A technophile engineer leads an application technology team at Syntegon

Syntegon Technology is one of the industry leaders 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 manufacturing, filling and packaging of liquid and solid pharmaceuticals as well as for the packaging of baked goods, chocolate, coffee and frozen foods as well as process technology for the processing of confectionery. Waiblingen in the German state of Baden-Württemberg is home to the application technology and product protection division for the package maker unit. Since the beginning of 2023, it has been managed by packaging engineer Ellen Reichmann.

Sustainability also plays a major role here, as Syntegon supports its customers in switching to recyclable packaging and resource-efficient production processes. In the application technology laboratory, experts develop and test sustainable packaging solutions, for example with their know-how in sealing processes and paper mould technology. “I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to start as a test engineer at Syntegon right after completing my Master’s degree. Among other things, we investigated how paper can be processed and partially coated on flowpackers”, says Ellen Reichmann.

Today, she is the Group Manager for the Application Technology division. “Together with my team, I 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. Film manufacturers also come to us to optimise materials for processing on their machines. In addition, we 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 with us at any given time to gain insights into our work through internships. And for our part, we find out what is currently happening at universities through the fresh insights these students bring to the table. Since I also started as a student at Syntegon in 2011, it’s important to me to give students the opportunity to gain experience with us today.”

The engineer began by studying packaging technology at the Stuttgart Media University. “I always wanted to pursue a technical career and the subject of packaging technology simply fascinated me. After attending an information day at the Media University, I realised that the degree course was the right thing for me. Packaging technology is very diverse and has both technical and creative components, but above all, it is close to everyday life, because ideally, you can see the solutions you have worked on later in the supermarket.”

Ellen Reichmann then completed her Master’s degree at the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. “As I have a soft spot for chemistry, applied surface and material sciences were a good fit for me. For example, we produced plastics in the laboratory and tackled topics such as bonding and coating.” She completed the Master’s programme and was awarded the university prize for top marks.

As team leader, Ellen Reichmann is also responsible for new employees. According to her, her department has not felt the shortage of skilled labour so keenly. Many applications were even sent in for two vacancies recently. Former interns and working students often come back to the company to work. “It’s a great advantage for us if we already know the new employees. It also speaks in our favour when students apply to our company after finishing university.”

Today, her team includes more women than men. “I always make sure to hire people who fit the position, regardless of their gender.” She has never found her own path as a woman in a technical profession to be difficult. “No obstacles were put in my way.” On the contrary: At Syntegon, she gained a great deal of positive experience and was given a wide range of opportunities for her further development within the company. “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 professionals? Above all, to be open to anything that might arise. “Everyone should also take the opportunity 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 put it forward.”