Tom Devriendt is a QA Officer based at our Medgenix plant in Wevelgem, Belgium. Below he shares with us some insights into working at the location and what he likes most about life at Perrigo!
Can you tell me a little bit about Medgenix? Medgenix is located at the small airport of Wevelgem. In summer time you can admire leisure air crafts exploring the sunny sky, but from time to time also world leaders can be spotted at the cosy airport (Obama once as active president of USA). The offices were recently revamped and have a modern look! We work with about 130 people, covering all departments a modern pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation needs: Planning & Purchase, Production, Production Support, Process & Innovation, Maintenance, Quality Control, Research & Development, Finance, Human Resources, Safety & Environment, Warehouse and my own department Quality Assurance.
Tell me about your commute to work? Medgenix is literally situated on top of a local high way, the E403, that goes through a tunnel under the airport. In contradiction to other highways in Belgium, traffic on this highway is quite calm and traffic jams are rather rare! Medgenix disposes of a large, recently extended, parking place. During this parking extension, preparations were made to install charging stations for electric/hybrid vehicles on short notice. Most of the colleagues come by car, but a large part of local residents do reach the site by bike and can have their vehicle parked in the covered parking space.
What is a typical day like for you when in the office? As member of Quality Assurance, I interact with all possible departments, but most of the time I connect to the core department of Production. We try to handle the operational challenges by multidisciplinary dialogue in order to involve all stakeholders. The most satisfying moment of my job is when we are able to release conforming products. It is a great feeling to supply a product to the market, that is safe for the patient to use and is able to deliver its intended effect to the patient. For example, as father with 2 young children, I can experience the benefits of our anti-lice product Paranix directly!
What’s your typical lunchtime spot? When the weather permits it, I enjoy my meal outdoors at the picknick tables in front of our buildings, with a view on the airport. On rainy or colder days I take my lunch at our spacious canteen, which is equipped with refrigerators and micro-wave ovens to allow heating of meals. Medgenix offers the possibility of ordering warm-up meals, beside soup and sandwiches delivered by an external caterer. In the canteen you can also find automats for snacks and cold drinks. Hot beverages can be refueled for free, but nothing can beat the freshly brewed coffee available at the landscape office.
How would you describe the location? Medgenix combines the strengths of two type of enterprises. On the one hand, we have the familial character of the local “KMO” company with the rather lateral/flat organizational structure in which everyone is easily accessible. The efforts of the local “Happy Team” to emphasize our familial character cannot be underestimated. COVID-19 might impede large gatherings, but does not hold back the creativity of this team. On the other hand, we are supported by the striking power of the global company of Perrigo. The recent investments in new equipment allow for increasing both our efficiency and compliance level.
What are the development opportunities? Many colleagues have experienced cross -departmental moves in Medgenix when they find another function more suitable to their interests. Other colleagues have gathered much specific knowhow expertise over the years and now form the pillars of the company with their expertise combined to their enormous drive.
What’s your favourite part about Medgenix? I enjoy the open discussion culture that is implemented. I have the feeling we face challenges as a team and because of this we are making effective progress. The leadership style at Medgenix is one of trust. In my experience, people that take up their responsibility get the necessary independent authority about their tasks, but without losing support in cases as needed.
Do you prefer to work from home or in the office? I prefer working in the office because of the social interaction with all colleagues! When we face new challenges, it is an absolute asset to shortly discuss directly with colleagues. As we are a manufacturing site, being physically present is sometimes essential. And that is what makes the job also attractive in my opinion, as it is at this level the “magic” happens. Although, I am not insensible for the benefits of working at home neither, as this allows for more efficient focus time. Furthermore, Medgenix provided the basic equipment for smooth organization of the home office. The current mixture between both methods seems ideal to me.
We are always looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our teams at Medgenix. Take your next career step today and check out our live vacancies