Meet Gregers Stahrenberg: Special machines are developed and built from scratch

Gregers Stahrenberg manufactures unique components such as pistons, shafts, fixtures, tools, and spare parts for our special machines. The 56-year-old industrial technician joined ODIN Engineering three years ago. He quickly adapted to the team and thrives at his three-axis lathe.

“Basically, I do the same thing as before I came to ODIN, but still, it’s different,” says Gregers Stahrenberg and elaborates:

“Here in the machine factory, we’re very aware of the needs of our customers. We don’t hesitate to try out new things. We’re often in the process of doing something that hasn’t been tried before. We actually always succeed because of the flat organisation structure and the positive working environment. The more people we work together, the greater chance of success.”

A jack of all trades on a lathe

Gregers Stahrenberg works mostly with his colleagues and apprentices in the machine workshop, where many components and spare parts for new construction and maintenance of special machines are manufactured. Among colleagues, Gregers has a reputation of being able to conjure up almost anything in bronze, aluminium, stainless steel, and hardened steel.

“In one week, I work on very different items, because I take things as they come. The smallest items are from just a few millimetres up to 1.5 meters. They are made on the CNC lathe that I use the most. Items of 1.5 to 5 meters must be made on the old conventional lathe,” he says.

Precision and professional pride are passed on

If Gregers Stahrenberg could teach the young apprentices in the workshop only one thing, it would be to deliver precise items in a proper and nice quality to their colleagues in other departments.

“The components we pass on must be exactly as prescribed, clean and without sharp edges. Precision is the alpha and omega. If we don’t make the effort and do things right the first time, then we just end up getting twice as busy. Understanding the tasks and getting them done in the right order and with professional pride is important”.

Ready to adapt to customer needs

Another thing that Gregers Stahrenberg has also gotten used to and likes is the flexibility that the job at ODIN Engineering requires. If one of the service technicians is on a job abroad and needs an important spare part, it may be necessary to clear the table and put the originally planned items aside:

“We must be ready to help our customers and colleagues. When they are at a customer site and find out that some part is missing, or the spare part they brought along needs to be adjusted, it’s just a matter of getting started,” he says, adding that sometimes he himself delivers and helps mount the item that his colleague is missing, if this is the quickest solution.

Common solutions creates a sense of pride and unity

According to Gregers Stahrenberg, one of the very special things about working at ODIN Engineering is that all employees are involved in solving the tasks. Good ideas are appreciated, and great efforts are seen and praised:

“It makes you proud to be able to contribute to the delivery of brand new well-executed special machines,” he says, adding that there is a friendly and familiar tone both in the workshop and in the office.

“Those who work at ODIN appreciate a versatile and challenging working day. We don’t make many large series productions. On the contrary, we make new and completely unique machines all the time. It can be hectic, but it is also fun.”

Hectic workday replaced by hectic leisure time

It is obvious that Gregers Stahrenberg enjoys being surrounded by activity, and he is not afraid of rolling up his sleeves. Together with his wife Charlotte, he has three children two of whom have flown the nest. The first grandchild has also made her entrance. They live in an old parish farm in Slagelse, which the couple has renovated.

His leisure time is also spent tinkering with old American vintage cars, and since his son has previously been go-karting, they have visited many go-kart tracks. Therefore, Gregers Stahrenberg took race management training, which he still uses. The golf clubs are also used occasionally.