Komori People is a feature series showcasing the people of Komori and the passion they bring to their work. Through stories from across the company, we explore how employees create value for customers and society, and how they bring Komori's Purpose, "Delivering Kando "beyond expectations" by contributing to society with print technology" to life through their everyday work.

Seeking New Opportunities Beyond the Pressroom

In my previous role, I operated a five-color Lithrone 40 with a coater at a packaging printing company. In addition to supervising the team on the production floor, I was responsible for hands-on training for new operators learning the printing process.

In 1997, I came across a job advertisement in a printing industry magazine for a press demonstrator at Komori. The opportunity to take on a new role while drawing on the practical experience I had gained on the pressroom floor appealed to me, so I decided to join Komori.

Working as One Team Across Borders

Through my work, I have learned that outstanding results cannot be achieved through individual effort alone. By building trust through ongoing communication and fostering a shared sense of responsibility within the team, we can each make the most of our strengths and support one another. I truly believe that this is what leads to great achievements.

One experience that has left a particularly strong impression on me was drupa, one of the world's largest exhibitions for printing industry. The Komori booth featured a wide range of printing presses, and team members from Japan, the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and other countries came together in Germany for the event. From setting up the booth and running the exhibition to dismantling everything afterward, we worked together toward a common goal over a period of more than a month. I am still proud of how we worked as one team and contributed to the success of the exhibition.

Preparing for an international trade fair on this scale requires several months of preparation. Being involved in the entire process was a tremendous learning experience for me. I learned how to handle pressure and how important it is to collaborate with people from different countries while respecting their perspectives. Looking back, I feel that the experience helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Treating Every Customer as an Individual

Today, I serve as Manager of KGC-E, overseeing its overall operations. My responsibilities include planning and conducting press demonstrations and training programs, testing a wide range of substrates, evaluating printing solutions, and developing and supporting our technical staff.

I also work closely with other departments and partner companies to analyze technical challenges raised by distributors and customers and identify the most suitable solutions for their needs.

What I value most in my daily work is putting myself in the customer's shoes and engaging with each person sincerely. I make a conscious effort to ensure that no customer feels they are being treated as just another case. To show them that their concerns are being taken seriously, I first listen carefully to what they have to say. I then provide information tailored to their individual needs, always communicating honestly and in good faith.

I believe that understanding each customer's needs and working together to find the right solutions, one step at a time, is what builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. This approach reflects one of the aspects of Komori's culture that I have valued since joining the company: respecting each individual and working together as a team.

Sharing Experience and Knowledge to Keep Growing

Looking ahead, I hope to continue contributing as a member of Komori by drawing on my experience and knowledge to support our distributors and customers. I want to provide practical, useful information while ensuring that each person feels their challenges are understood and addressed with genuine care.

I also want to keep learning and growing so that I can continue contributing to Komori's commitment to technological advancement, quality improvement, and strong customer relationships. I believe that working together as a team to bring projects to fruition and helping customers overcome their challenges through print technology are important ways to deliver Kando "beyond expectations"
and contribute to society.

Off Time

One of my greatest passions is music. I used to DJ on weekends in my twenties and returned to it four years ago. These days, I perform regularly at local pubs and other venues. On King's Day, a national holiday in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to perform for a large crowd gathered in the town square. I enjoy creating a great atmosphere through music and seeing people have a good time.

I also enjoy gardening, and spending time outdoors helps me unwind. Above all, I value spending quality time with my family and friends.

Ad Ekelschot has built on his experience on the pressroom floor to support staff development, technical evaluations, and problem-solving. By listening carefully to each customer and addressing their challenges with sincerity, he builds the trust that underpins lasting relationships. Through his daily work, combining technical expertise with a genuine commitment to supporting others, he brings Komori's Purpose to life.