48 Years of Wegter: Henriette's Story

Some stories can’t be captured in a single moment. They unfold over the course of years, grow alongside a company, and are shaped by everything you experience along the way. Henriette’s story is one of those.

On January 2, 1978, she started her first day of work at Wegter, on Vossenbrink in Delden. It was her first office job—and, as it turned out, her last. “I remember that very well. I was so nervous. It was my first office job, and in hindsight, also my last.” At that time, the company was still manageable and on a smaller scale than it is today. Everyone knew each other, interacted with everyone else, and the work atmosphere was pleasant. It was an environment where you quickly felt at home.

Working in a Different Era

In those early years, the work looked completely different from what it does today. Without computers, everything was tracked manually, and processes were slower and more cumbersome. At the same time, the work was more manageable and less rushed. “We kept track of inventory in ledgers. Everything was done by hand. The work was much more labor-intensive, but the pace was also a lot slower. The customer base was smaller, so you had a better overview.”

The way people work together is different, too. It’s more formal, with clear hierarchies. “You didn’t call the executives by their first names, and you certainly didn’t use the informal ‘you.’ There was a real divide between management and staff. But they did care about the staff.”

Adapting to Change

Over the next 48 years, the company underwent constant change. The biggest change was in the way people worked and communicated. Whereas messages used to be sent via telex and you had to wait for a reply, communication is now instant and global. “During my years working at the front desk, I used to send messages to suppliers via telex. Then I’d have to wait for a reply. Now you can get in touch at any time and get a response super fast, no matter where in the world you are.” The pace is picking up, processes are becoming more efficient, and the work is changing. It requires adaptability and a willingness to grow along with the company—something Henriette has done all these years.

A place where things never stand still

Over the years, Henriette has held various roles within the company. She worked in administration and sales for the Makro department, manned the front desk, and eventually ended up in logistics. That’s where she found her place. “Logistics is what I enjoy doing most. It’s a dynamic department where all kinds of things happen. It’s never boring, and I really enjoy that hustle and bustle.” That variety and working together with her colleagues make her job special and ensure that no two days are the same.

Pride Is in the Little Things

When you look back on 48 years at the same company, it’s not just about the big moments. For Henriette, the value lies precisely in the day-to-day work and the role she has played in it. “I’m not one to be proud of myself very easily, and I’ve never had any grand ambitions either. But I do think I’m good at working with others and that I’m reliable.”

In addition, it was important to her to balance her work and personal life. At a time when that wasn’t a given, she made a conscious decision to continue working. “Back then, it was the norm to stop working as soon as you had children. It took quite a while before my request to continue working part-time was approved.”

Take a step back, but don't let go

After nearly five decades, Henriette is saying goodbye to Wegter. What she’ll miss most isn’t just the work itself, but especially everything that goes along with it. “The interaction with colleagues and the buzz. At work, you experience new developments and have to constantly adapt and grow along with them. I’m really going to miss that. My world is going to get a little smaller.”

A company that endures

If she had to describe Wegter in one sentence, she wouldn’t have to think twice. “A really wonderful family business.” And with that, she actually sums up her 48 years at Wegter perfectly.

A fitting farewell

On June 19, we celebrated Henriette’s retirement together with her family, colleagues, and a number of former colleagues. It was a time to reflect on her impressive career spanning more than 48 years and to thank her for everything she has meant to Wegter.

Henriette, thank you for everything, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!