In rail infrastructure, it is not only about technology, but above all about people. Wenda Lamme, Sales Engineer ETM, is hands-on and ensures that customers quickly receive the right electrotechnical materials for their rail projects.

Born in Loosdrecht and now living in Hilversum, Wenda started her career in her father’s water sports shop. There, she learned everything about customer contact and entrepreneurship. After completing her studies and internship, and following many years working at a water sports wholesaler in Utrecht, she deliberately chose more variety and something entirely new. Rail infrastructure came her way.

The transition to the railway sector offered her the opportunity to gain new knowledge in a niche market. At voestalpine, she has now found the challenge and dynamics she was looking for. “It is a great sector, in which you can literally see what you contribute,” says Wenda.

Larger company, short lines of communication

The railway sector was new territory. In her first weeks, Wenda immediately followed training courses on rail infrastructure and specifically on electrotechnical materials. “That was quite a leap into the deep end. I did not know much about technical materials at all,” she admits. In return, she received a warm welcome within the organisation, including extensive tours across the large site and introductions to various departments. “I really enjoyed that. You get to know new colleagues and immediately understand who is responsible for what,” Wenda explains.

Nevertheless, the transition from a small company to a much larger organisation took some adjustment. Where she previously handled everything herself, from packing urgent shipments to walking into the warehouse, she now had to learn to delegate and find the right people. Personal contact is very important to Wenda. “If I am looking for a colleague in the same building, I am definitely not going to call. I will always walk over. That way, you can also ask how someone is doing.” For Wenda, collegiality and involvement come first. The rail environment suits her well. “It may sound a bit unusual, but I have a soft spot for large construction equipment, such as cranes. A site like ours, with all those rails, trains and scrap… I simply like that industrial environment.”

The open and informal working atmosphere also appeals to her: “voestalpine is a relaxed organisation, where I feel I can truly be myself.”

Visible results

What has surprised her in the railway sector? That you can literally see what you contribute. “You cycle past somewhere and think: hey, I supplied that,” says Wenda. At the same time, she notices that processes in the railway sector can sometimes be slow and that there is a significant amount of regulation. This is quite different from the water sports industry, where, according to her, boundaries were more frequently pushed. “Here, things are strict. But I do understand that: safety is a fundamental asset in this sector.”

Choir, volunteering and sports

Outside of work, Wenda is also very active. She enjoys life to the fullest and likes to go out frequently. She enjoys dining out, going out in general and can often be found at rock concerts and festivals.

In addition, music is an important part of her life. She sings in a church choir and is an active board member there. She also volunteers within the church, which gives her a great deal of satisfaction.

How does she view her future at voestalpine? Wenda says she is not in a “job-hopping” mode. Instead, she wants to further deepen her knowledge of the railway sector and the materials she works with on a daily basis. “There is still a lot to learn. I actually like the fact that I no longer know everything.” As long as the work remains varied and the atmosphere positive, she sees herself in the right place here.