Our highly appreciated colleague Hay will retire soon. Just before his 40th anniversary he retires. “Unfortunately, with only half a year to go I won’t make it to my 40th anniversary. It's a pity, it's still a milestone to officially reach your 40th anniversary.” Hay mentions.

So you have been employed here for over 39 years. That's a long time! Do you regret that you’ll not be working anymore? “Well, even after I have reached my retirement age, I will still be working a few days a week at Elmec.”
Ah, so you still want to continue working after you reach your retirement age? “Sure, I can't live without Elmec”, Hay says with a big smile and convincing expression. “My hobby has become my job. Sitting at home is not for me, I like to keep busy.”

How long have you held this position? “I have always been a service technician, and then a chief technician until 6/7 years ago. Unfortunately, my joints couldn't take it anymore at a certain point. A colleague from the technical service needed support. After a while, Rob Langen (the son of the founder and also former director/owner of Elmec) noticed what I had to offer, and the decision was made to take up my current position. This was definitely the best option for my health. Time was passing and finally my colleague; Paul, who was also a mechanic, joined as a colleague to pull the cart of the technical service.”

Paul is very pleased with Hay as a colleague; “Hay is a versatile mechanic and colleague who everyone likes. He fulfills the role of Assistant Manager Service & Maintenance with great success.”

What do you like most about your work at Elmec? “The activities are very diverse; arranging transport, placing orders, to lead our mechanics, manage overhauls, providing informational support for parts and so on. Recently a new hoist came in from one of our clients that did not work properly. Carrying out a lot of tests to find out the cause of the malfunction, that is still a challenge that warms me up. I especially like less common problems the most.”

What was your most memorable moment at Elmec? “That’s a difficult one, there are so many. I have to think about that...” After a short moment of silence, Hay remembers; “The company trips! Actually, they were all great, everything is always arranged down to the last detail. The food and drinks are top notch every time, and we always go to places we wouldn't even come up with ourselves. You always see something new. For example, we went to the Hannover Messe in 1989 with the sleep train. First we traveled by bus to Munich Gladbach and there we boarded the train. We stayed there for two days. In the evenings after the Messe, a very large party tent was set up that had a entire Bavaria themed decoration. Large orchestras that performed there managed to turn it into a real party. Large pots of beer and lots of meat were served there. Those evenings were very pleasant.” Hay reminisces those memorable days; “Ohhh, the founder of our company was there too. Unfortunately, he passed away at a very young age.” Says Hay with a somewhat sad look.

How do you like the cooperation with your colleagues at Elmec? “Really great actually. The relationships with all colleagues, both mechanics and the office, are awesome. You will not notice the spread of groups at the office- and the mechanic side. The lines are very short so you can work efficiently. I do miss the 'having fun' with the mechanics on the work floor a bit. My job is now much more serious.”

Starting from September, Hay will begin his well-deserved retirement. We are pleased that Hay will also continue to work at Elmec several days a week. Hay is a colleague who is difficult to replace. His knowledge, expertise and dedication to the company are irreplaceable.

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