The faces behind Mach4Metal | Martien Elfring

Fifteen years ago he went with early retirement. But doing nothing? That's not how Martien Elfring likes it. He's 75 now, but he still works two days a week at Mach4Metal. "Because it's fun and you earn some nice money with it", he explains. Read his story here.

He was originally an electrician, but at the age of 60 he thought it was time for a well-deserved early retirement. But after a while it started to itch. Because, as he says himself: "At some point you're just done with tidying up the garden." Through his neighbor – the father of the Mach4Metal owner- he as tipped off to start working at Mach4Metal. And that turned out to be a good move.

Making himself useful

Now we're 15 years further and Martien still works two days a week at the machine dealer in Babbericht. "It's really nice work, so I really enjoy doing it", he explains the career switch. "When you're on early retirement, your bubble gets a bit smaller. Here I am among other people and I make myself useful."

Spending lots of time in the warehouse

So what does he do at Mach4Metal? Well, enough! "I spend a lot of time in the warehouse. I make sure everything stays in order. Because I've been working here for 15 years, I know exactly where everything is stored. That's very handy for my colleagues. And I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience in recent years, which I like to share with the younger generation."

In the past, Martien was there when machines had to be picked up, in the Netherlands or abroad. "I no longer do hoisting, lifting or other heavy work. I get a bit older and more stiff of course."

Difference with the past

Ever since Martien has joined the company, he has seen a lot. "I started when Mach4Metal had just bought the current building in Babberich. What's the difference with the past, you ask? We now have many more heavy machines in our range. Back then it was more lathes and smaller machines. Nowadays a 400 tonne machine is no longer an exception!"
"There are also, of course, many more computer-controlled machine. These more modern CNC machines have a much shorter lifespan than the conventional machines from the past. I remember very well that during the financial crisis, the entire hall was stuffed with machines. Yes, at Mach4Metal they have a nose for good machines!"

But it's not just the machines that are remarkable, the variety of customers also makes it special to work at Mach4Metal, Martien says. "I find it very interesting that our customers come from all over the world. There have even been customers who came here by helicopter!"

The other half is happy too

What does his wife think about the fact that Martien's away from home two days a week? "Haha, well, we are both still very active, she also has plenty to do. When you've been married for 49 years, it's nice to still have your own hobbies. But we also do enough together, you know. We go out with the dog or we go on holiday with our caravan. No, my other half is also very happy with the situation."

Walking through the hall

Will Martien work at Mach4Metal for a long time to come? "I really enjoy working here, so as long as it's possible, I'll be happy to keep doing what I do. Although, I do need some time in the evening to recover. After a working day in hour hall of 40,000 square meters, I've walked more than enough!", Martien concludes his story.

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