Last minute solutions in a customer oriented branch

When did your adventure at Raffinerie Tirlemontoise sugar refinery begin?

In 1986, I started working as an accountant at what was then the Suikerfabriek van Veurne, a subsidiary of Raffinerie Tirlemontoise. I worked there for 19 years until the first sugar reform in 2005, which closed down the Suikerfabriek van Veurne. But thanks to earlier connections with Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, I was able to start as a purchaser with the Lebbe Sugar Specialties branch in Oostkamp in mid2006. Four years later, I took on my current job as Supply Chain Manager.

What does your typical working day look like?

No two working days are the same. We always begin with a production meeting at 9am, during which we discuss points for special attention at each department. The rest of the day is determined by unexpected situations like those that can crop up in the customer-oriented branch which is Lebbe Sugar Specialties in Oostkamp. For
example, it’s possible that we need to get in a shipment of ingredients and/or packaging within a very short time in order to make a product for our customers. I have to find transport immediately for a lastminute
product delivery to a customer.

Happily, these are the exception to the rule, but they are the things that make my job so exciting. I also make sure that certain data in our ERP system are always up-to-date so that the most accurate info is constantly available. Lastly, I also deal with contacting the packaging supplier, because our packaging requirements are very specific.

How would you describe the atmosphere at Raffinerie Tirlemontoise?

I can describe the atmosphere within Lebbe Sugar Specialties in Oostkamp as extremely good. The entire team is ready to help each other if it looks like something is about to go wrong. Plus, I’m lucky enough to see colleagues at other Raffinerie Tirlemontoise branches regularly, which gives me a nice feeling that together we’re achieving something.

How do you experience your job and life at Raffinerie Tirlemontoise?

There is definitely enough variety in my job. I’m proud of being able to contribute to the future of the company with the famous T logo.

What is your favourite product made by Raffinerie Tirlemontoise?

The Roll Out Fondant is a great product that we make here at Lebbe Sugar Specialties for our industrial clients. As a consumer, I just love the Cassonade Brown Sugar.