Solving the big puzzle

As Assistant Maintenance Manager at Elopak’s Aarhus plant in Denmark, Nikoline Kejser Rosenlind rarely spends much time behind a desk. Instead, most of her day unfolds on the factory floor, where she co-manages a team of 30 maintenance professionals, including mechanics, electricians, and other specialists. Together, they ensure that the factory’s machines run seamlessly, transforming large rolls of carton into packaging ready for use. 

From basement to production plant  

With a large variety of production machines to manage, no two days are the same. On a typical day, Nikoline moves between machines, overseeing their maintenance and keeping operations on track.  

Her fascination with machinery traces back to her childhood, where it all began in the basement of her home. 

– My father had hoped for a son to share his passion for fixing things. Instead, he got three daughters. But as I got older, I became curious about what he was doing in the basement and started joining him. I really loved fixing and optimizing machines and the smell of gasoline. 

Turning a childhood passion into a career 

Her early interest in tinkering with machines eventually led Nikoline to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. 

– I once read a quote that said when choosing a career, you should think about what you loved doing as a child because it will bring you the same kind of excitement. It stuck with me. What I do today feels very similar to those days in the basement. 

The joy of leadership 

While her passion for machinery remains, it’s the leadership aspect of her role that Nikoline enjoys the most. 

– As a child, I loved taking things apart and putting them back together, like solving a puzzle. Now, I get to solve an even bigger puzzle—leading people and operations. I love the responsibility and the challenge of constantly having balls thrown at me, trying to catch them. It brings a lot of joy when you get it right to see the results of something you’ve helped make happen. 

Easy-going and supportive culture 

Nikoline’s choice to join Elopak was influenced by the opportunity to take on a leadership position early in her career. At just 24 years old, she started co-managing a large team – all men and most her senior. Earning her team’s respect was key to her success. 

– My experience is that you first have to earn your team’s respect. Many of my team members are older than me – I could even be their child or grandchild. When I first started, I spent a lot of time on the factory floor, proving that I knew what I was doing. 

Despite the male-dominated environment she quickly felt at home within her Elopak team. 

– I find the culture very easy-going and supportive, allowing me to be myself. We take an interest in each other, even asking about life outside the factory, and that is a beautiful thing in a workplace.