Challenges? At CSE, we don’t wait for them, we actively seek them out. And that’s exactly what gives Herman Arends energy. It’s no coincidence that he recently became supervisor of our warehouses in Born and Weert. Together with his colleagues, he is raising the bar even higher.
Herman joined CSE four years ago after having a cup of coffee with our inventory controller, Lennart Sanders, whom he has known for sixteen years. “I was simply curious about how the company was doing,” Herman explains. “I saw a growing organization with the ambition to keep moving forward. I also spoke briefly with the warehouse manager at the time, who mentioned they were looking for an additional team leader. Everything fell into place, a week later I started working here.”
Heading to work whistling, and home the same way
In his new role as supervisor, Herman is focused on the next step for the warehouses. “We want to build a lead in our planning,” he says. “The goal is to work at least 24 hours ahead, shifting today’s pressure to tomorrow. This creates calm on the warehouse floor, making the work both better and more enjoyable. Ultimately, we want everyone to come to CSE whistling, and go home the same way.”
“That’s what makes CSE special, we do it together”
To make this happen, Herman looks beyond the warehouse alone. “It starts with planning at our head office,” he says. “Warehouse manager Tristan Feld, Lennart, the team leaders and all forklift drivers also play an important role. Many colleagues are involved, and that’s exactly what makes CSE special, we do it together.”
Partners in Crime
Within the team, long-time colleagues Lennart and Herman form a strong duo. “We’ve worked together before at another company, always great,” Herman says. “It helps that we can clearly separate work and private life. If one of us feels the other didn’t handle something well, we can have a proper discussion about it. But when we see each other in the evening, it’s no longer a topic.”
The Next Challenge
Herman is currently fully focused on his mission in the warehouses, but he’s already thinking about what comes next. “By continuously growing, improving and innovating, we create our own challenges. And that’s a good thing. I don’t shy away from a challenge!”
