Involved in the production process from start to finish
At HWI, we have a dedicated Quality Control department, also known as Quality Control. Here, two team members are currently working on checking products for quality, material and dimensions. What does that work look like and why is it so important? We asked Martin Jongeleen: quality controller at HWI.
How long have you been working at HWI?
“I have been working at this company for 11 years. I started as a work planner, but now I work in the department of Quality Control. As a quality controller, I am responsible for the output checks on the products we manufacture in our machine factory. For this, I use various types of calipers, among others, but I also work with a computer-controlled measuring arm. All results are closely noted in a measurement report for the customer to see. I then prepare the goods for shipping with my colleagues. When necessary, I also check the certificates of the materials measured at our Quality Control department. So at QC, we are the last link and control point in the production process.”
What education did you do before this?
“No, there is no specific training for quality controller. I studied mechanical engineering, which is a technical education. Through a diversion in other industries, I then joined HWI. When I joined HWI started, quality control was only a small part of our work. Over the years, it became more and more important. Gradually, I gained experience in quality control and now this is my full-time job.”
When I started at HWI 11 years ago, quality control was only a small part of our operations. Over the years, it became more and more important. Gradually, I gained experience in quality control and now this is my full-time job.
What do you find interesting about your position in the company?
“As a quality controller, you play an important role in the production process. This is because the demands on manufactured products today are incredibly high. Customers therefore require us to measure and check products accurately. That is the job of our department. We ensure that all products are checked, measured, provided with the correct papers and, if necessary, given a certificate stating the quality is confirmed. That responsibility is very challenging.”
You work increasingly with computer-controlled measuring arms. Has this changed the work of quality controllers?
“Yes, it certainly is. In the past, all measurements were done by hand, currently we program a lot of software ourselves. We are also increasingly using CADCAM-software. As a result, the process is going faster and faster. These developments are also important because, as I said, the requirements for products are getting stricter. They have to meet international standards. By using advanced measuring equipment for this, such as a measuring arm, you can be sure that the control 100% is correct.”
Accuracy is an important trait.
What makes someone a good quality controller?
“Accuracy is an important trait. Take me as an example: as a person, I like things to be right and everything to be done carefully. I also see this reflected in my work. As a quality controller, you are always the last one to see the product before it goes to the customer. After you hand it over, it has to be right. If you like that, then a career as a quality controller is bound to suit you.”
Are you looking for a new challenge and would you like to join HWI?
Then view all vacancies.