Kadir Altun

Control Station Machine Operator Hot-Dip Galvanizing Line

I started working for NLMK Strasbourg in 2011. After I finished school I worked in our family business, which provides painting services. I never thought about working for such a renowned company as NLMK Strasbourg. Initially, having had no idea what to expect, I remember my amazement at the size of the equipment and the scale of the plant itself. The last 5 years I have simply flown by, and now I can say with conviction that I enjoy my work.

In order to explain what we do at NLMK Strasbourg in simple terms, I would say the following: we take rolls of metal, unroll them, dip them into a bath of zinc to keep them from rusting; and then we roll them back up. I like that my work is completely autonomus. Regardless of the job I have performed in the plant, I have always been allowed to act independently. At the same time I have always felt, and continue to feel, that I have great responsibility. Any mistake I make could have a direct impact on the quality of our products.

My brother is now working for the plant too. I remember I told him all about what I do and he applied to work with us. I am very happy that he found work with us. I am grateful to NLMK Strasbourg, because since the moment that I had regular work I could begin my own life in earnest. I got married two years ago. I became a father, I have a nine-month old daughter. I consider myself to be a successful person.

There is a very warm atmosphere among my collegues, regardless of the difference in age and nationality. The most important thing is that we have mutual respect for one another. Our team consists of 11 members. We work in pairs and I spend a lot of time with my colleague, sometimes more than I do with my wife. I am lucky to have an experienced colleague as a mentor, he taught me almost everything I know. He is very friendly, he is like a grandfather to me. I am very grateful to him, he has done so much for me. Soon he will retire but I am certain that we will stay in touch.