Ellen Reichmann completed an internship at Syntegon Technology while studying packaging technology. Today, she heads the Application Technology and Product Protection department at the Waiblingen site and welcomes applications from former interns.
Syntegon Technology is an industry leader when it comes to process and packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical and food industries. With production sites worldwide, the company develops and manufactures systems for the production, filling and packaging of liquid and solid pharmaceuticals as well as for the packaging of baked goods, chocolate, coffee and frozen foods and process technology for the processing of confectionery. In Waiblingen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, among other things the application technology and product protection department for the package maker sector is based here. It has been managed by packaging engineer Ellen Reichmann since the beginning of 2023.
Sustainability plays a major role here, as Syntegon supports its customers in switching to recyclable packaging and resource-saving production processes. In the application technology laboratory, the experts develop and test sustainable packaging solutions, for example, with expertise in sealing processes and paper forming technology.
„I was lucky and had the opportunity to start as a test engineer at Syntegon straight after my Master's degree. Among other things, we investigated how paper can be processed and partially coated on tubular bag machines.“
Ellen Reichmann
Today, she is Group Manager for Application Technology. „Together with my team, we carry out tests in the technical centre with paper and plastic materials. For example, we test, Whether a particular material is suitable for a customised system. However, film manufacturers also come to us to optimise materials for processing on their machines. We also advise customers as well as colleagues from Sales and Service.“ Ellen Reichmann's team consists of five packaging engineers and one technician. „We also usually have two to three students who gain an insight into our work through an internship. And we learn about the fresh insights they bring with them, what is currently happening at universities. As I also started at Syntegon as a student in 2011, it is important to me today to give students the opportunity to gain experience with us.“
Everyday packaging technology
The engineer began by studying packaging technology at Stuttgart Media University. „I always wanted to pursue a technical career and the subject of packaging technology simply fascinated me. After an information day at the HdM, I realised that the course was right for me. Packaging technology is very diverse, has technical and creative components, but above all it is close to everyday life, because ideally you see the solutions you work on later in the supermarket.“
Ellen Reichmann then completed her Master's degree at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. „As I have a soft spot for chemistry, applied surface and material sciences suited me well. For example, we produced plastics in the lab and dealt with topics such as bonding and coating.“ The She completed her Master's programme with the university prize for the best degree.
As team leader, Ellen Reichmann is now also responsible for new employees. She says that the shortage of skilled labour is not so noticeable in her department. Recently, there have even been many applications for two vacancies. They are often Former interns or working students who come back. „It's a great advantage for us to already know the new employees. It also speaks in our favour when students apply to us after completing their studies.“
Learning from experience
Today, more women than men work in her team. „But I always hire people who have to fit a position, regardless of whether they are men or women.“ She has never found her own path as a woman in a technical profession difficult. „No obstacles were put in my way.“ On the contrary: at Syntegon, she has gained very positive experience and Diverse opportunities for further development within the company had. „I was on parental leave twice and can also work part-time without any problems. Syntegon offers very flexible options here.“
And what advice does she have for young career starters? Above all, be open to all topics that come up. „Everyone should also utilise the opportunities to learn from the experience of others. When I started, I worked with a colleague who had 50 years of professional experience - and I had zero. I learnt a lot from him. But I also think it's important not to hide your own expertise. If you have a good idea, you should have the courage to talk about it.“
