Federal President Köhler honors Alwin Jan Helweg for mechatronics training at Gronau plant

NORDENIA produces Germany’s best trainee

Gronau/Berlin, Dec 7, 2009. Germany’s best trainee in the field of mechatronics was trained at the international film and packaging manufacturer NORDENIA: Today, 7 December 2009, Alwin Jan Helweg was honored in Berlin by the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for the best result nationwide in completing his 3-year vocational training at NORDENIA DEUTSCHLAND Gronau (a program which normally takes 3.5 years). Mr. Helweg’s score of 99 out of 100 points and his “very good” grade were the outstanding results of his examinations. German Federal President Horst Köhler presided over the award ceremonies at the “Palais am Funkturm”, within the framework of the “National Performance Awards in IHK Professions” sponsored by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.

The key to Mr. Helweg’s success: hard work and a top-notch vocational training program. “The work that goes on at NORDENIA is extremely multi-faceted. Due to the size of the company, there are always new challenges in different fields, such as equipment servicing and maintenance, and installation and dismantling of the machinery,” explains 24-year-old Mr. Helweg. “It would not have been possible to acquire so much experience at any company.” After finishing his training program six months early, Mr. Helweg has now started a Bachelor Degree Program in Mechatronics at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

His keen interest in the combination of electronic and mechanical engineering stood out during his training. “He was extremely interested in learning as much as possible. At the same time, however, he was always concentrated and kept cool under pressure as well. Furthermore, he’s a great team player,” said his co-workers and trainers at NORDENIA DEUTSCHLAND Gronau, praising Mr. Helweg’s qualities. NORDENIA DEUTSCHLAND Gronau currently trains 50 young people in various vocational training professions.

Current photos of the award ceremonies in Berlin are available for download at the website of IHK North Westphalia www.ihk-nordwestfalen.de. Questions concerning photos and the award are answered by the press office of IHK North Westphalia at +49 251 707233 or kruedewagen@ihk-nordwestfalen.de