Career
Jens Hachmann, Technical Manager and Sales Manager for filling technology at SMB International, draws a positive conclusion after almost 40 years of professional success. Since then, he has developed around 2000 filling system projects and successfully sold and implemented at least 300 of them.
In this interview, Jens Hachmann tells us how he discovered his passion and why he sometimes comes up with the best ideas in his sleep.
Jens Hachmann knows filling technology in the industry like the back of his hand. He is in close contact with customers and records their requirements visually, mathematically and in terms of planning. He creates his vision of the system in an initial sketch, which is then implemented in the technical planning department. The technical manager always has this layout in mind as the process continues. He then uses the layout to create a complete quotation and the associated calculation.
Selecting and requesting components to be integrated into his layout also takes place in this phase. This is followed by detailed discussions with the customer - components are added, others are deleted until the finishing touches have been completed. "It can sometimes take four years from the first contact to the conclusion of the contract," reports Jens Hachmann. Projects of this kind are planned for the long term and are investments by large, globally active chemical groups.
In a year, Jens Hachmann prepares around 80-100 offers for his customers, which can run into the millions. Approximately 10-15 of the systems offered become an order each year. Jens Hachmann always has all the current offers in his head.
How do you manage that?
"As I create the offers myself, I have everything in view. This keeps me very busy, but it also has clear advantages for the customers."
Do you ever dream about the systems?
"Not at all. But before I finish work, I read through complicated tasks again. I usually have a solution ready the next morning."
Jens Hachmann initially trained as a machine fitter and then studied mechanical engineering at the HAW.
He started his career in design before moving into project management. He has now been working in sales since 2001. He talks about his many years of operational experience:
"My first points of contact with SMB were during my student days, when I completed my main internship there in 1985. After my studies, I officially started working for SMB."
Jens Hachmann can draw on an enormous wealth of experience.
The knowledge I have accumulated over the years forms the basis of my recommendations for customers. My aim is to create a functioning process in the end. I see myself as a customer advisor here.
In the past, the designers received hand-drawn sketches and were able to start work. Today, all projects are recorded in an ERP system. The respective project statuses can therefore be viewed and controlled at any time. The individual teams are divided into specialist departments. In addition, working methods and processes have changed significantly with digitalization.
"I know the company inside out - I remember what it was like when we started with 20 employees."
SMB now has 160 employees.
Did you always know that you wanted to work in mechanical engineering?
"I always liked tinkering as a child. At the age of 12, I was already getting motorcycles running and started screwing, welding and repairing at an early age. My parents owned a farm, so it was common practice to repair everything yourself. After leaving school, I applied for jobs as a bank clerk and in wholesale and foreign trade, but only got rejections. I was only successful when I tried to become a locksmith. It was probably meant to be. After successfully graduating as a locksmith, I started my mechanical engineering degree."
And do you still tinker in your free time today?
"Yes, I actually really enjoy it. My passion has also inspired my children to pursue a technical career. One of my sons has also become a mechanical engineer and the other is a master mechanical engineer. We spent and still spend a lot of time together in the workshop at home. We refurbish bicycles, motorcycles, cars and even old tractors there, in compliance with the STVO, of course."
What is your favorite moment in plant engineering?
"When you put a system into operation and it starts working. When all the components interlock, all the planned processes work and the finished product is created at the end. When I stand in front of the systems, it reminds me of my youth, when I built a Märklin train set with friends in the basement and then we put it into operation together."
What do you find special about your job?
"I think you can only do a job like this well if you enjoy it and are fully committed to it. After all, I'm jointly responsible for the order situation and secure the jobs of 160 colleagues. And that makes me proud when it works. That's both motivation and drive. I also always have to be up to date with the latest technology. Because I deal with different customers, I'm constantly changing my perspective and get to see their view of problems at first hand."
What fascinates you about bottling plants?
"It's a lot of technology in a very small space. Many sometimes very complex functional sequences have to be taken into account alongside process engineering. Designing something like this requires a wealth of experience that can only be built up over the course of a lifetime. The systems are diverse and always adapted to the customer's needs. My intention is to provide the customer with something that fits into the installation space they have in mind."
We are delighted to have Jens Hachmann, a long-standing colleague and expert
in his field, on our team.
From intern to sales manager. Not many people can say that about themselves.
Thank you Jens, for your commitment, your ideas and your loyalty.
Your passion for your job is palpable and truly infectious.
SMB International plans, develops and produces tailor-made system technology at one location and thus creates individual system solutions together with the customer.
Thanks to our comprehensive know-how and our high level of vertical integration, we can reliably implement individual requirements. See for yourself. Our technical sales team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your intralogistics task.
Feel free to contact us about your specific requirements.
