be curious, flexible, and a team player. Our machines have to meet high standards, so it’s important to be willing to adapt a little.

We especially appreciate a solid mindset and motivation to contribute actively. New ideas are always welcome – and if you bring a good sense of humor, you’ll fit right in. We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also a great human fit.

After completing my apprenticeship as an electrical technician, I developed a passion for hands-on work while working on construction sites. A colleague eventually introduced me to ProXES. At first, I joined the company on a temporary two-year contract. When they asked me to stay permanently, I gladly accepted – the job is diverse, I’m constantly learning, and the work stays exciting.

In our team of five electricians, we make sure every machine is correctly wired, connected to power, and fully functional. Our tasks include wiring terminal boxes, connecting control cabinets, configuring displays, and checking cables – especially when there are software issues. We also handle labeling, plan verification, and proper documentation.

Usually, each of us works independently on a machine – from small units to large-scale projects. If needed, we support one another and switch between machines. Simple systems can take just a few days to complete, while complex setups may take up to two months.

Even though deadlines are driven by customer expectations, we still have flexibility in organizing our workflows. There have been times when our targets seemed nearly impossible. But thanks to strong teamwork, we hit those deadlines – sometimes even ahead of schedule. That’s an incredibly rewarding feeling.

Ultimately, we all share the same goal: preparing machines on time for shipping, while meeting the highest quality standards.

What do I enjoy most about working at ProXES?
Definitely the team spirit. We support each other, share knowledge, and celebrate our successes together. It’s especially rewarding when a machine runs smoothly and we know we’ve done everything right.

No two days are the same – we’re constantly solving new problems and working with new machine setups. Since we don’t build standard machines here in Switzerland, every project brings its own set of challenges.

What qualities should new team members bring?
Curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to grow. Our machines meet high standards, so being adaptable is essential. We value a proactive mindset and people who want to actively contribute to success. And if you bring fresh ideas and a good sense of humor – even better. Being a great human fit is just as important as technical skills.

Head of Engineering at ProXES in Rheinfelden, Switzerland

In my role, I lead the mechanical design, electrical planning, and technical documentation departments. I'm also responsible for ensuring compliance with the Machinery Directive, particularly in the areas of pressure equipment and explosion protection.

One thing especially close to my heart is the training of young talent: within our team, we guide apprentices throughout their four-year journey to becoming certified design engineers.

Our department is responsible for designing the machines we build and for creating the mechanical and electrical documentation and specifications required for them. The work is diverse and brings new challenges and opportunities for personal growth every day.

My Journey at ProXES and Career Milestones

I started my journey at ProXES in 2017 after earning my mechanical engineering degree and gaining a few years of experience in design. I joined as a design engineer. Shortly afterward, the Head of Design Engineering position became available. I applied, was accepted – and that marked a major milestone in my career.

Leading a team and helping people grow had always been a personal goal. In June 2024, my role expanded once again, and I became Head of Engineering. These steps mean a lot to me – they reflect the trust placed in me and give me the chance to reach my full potential.

Key Projects and Achievements

A major milestone in my career was stepping into the Head of Design Engineering role. It was both a great challenge and my greatest success to date. It required a complete overhaul of how I worked.

Initially, I tried to continue as before – but quickly realized I was drowning in responsibilities. That’s when I decided to work with a coach, who helped me grow into my leadership role and shift my mindset.

For me, the development of my team members is the true measure of success. Seeing their growth over time has been incredibly rewarding.

Another major achievement was helping implement key technical systems: Product Lifecycle Management, a digital spare parts catalog, and a sales configurator. These projects were not only technically demanding but also opportunities to deepen my knowledge and improve how our team works.

Personal Growth at ProXES

Over the past few years, I've significantly developed my leadership skills. I’ve learned to think in systems and processes and to take a step back to gain a broader perspective.

With every task, I now ask myself: Who is the actual “customer”? – not in the sales sense, but the internal stakeholder who receives our team’s output. This mindset helps me deliver better support for both my team and the organization.

Why I Enjoy Working at ProXES

I truly value the flexibility I’m given. I can bring in my ideas, and if they make sense, we implement them – pragmatically and without red tape. The openness and collegial atmosphere are essential to me. Everyone is helpful, and you can feel that support across all levels.

How ProXES Has Shaped My Development

My time at ProXES has helped me grow immensely. I read more technical literature, stay constantly updated, and have developed an entrepreneurial mindset.

When a new task arises, I first ask where it should be anchored. I also listen more – both within and outside the company.

Support and Development at ProXES

I’ve always received the support I needed – whether through leadership training, coaching, or professional development. That backing gives me the confidence to keep growing.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I want to continue optimizing our processes and driving digitalization to strengthen our competitiveness. Another key goal is knowledge sharing. I want to further enhance collaboration between our locations so we can learn even more from one another.

My Advice for New Colleagues

Be open and curious! Share your ideas – even small contributions are noticed and valued. They help us move forward together.

What Drives Me Every Day

What motivates me most is working with my colleagues. I’m proud of our products and the fact that our machines play an essential role in industries like food production and pharmaceuticals.

Before joining ProXES, I worked in the feed industry for six years. However, I wanted to return to the food sector, where I originally started my career as a food technologist. When I was contacted via LinkedIn about the Area Sales Manager role at ProXES, I was immediately intrigued. The interview process was very positive, and I was truly impressed by the company’s broad and diverse machine portfolio. I enjoy being challenged and working with different types of food companies – so it felt like a perfect fit.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
As an Area Sales Manager, I try to visit my customers as often as possible – typically one or two appointments per day. I ensure their questions are answered and often get the chance to visit their production facilities. Sometimes customers want to introduce a new product, or they’re looking to scale up production. That’s where I step in – presenting the right solutions from our portfolio.

If a customer is still unsure, we often suggest a trial – either at our Technology Center in Germany or directly at their site using rental equipment. To stay close to market trends, we also visit local stores to observe what’s on the shelves.

My main goal is always to support my customers in the best possible way. I collaborate closely with our Application Department and food technologists in Germany, who offer deep insights into the technical side of our machines and processes.

What moment at ProXES are you especially proud of?
One standout moment was when we were about to close a large-scale project, but the customer nearly backed out due to a contractual issue. After some intense negotiations, I was able to restore trust and close the deal. That experience gave me a real confidence boost and reaffirmed my belief in our solutions.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I genuinely enjoy working with my colleagues in Sales, Application, and Technology – especially our local Benelux team. We support each other, and we also know how to have fun. Even though we work remotely most of the time, we regularly meet for sales events, trainings, and team seminars. It’s a great mix of independence and teamwork.

What I appreciate most is that my contribution is recognized. ProXES values dedication, and that motivates me to give my best every day.

What qualities does someone need to be successful in Sales at ProXES?
To thrive in Sales at ProXES, you need to enjoy what comes with the role: traveling, building relationships, and engaging with a wide range of people from the food processing industry. Above all, you should be passionate, self-motivated, confident, and committed to your goals. And most importantly – be proud to be part of the food value chain.