Matthias Arnold
Head of Engineering
tubus carrier systems GmbH
LOOKING FOR JOBS IN THE BICYCLE INDUSTRY
What has been your most exciting task at tubus so far?
In fact, the most exciting project was a front carrier where I had a lot of development freedom because the entire bike was designed from scratch. In addition to the design requirements, the technical realisation and installation were a particular challenge. Fortunately, I was able to rely on our in-house designer for the design, so that everything could be solved quickly. New production processes had to be introduced at our suppliers for the technical realisation, but this no longer posed any problems after coordination. The connection should offer the option of illumination and be intuitive for anyone to use. We were able to develop a completely new assembly solution together as a team.
Why did you choose us back then?
Due to my personal interest in cycling, I explicitly looked for jobs in the bicycle industry. I was very happy to come across the job offer from tubus. During the interview, it quickly became clear to me that I would like to get to know the company better during the trial period. During the trial work, I not only got to know my colleagues, but also the city of Münster, which convinced me to settle here.
How do you rate the team at tubus?
Young, innovative and humorous.
What do you associate with cycling outside of the company?
I use my bike for everything. I come to work in the morning, go shopping. But I also like to use it as a piece of sports equipment outside of everyday life, but that’s practically every day as well. And I can’t remember a holiday where the bike wasn’t at least included. Which, of course, is reflected in my vehicle fleet, much to the displeasure of my flatmates. There are currently 11 in total.
During the interview, it quickly became clear to me that I would like to get to know the company better during the trial period. During the trial work, I not only got to know my colleagues, but also the city of Münster, which convinced me to settle here.
Matthias Arnold
Head of Engineering
THE WELLBEING FACTOR IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME
Why did you choose tubus?
At the time, I was looking for a job in work preparation because I had missed the planning aspect of my last job. Contact with production is very important to me. The job advert appealed to me directly because of the reference to bicycles. I have 12 bikes in my cellar, including some with the racktime brand on the carrier. I didn’t even know what it could do because I wasn’t given comprehensive advice when I bought it. I immediately found the options with the carrier interesting. The work-life balance in the job advert also really appealed to me. I wasn’t surprised when I got the call for an interview, my CV simply matched the position. My impression was quickly confirmed in the interview – the commitment to the employees, that the employer takes care of the employees (home office, metal pension, €44 vouchers, physio) – you could tell that tubus cares about its employees. The wellbeing factor is very important to me, that was also the deciding factor and you can feel at home here. For me, the bicycle industry is also an industry for the future.
How did you experience your start at tubus?
My workplace was superbly prepared – they had thought of everything. Colourful paper clips, beautifully prepared office folders, it all worked. I had already received a few emails and a starter pack with the induction plan. The familiarisation plan immediately created a sense of security. The organisation chart was nice for orientation, then I knew straight away how the company is structured. When names were introduced, you could look straight away and know what was going on.
How do you experience working with your colleagues?
When I started, the working atmosphere was immediately open and friendly. Everyone is helpful. Questions and problems are answered at all levels. I was actively involved in everything. The supervisor’s door is also always open.
You feel like you’re on the same level as everyone, even though the organisation chart exists. There is simply a great appreciation for each other – it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you are like, or what dialect someone speaks. There are simply no prejudices against anyone.
What has been your most interesting task with us so far?
As work preparation didn’t exist before, I’ve only had interesting tasks so far. A lot of new things are being created with plenty of scope for implementation. The customisation options are great. You can feel the trust, the framework conditions are right.
The Ökoprofit project stands out. Personally, I am very interested in outdoor design and enjoy working in my own garden. Here we were in contact with Nabu to promote native animals and native plants. Biodiversity is very important and here I was able to combine my hobby with my work.
Janine Becker
Production Planning
tubus carrier systems GmbH
The work in the department is exciting, varied and communicative, coupled with a high level of responsibility for developing technically sophisticated and visually high-quality products.
Andreas Fortmeier
Technical writer | tubus carrier systems GmbH
Andreas Fortmeier
Technical writer
tubus carrier systems GmbH
Working together informally and constructively at all levels
How would you explain your department to a new colleague in three sentences?
The work in the department is exciting, varied and communicative, coupled with a high level of responsibility for developing technically sophisticated and visually high-quality products. We collect creative ideas and accompany them through the development process to the finished product. In addition, we support the entire product life cycle and, if necessary, manage and supervise improvements and updates to the product.
What do you value most about tubus?
For me, tubus is the best employer in my professional life so far. Flat hierarchies ensure informal and constructive cooperation at all levels – including management. Everyone is heard and can make their contribution to shaping the company as a whole. Many additional benefits are offered for the benefit of employees, which are not a matter of course.
You are a keen cyclist yourself. What can you recommend to other cyclists without reservation?
First of all, of course, to try out our products and to cycle as much as possible – both in everyday life and on holiday. Broaden your horizons and change your perspective by travelling as much as possible by bike, bus and train and leaving the car behind. If you cycle to work, you feel much fresher and more energised in the morning.
What does the bicycle represent for you personally?
For me, it symbolises a certain kind of freedom and pure joie de vivre. Sitting on the saddle and looking at the landscape that slowly rushes past you and feeling the wind on your face is relaxing and calming. For me, this is like meditating to calm down and I recommend that people try this.
Mutual support and a sympathetic ear
Benni Hellweg
Production worker
Hebie GmbH & Co. KG
Please tell us your name and your role within the company.
My name is Benjamin Hellweg and I have been a fitter at Hebie for over 16 years.
What makes your work at Hebie special?
That you feel at home in the company and don’t go to work in the morning with a knot in your stomach.
How is community lived at Hebie?
Every day at work, by helping one another. But also at events, such as the summer party.
Where do you think there is still room for improvement at Hebie?
In terms of communication (especially across departments) and digitalisation. However, communication has already improved significantly thanks to our SpeakAp.
Maurice Führing
Tooling
Hebie GmbH & Co. KG
Please tell us your name and your role within the company.
My name is Maurice Führing. I work as a toolmaker in the toolmaking department.
What makes your work at Hebie special?
What I particularly enjoy about my work at Hebie is the close contact with many different departments and the short reporting lines.
I also really appreciate the fact that we’re encouraged to contribute new ideas and, above all, to bring our own personal touch to the work.
How is community lived at Hebie?
At Hebie, everyone is always willing to listen to one another, and a lot of work and decision-making is done as a team. The open-door culture makes the whole working atmosphere feel more like a family.
Where do you think there is still room for improvement at Hebie?
I see room for improvement in various areas. With more modern technology, many systems could be automated, thereby streamlining production. In some areas, communication could also be improved.
The daily dialogue, mutual support and fun at work make everyday working life particularly enjoyable. It’s not for nothing that we talk about the “hebie family” here.
Nicole Hamann
Reception & Secretariat | Hebie GmbH & Co. KG
SO THAT EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME HERE
What is your name and what position do you hold in the company?
My name is Nicole Hamann and I work in internal sales. I also work at the reception desk in our head office. I am the first point of contact for our customers, partners and visitors – both on the phone and in person. I make sure that enquiries are forwarded quickly and reliably and that everyone feels welcome here.
Why did you choose our company back then?
Quite simply: The first impression was great. Even during the application process, I had the feeling that the atmosphere was right and that I was in the right place. I was immediately impressed by the team, the open communication and the corporate culture – and this positive feeling has been absolutely confirmed to this day.
What importance do your colleagues have for you?
My colleagues mean a lot to me. We not only work well together, but also maintain a very friendly and respectful relationship. The daily dialogue, mutual support and fun at work make everyday working life particularly enjoyable. It’s not for nothing that we talk about the “hebie family” here.
Nicole Hamann
Reception & Secretariat
Hebie GmbH & Co. KG
Alice Mertens
Graphic
Hebie GmbH & Co. KG
PLENTY OF FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENT WORKING
Please tell us your name and your position in the company.
My name is Alice Mertens and I work as a graphic artist/media designer in marketing.
How would you describe the corporate culture of the HEBIE GROUP?
The hierarchies here are flat. We are all on first-name terms and the atmosphere is very relaxed, open and sociable. We often all have a big breakfast together during the break (which can sometimes be longer). Everyone brings something with them. There is a lot of laughter and it is somehow informal. I’ve never seen anyone walking around here in a suit – they’re more likely to be in cycling shorts, because many colleagues are passionate cyclists. Someone is usually travelling by bike from Münster to Frankfurt for the Eurobike or anywhere else in the world. And there are some who also fiddle and tinker with their bikes in their free time. This passion for bicycles and creativity colours the corporate culture. You also have a lot of freedom in the HEBIE GROUP. You have to take responsibility for your own work a lot of the time. It is therefore a corporate culture that is strongly based on trust.
Is there an opportunity for professional development?
If you need a certain development measure to be able to fulfil a task better, then this is also guaranteed. We are also given the freedom to undertake further development if necessary (for example through tutorials on the internet) – if time permits. Recently, we have also had a lot of new launches of technical tools. In addition, there are always tasks that challenge you and you grow accordingly.
What are the advantages of working in the bicycle industry for you?
My bike is very important to me. That’s why I like working for a company that manufactures products that are connected to the bicycle. And as I said before, I have very enthusiastic colleagues. I also find that advantageous. I think the whole bike industry is more or less like that – passionate about bikes.
During the interview, it quickly became clear to me that I would like to get to know the company better during the trial period. During the trial work, I not only got to know my colleagues, but also the city of Münster, which convinced me to settle here.
Matthias Arnold
Head of Engineering | tubus carrier systems GmbH