Why it pays to be a student intern at Kendrion

In my four years with Kendrion, I got to visit Kendrion China three times to help on IT projects; introduced and implemented new technologies (e.g. ESL tags); and had the opportunity to work with colleagues all around the world. And this was just the beginning!

My most rewarding project: ESL tags

If you think as a student intern you’re just here to learn, think again! During my time here I discovered I had more to contribute than I originally thought. As a university student, I’m exposed to the latest digital technologies and was able to suggest some very useful improvements. For instance, I introduced and implemented the use of ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels) in the warehouse here in Aerzen, which smartened Kendrion’s warehouse operations.

ESL tags automate and simplify daily tasks in the warehouse, maximizing productivity and reducing costs. These interactive labels allow us to update the priority or location of an item, deregister a product or retrieve the latest inventory status. It saves time and frustration! We first trialed the tags in a different application: meeting room management. They worked well, eliminating double bookings. Based on this success we introduced them in the warehouse. We’re now trying to expand the use of the ESL tags globally. Kendrion US and China are using them for meeting rooms, and another location, Kendrion Villingen here in Germany, is interested in the potential for their warehouse.

I’m already looking forward to another exciting project: bringing Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) into the warehouse, both here at Aerzen and at other Kendrion locations. I can’t wait to see how Kendrion technology in AGVs bring more efficiency to our internal operations.

What I’ve learned

During my time here, I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues about Kendrion and INTORQ products. When the companies merged in 2020, I helped move everything from Kendrion Aerzen into the INTORQ Aerzen building. Being in regular meetings with IT colleagues from across Kendrion has made me much more aware of what it means to work in a global company, and that everyone’s opinion is appreciated.

What inspires me about Kendrion

Talking about appreciation. I was pleasantly surprised how much people on the work floor and management valued my opinions and suggestions. It made me feel a valuable part of the team, even though I was ‘just’ an intern. While the Kendrion culture is open and easy-going, people bring their best self to work every day. Kendrion’s products are used in very dynamic sectors with emerging applications, including industrial trucks, AGVs, wind energy, robotics, and advanced medical equipment. It’s exciting to work in a company that helps transform industries and drive a safer, more sustainable future. You can feel that excitement throughout the company.

About me

I started my journey with Kendrion in 2016, working on IT projects during my summer holidays. In 2018, I joined my father, who has been with Kendrion INTORQ for more than 30 years, in the logistics department in Aerzen, as an intern student. In August 2022 Kendrion offered me a part-time position as a Junior IT Specialist and next to it I am completing the final stages of my Business Informatics Bachelor. I think it's great that Kendrion has given me the opportunity to continue working here while I finish my studies. I'm excited to see what's coming next.

Want to join our team and leave your mark? Kendrion is always on the lookout for young minds to bring fresh insights and expertise into our company. If you’re interested in joining us as an intern, go to www.kendrion.com/career!