"As a contract manufacturer, we manage the entire supply chain on behalf of our customers."

Janna, what exactly does CREMER OleoServ do?

We are a contract manufacturer for oleochemical products and produce on behalf of our clients: we mix, flake, fill or transfer, and store. We offer our customers flexible service options with the highest quality standards. Our site has more than 30 tanks ranging from 18 to 500 cubic meters in size, some of which are heatable and/or equipped with their own agitators.

You work as a production planner at CREMER OleoServ. What exactly does that involve?

Put simply, my job is to make sure all products are produced, filled and delivered to the customer on time. We’re a small site with around 20 employees. I’m responsible for our biggest customer and act as the link between the customer, production and logistics. Because we’re a small facility, I oversee the entire supply chain – from incoming raw materials to processing, packaging and outbound shipping. The customers and their satisfaction are always our top priority.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

It starts at 7 a.m., when the first trucks arrive for tank loading or raw material delivery. I plan the production schedule, book orders in the customer’s system, prepare the coming days, create batch and filling records, shipping documents and print labels. I also coordinate with carriers, communicate with customers, manage day-to-day operations and support new projects. Most of my work happens at the desk – but I’m regularly out on the production floor as well.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

When everything runs smoothly – when the planning works out, communication flows, and we deliver exactly what the customer expects. I really enjoy working with different stakeholders and having all the threads in my hand. And I see every day, right here on-site, what I’ve accomplished.
The job is also incredibly varied. In addition to capacity planning, I prepare inventories, create analyses, and handle invoicing.

How did you come to join CREMER OleoServ?

After completing my training as a wholesale and foreign trade specialist, I studied part-time, traveled the world for a while, and eventually found my way into production planning through various roles. A friend told me about CREMER OleoServ, and I was curious. I applied and joined in 2021 as a production planner. After just six months, I took over the team lead – and today, I’m also the deputy plant manager.

What makes the Uetersen site so special?

We’re a small, close-knit team that gets along really well. We have short decision-making paths and solve problems together – that makes every day fun. 
At 8 a.m., we meet for our daily morning round to sync up on all the tasks ahead and plan the day.

The interaction with the logistics partners is also easy and pleasant. I really appreciate the freedom we have here and the fact that you can truly make a difference.

When does your job get challenging?

Whenever things don’t go as planned – a tank isn’t heated, a carrier doesn’t show up, or something needs to be repaired. That’s when you need to keep a cool head, inform the right people, re-plan, and find solutions. I’ve learned to prioritize well and rely on my network.

What’s especially important to you in your work?

Communication. The daily exchange within the team and with everyone involved – and a good laugh every now and then. I also think it’s important to coordinate, speak up about issues, and solve them together. That’s essential for a good working atmosphere, and I think we manage that really well. I also like the feeling that I can make a difference – that I’m not just a number.

Are you also in contact with the headquarters in Hamburg?

Yes, I regularly visit Hamburg and exchange ideas with the teams there. Trainings also take place at the headquarters. 

But what I especially enjoy is the Lotto Lunch – a format where random pairs are drawn each month to have lunch together. I always enjoy taking part, because I get to know colleagues I haven't met before. It’s a great way to learn more about the company and build a personal network.

And when you're not working – what does a perfect day look like for you?

I sing in a choir, enjoy meeting up with friends or family, go for runs or to the gym. I love good food and trying out new restaurants. I simply enjoy spending time with the people I care about.

What’s currently on the agenda in Uetersen?

We have new projects and customers in the pipeline and want to continue developing the site. In the future, we want to broaden our capabilities even more to meet new requirements.

Thank you for the interview, Janna, and the insights into your work.