Saint-Gobain Cultilene is celebrating its 45th anniversary. To mark this milestone, we’re travelling back in time with various current and former employees. They’ll share their memories and wisdom, as well as their visions for the future. In this edition, we feature Paul Kelly, who has been working in our factory as a line manager since 1998. 

Paul was born in Scotland and lived in Ireland for many years. After working there for a few years, he decided to go on a round-the-world trip. His journey started in England and then continued in the Netherlands. But that very quickly turned out to be his last stop. In the Netherlands, Paul met a “lovely lady” and decided to stay. Having lived and worked in North Holland and Limburg, he ultimately ended up at Wibro, a company that would later be acquired by Cultilene.

To begin with, it was difficult for Paul to find work in the Netherlands because he didn’t yet speak Dutch. He explains: “At the time, speaking Dutch was a requirement for many companies. I wasn’t there yet. But I was given a chance at Wibro. I already had experience in production, so I was able to start off as a line manager straight away. I still have that job today, although I’ve taken on more responsibilities over the years.”

Immediately welcome
Paul felt welcome at his new employer from day one. “It was a great atmosphere in the workplace,” he reminisces. “Everyone was friends with everyone else and we all looked out for each other. Long after the shift was over, we stayed on to chat and have a drink.” Even though a lot has changed over the years, Paul still values his colleagues: “We work with people from all over Europe, all from different backgrounds. It’s great.”

The colleagues are not the only aspect that has changed; the work itself has also been significantly modernised. Paul: “When I started, we did everything by hand. It was physically tough work. Now a lot of things are done automatically. So we’re more efficient and we’re doing the same work with fewer people.” And Paul expects that to keep on changing: “We’re in the process of robotising even more. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next.”

Passing on lessons
During his years at Cultilene, Paul has not only learned a lot about his work but also about himself. “At first, I found it hard to say no,” he says. “I would take work home with me and didn’t get much rest. Until someone said to me: ‘Let it go.’ That was an important lesson, which I still apply today. Walking my dog also helps me clear my head.”

Paul has also noticed changes in the workplace. “In the past, as a newcomer I wasn’t always taken seriously. But nowadays colleagues listen to my opinion and take more advice from me. That’s an advantage that comes with experience. I also try to pass on everything I.ve learned to new colleagues.”

Eye for detail
One of the things Paul prioritises in his work is ensuring customers get what they want. He explains: “I think it’s important to have an eye for detail, so as to ensure customers get exactly what they have asked for. It’s also good to meet people’s requests in terms of product. We do this by working with different cubes, different structures and different types of holes, for instance. The donut hole is a good example. But we’re now also incorporating openings in cubes for inserting drippers for irrigation.”

After 25 years at Cultilene, Paul looks back on his time at the company with pride. “I’m happy that I have been able to make a difference to our products and processes over the years. The work has remained challenging, and that’s why I still enjoy it.” And what about the future? “I think it’s important that we remain fit for the future, both as individuals and with Cultilene as a company. As long as we work together, think sustainably, stay flexible, look ahead and are open to feedback, I’m sure we can continue to progress together. That way, we’ll be well prepared for the challenges and choices we face.”