Questions about our warehouse? Talk to the WFI-veteran Pontus who has worked on the floor for about 16 years!

WFI AB had existed for about a year when Pontus Bodevind came into the picture – something that today is almost 16 years ago. From day one, he has worked out in the warehouse and as the premises expanded, his areas of responsibility did too. After a couple of years, he stepped into the role as warehouse manager and has since then played a significant part in creating a functioning warehouse system. The articles have increased and the warehouse has grown, but Pontus remains.

”It has felt familiar since the beginning”
Before Pontus became employed at WFI, he worked at a couple different companies, both with warehouse management and production. When he was offered the job at the warehouse, he thought it would be fun to try it out. And here we are, 16 years later. At first, there were three guys working on the floor together and at that time, only two of the current five premises existed.

– I think I got stuck here because it has felt familiar since the start. We are very close to each other, work tight, and have our own responsibilities while time passes by. It is probably a combination of the fact that we have become like a family and that I have had no reason to look for another job. I prefer to work at this type of company over larger workplaces, and even though we are growing there is a familiar foundation in the walls here, Pontus begins.

Welded warehouse team built on trust
After a few years, Pontus stepped into the role as a warehouse manager. He is simply the one who ensures that the warehouse management works, that the system is developed in phase with the company as a whole, and that the packages leave the 6 000 sqm large warehouse premises in Gnosjö. Nowadays, the warehouse team consists of seven employees, and Pontus describes that the work flows automatically nearly all the time.

– Thanks to the fact that we are a smaller team, everyone usually knows exactly what to do, we work hard and help each other with most things. Sometimes, extra structure is needed to divide the tasks and prioritize, but the most important is that we do it together and can trust on each other and that what needs to be done is done. I try to be a bit everywhere and help with all the different parts, Pontus continues.

Variation, logistics, and planning
During a normal working day, Pontus is thus everywhere and nowhere, and he usually starts with going through incoming orders to set priority on what needs to be packed and sent. He books transports, keeps track of logistics, and assists with assembly when required. Considering that he is warehouse manager, he is also responsible for a large part of the communication and cooperation with the ones at the office, especially with purchasing and order managers.

– The variety and that there is a lot to keep track of is the most fun part of my job. The work is the opposite to static, there is always a lot going on and I like the challenge that arises when there is good pressure on the order flow. In those situations, it is important to stay calm and find solutions that makes it work. The most challenging thing is to maintain a good warehouse system and set up new storage spaces as the range grows – we are constantly moving forward, which also is the charm of it all! Pontus concludes.

Three fast questions with Pontus!

What is your best memory from WFI so far?
-   Actually, I am not that fond of traveling to different places, but both our trips to Berlin and Barcelona have been really nice. So that is a good rating! Also, another memory from the first years at WFI when we were out by the lake Bolmen and cooked together.

How would you describe WFI as an employer?
-   Youthful, innovative, and forward! The culture is very open, which contributes to the fact that you can always say what you think and feel, there are never any strangeness.

What do you prefer to do in your free time?
-   Most of the time is spent on everything that has to do with animals and nature. I appreciate just being home at the farm, we have both dogs, sheep, and horses to take care of. Then a lot of hunting, fishing, and cooking – if you do not find me at the warehouse at WFI or at home, I will be in the woods or out with the boat on Vidöstern or Floren. Or by the grill, I barbecue almost all year around!