On the International Day of Families, we focus on what’s especially important to us at WEPA: people – and the family as a source of strength for our daily actions and activities. Hardly any other story reflects this as clearly as the Picazo family from Lille, France. Three generations and one common path – and a close connection to WEPA that is more than just the vocation. 

“For us, WEPA is a part of the family – it’s where we grew up” 
We’re the Picazo family – and our story at WEPA doesn’t just begin with us, but two generations before. In the 1960s our grandfather and his two brothers left Spain and came to France. On the lookout for a better life they found work in northern France – and later a second home at WEPA. Our grandad stayed with the company until he retired, as did our father and uncles.

And we, Antonio, Juan and Christopher, are carrying on along this path today. 
I’m Antonio and I’m team leader in the paper production. My two nephews Juan and Christopher have also become an integral part of the WEPA family. Juan’s been working in the company for over 20 years and is a team leader as well, and Christopher started with a summer job and is now not only a technical contact but also trains new colleagues.

WEPA was always a topic in our house, at almost every family meal, so it was a matter of course that we also looked in this direction.

“I started as a student, first as a holiday job and then as permanent work. After a short time in a different industry I realised I want to come back to WEPA. It’s the place where people are put first.”  – Antonio 

“In the beginning I worked in Belgium, but at the time my uncle said: come to WEPA – you’ll have security and you can develop yourself. So today I’m a team leader, and I can definitely say it was the right decision.”  – Juan 

“My friends had better school leaving qualifications but I had WEPA – and so I had a real career. Today I train others and pass on to them what I’ve learnt myself.” – Christopher 

What we always felt at WEPA is this genuine sense of community. We could rely on the company even in difficult times – for example during the Corona pandemic. We had no worries about our jobs and we saw that the company was continuing to invest. It showed us they believe in the future. 

“WEPA enabled us to grow personally. We could develop professionally, build our homes and start our families – thanks to the security that the company gives us.” – Juan & Christopher 

This strong connection is also reflected in the way people are treated, especially those who’ve been with the company a long time. For us, honouring the retirees at the last medal ceremony was a genuine highlight. It’s such moments that demonstrate that ‘you remain part of the family here, even when your active time is over’.

“Our former colleagues really like coming back, they get together with old work chums, and it’s plain to see that they’re still a part of everything.”  – Antonio 

The values that WEPA lives by – trust, respect and solidarity – are also reflected in our own family. We’re there for each other, we help each other and we stand together. That’s exactly the feeling we have in our daily work. 

“If you achieve something with people it’s even better than achieving it with machines. People are the focus at WEPA – and that’s what makes the difference.” 
– Christopher 

Of course we also hope the next generation will have this chance as well – if they want it. Our children should be able to decide freely, but we’d always support them if they want a career at WEPA. And not just because of the job prospects but because they find values here that we ourselves think are fundamental. 

On the International Day of Families we think about our grandmother in particular. She was always our backbone and support – the heart of our family. Just like WEPA is in fact, put plainly, a firm anchor in our lives. 

“At WEPA you’re not just a name on a list, you’re part of a whole. We’re proud that our family history is so closely linked to the company.” 
– Juan  
 
Five questions: 
What makes your work at WEPA so special? 
Working at WEPA really thrives on team spirit, diversity in everyday work and surroundings in which we feel we have a voice. It’s especially motivating to be able to pass on knowledge, inspire others for the job and grow and expand together. No two days are identical, and this variety and the strong bond with the company make the job really one-of-a-kind. 

How do you balance your job? 
Even though shift work has its challenges, it’s also enabled us to consciously spend time with our families – especially in the early years with our small children. Over the years we’ve learnt to keep work and private lives separate. And when life had some bumps we could count on support from the company. It’s a relationship based on reciprocity. 

Why is WEPA such a good fit for you – and you for WEPA? 
WEPA means stability, chances for development and fair conditions, and this combination creates a foundation of trust that we like building on. It’s a partnership based on long-term thinking and on mutual appreciation. 

What have you learnt at WEPA that’s also brought you forward personally? 
Our shared path at WEPA is more than just a vocation – it’s a personal journey. We’ve grown through our work, through our colleagues and with the corporate culture. Experiences were shared and knowledge was passed on – we learnt to take responsibility and mature in our tasks. 

What motivates you every day? 
The work is fun and, to be honest, it doesn’t feel like work. Working each day in a strong team, the common task at hand, and the feeling of being part of a bigger story is what drives us. It’s a job with meaning and with heart – and it’s got a solid community behind it.