A versatile and successful technician: The story of Ines Gindel

When asked what she actually does at her employer Ceramant, Ines Gindel says: ‘A lot, thank goodness – and something different every day!’ This proves to be true when you follow the lively materials engineer around the large hall in Wald am Schoberpaß.

The family-run company Ceramant has specialised in wear and coating technology for large machines in the pulp and paper industry for 40 years. Special coatings developed in-house extend the service life of machine parts and allow old machines to be reconditioned. ‘We deliver as far as Turkey,’ explains company owner and managing director Peter Müller. ‘Because cardboard and paper are used all over the world.’

The 33-year-old not only puts her skills to perfect use in quality assurance, but also plays a decisive role in the development of new coatings. She checks the consistency of the coating powders in the laboratory, inspects incoming goods and documents the work steps in the company so that everything is in order when it comes to inspection.

After the birth of her third child, Gindel developed a desire to return to her profession – to the job she loves. Her boss is grateful for her versatility and accuracy and values her ability to multitask: ‘I can see that she brings special qualities to the company that benefit everyone.’

Only woman in the production

Apart from the secretary, Gindel is currently the only woman in production – but that is set to change soon. A young applicant has already expressed interest in joining the team. If the mother of three sons (aged four, eight and ten) could give young girls one piece of advice, it would be: ‘Just do it.’ She always listens to her gut feeling and knew when she applied that the family business with around 25 employees would be a great fit for her.

Some colleagues have been with the company since it was founded and are about to retire. Others are just starting out and bring fresh ideas with them – just like she did back then. Gindel appreciates her varied work and is grateful that, as a mother of three who is also completing her studies at the Montanuniversität, she can work flexibly. ‘With children, there's always the possibility of illness, but I can make up for it later.’

Her boss, who has three children himself and whose son is now production manager at Ceramant, is very understanding: ‘It takes a certain amount of flexibility on both sides.’ The Gaishorn native finds relaxation in the forest or in her herb garden, which she tends to keep her medicine cabinet stocked. ‘That's my balance to everything else.’ Otherwise, the mother of three can often be found with her boys on the football pitch.

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