„Always step by step“

This year, we congratulate her warmly on her 50th anniversary with the company. We met Elvira, who was born in Oerlinghausen, for an interview in mid-July. Learn more about her exciting career path, which began on August 1, 1975, at Dr. Oetker in the production hall, so-called “Puddingsaal” (now Dr. Oetker Welt with “Puddingwunder”).

Come on in! Elvira has opened the front door to the Oerlinghausen factory countless times.

How did you find out about Dr. Oetker?

Elvira Sherwood (ES): My girlfriend's sister worked at Dr. Oetker in Oerlinghausen in 1974. When we met, she raved about the bread mix, among other things. When I finished school at 15, I wanted to do an apprenticeship as a pharmaceutical technical assistant (PTA). That was only possible at the age of 16. My parents said, “You're not staying at home, you're going to work.” That's how I came to join Dr. Oetker – and I liked it here from the very beginning.

How did you get started?

ES: Dr. Oetker employed many young workers, as they were called at the time, because they were not yet of legal age. I started out in Bielefeld on Lutterstraße and was assigned to the so-called Puddingsaal - today's Dr. Oetker World. I had to take care of order in production and took care of everything that needed to be done. Because of our age, we were not yet allowed to work on the machines. I also worked in the mailroom. I really enjoyed that because I distributed the mail to all the offices on the premises, including the executive offices. That was quite something, and I often thought to myself, “Now you're delivering the mail to August.” It was a wonderful time.

What happened next for you?

ES: Sometimes I helped out in Oerlinghausen and finally moved here permanently in 1979. Since then, I have also been working on production machines. I still remember: In the past, we used to write the labels by hand during palletizing and stick them on the pallets. The invoice was also done by hand. I was repeatedly given a little more responsibility. Yes, and then I just stayed.

Did your responsibilities change when you moved to Oerlinghausen?

ES: Yes, once I came of age, I was increasingly involved in production processes. I was trained by Anja Thorbrügge (master in the area of baking mixes/filling since 1996), who was working in materials management at the time. The first PC was introduced here in 1986. We checked incoming and outgoing goods and stock levels, partly using electronic systems. So I climbed a little higher each time, so to speak.

You have been involved in the production of many products. Which is your favorite product?

ES: That’s difficult to say. Back when I started in Bielefeld, it was our pudding. You always had the smell of vanilla in your nose. I have fond memories of the “Cafeteria” product. It consisted of shortcrust pastry sheets with a delicious cream (with peach). There was also a glaze on top. It was really delicious and easy to make. I also liked a cake with little meringues. My production manager at the time knew that I liked to eat meringues. Sometimes there was a box on my desk on my birthday.

What do you value most about Dr. Oetker?

ES: The safety, the togetherness, the family atmosphere.

Which moment or event do you remember most vividly?

ES: Our youth trips were enjoyable and always entertaining. As young workers, we were not yet permitted to attend the company party. To ensure that we were not disadvantaged, the company organized youth trips by bus, day trips to amusement parks like “Fort Fun” and “Phantasialand”, or a week in Berlin.

Which challenge do you look back on with particular pride?

ES: That I've come this far. I started at 15 and, step by step, my supervisors began to trust me with more and more. Mastering these tasks motivated me further, for example when I started working with computers. I'm actually proud of my entire professional life.

Who helped you?

ES: There has always been support. Every supervisor has influenced me. I have been working with Anja Thorbrügge since 1986. We are a team; we complement each other.

What other anecdotes from Oerlinghausen's corporate history can you share with us?

ES: In addition to Christmas parties, I remember milestone birthdays. They were celebrated in the production hall, with decorations and everything.

Your shift runs from 6:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.: Can you describe your daily routine for us?

ES: In the morning, I evaluate the previous day, approve production orders, and support Anja. I also conduct staff interviews and create shift schedules, i.e., personnel planning. As part of shop floor manage and "TPM", the tasks are also very varied.

(Editor's note: TPM stands for Total Productive Maintenance and refers to the method of increasing the efficiency of production facilities by involving all employees in the maintenance process).

ES: My work is a mix of office and production. I check that the machines are running smoothly and provide my colleagues with advice and support.

Familiar terrain: Elvira Sherwood has been supporting production processes at the Oerlinghausen plant for many years.

What do your family and friends say about your company anniversary?

ES: Many people say, “Wow, 50 years is quite an achievement.” My family is proud. When my father was still alive, he affectionately called me “Oetker Elli.” My parents were very proud of me.

How would you summarize your professional life?

ES: Great. Diverse. I have learned a lot.

What advice would you give to trainees and young professionals?

ES: Don't be afraid of challenges, work hard, and identify yourself with your employer.

Dear Elvira, thank you very much for talking to us – and all the best for the future!

In 2024, the Oerlinghausen site celebrated its 50th anniversary. INSIDE reported on this, and Elvira takes another look back at the history here.

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