With a team of approximately 40 employees, they ensure every day that products are meticulously prepared before reaching the consumer. In this blog, department leader Stan Ypeij provides insight into the daily operations of the last step in the production process: Final Packaging.
Quality is the cornerstone of everything Simons Halal Food does, and the Packaging Department plays a critical role in upholding this standard. Each product must be precisely labeled, coded, and packaged according to the customer’s specific requirements.
Every customer has their own detailed preferences stored in our system. These include instructions on product delivery, coding, pallet stacking heights, and label placement. The Packaging Department ensures that every detail is flawless, meeting both Simons Halal Food’s high standards and the client’s unique expectations.
A typical day at Packaging starts early. The first team members arrive at 7 a.m., while the last shift finishes at 11 p.m. Upon arrival, employees change into their work attire and clock in using a fingerprint system, which ensures maximum food safety by restricting production area access to authorized personnel only.
The day’s pace is dynamic, dictated by incoming orders. The department operates five packaging lines for sausages and four for deli meats. While most employees are assigned to specific lines, operators are cross-trained to handle multiple lines, ensuring flexibility and smooth operations even during busy periods.
In addition to operators, there are team members responsible for stacking rolls, securing pallets with straps, wrapping them, managing labels, and other specialized tasks. To keep the machines running efficiently, dedicated relief workers step in during breaks. At the end of each day, the department is thoroughly cleaned, products are stored in the cooling rooms, and employees clock out before heading home.
The Final Packaging Department works closely with other departments to ensure everything runs smoothly. The Production Department prepares the products, the Planning Department keeps the process on track, and the Expedition Department ensures timely shipment.
This seamless collaboration allows the Final Packaging team to complete their tasks efficiently, even during peak periods. What sets the department apart is its strong team spirit and the dedication of every employee. Department leader Stan Ypeij is proud of his team: “It’s wonderful to see how everyone works together, no matter the challenges. We know we can rely on one another, creating a positive work atmosphere where we achieve the best results as a team. We have a diverse group of employees from different countries, but everyone knows exactly what needs to be done. That’s a great feeling.”
Simons Halal Food continuously strives to improve processes. Recently, a new packaging machine was installed, increasing production capacity. Stan and his team view such advancements as opportunities to work more efficiently and achieve even better results. “It’s amazing to see how we can accomplish more with fewer people. It’s always a challenge, but there’s immense satisfaction in seeing what we achieve together,” says Stan.
Beyond significant technical developments, it’s often the small wins that instill pride within the team. “Every day, we achieve small successes,” Stan explains. “Whether it’s meeting daily targets or solving a problem quickly and effectively, we celebrate our victories. It’s this daily sense of accomplishment that drives us to
keep improving as a team.”
With a focus on innovation and teamwork, the Final Packaging Department looks ahead with confidence, ready to continue delivering excellence one package at a time.
