Meet Simone – Where Curiosity Led Her to the Wood Industry

Simone is the wood industry worker who chose to change career paths from healthcare to the wood industry. “This job suits me perfectly and I’m very comfortable,” says Simone.

Changing career mid-life may feel like a big step, but for Simone Fransson it became one of the better decisions she’s made. After several years working as a nursing assistant, she felt it was time to try something new — and in 2021 she began at JGA Emballage as a wood industry worker.

Since Simone started at JGA Emballage, a lot has changed. The machine park has been upgraded, and both the chop saw and the milling machine have been expanded — machines that Simone works with daily. In addition, her working days have been filled with new experiences, knowledge, and community.

From Hand Nailing to Machine Responsibility

When Simone started at JGA Emballage, she spent most of her time hand-nailing wood packaging. Today she usually stands at the chop saw cutting plywood — a task that has become significantly more automated over the years.

“I feed material, often plywood, and saw it to the correct dimensions according to drawings. Some of the material goes directly to the end customer, while other parts are sent on to other parts of production for further processing,” she explains.
She is also responsible for operating the milling machine together with two colleagues, and steps in at other stations when needed. An important part of the job is also finding clever ways to minimize waste.

“I try to save material that I know can be used in other parts of production, and much of it can be reused for other packaging,” she says.

Colleagues and Flexibility Make a Difference

When Simone joined JGA, the drawings were simpler, but today more advanced packaging constructions are built. At first it could be challenging to see the big picture, but now she finds it fun to take on more complicated designs. She also appreciates the flexibility of the tasks. Some days involve more repetitive work, while other days are more challenging.

“It’s very fun! Sometimes we receive customer requests where we come up with the final solution ourselves, and then you really have to think it through.”
For Simone, colleagues are a key part of the job satisfaction.

“There’s a good community and we help each other. There is a strong sense of involvement here and it’s clear that everyone wants to contribute,” she says. It was evident from the start — everyone was very helpful and welcoming.

Mushroom — A Knowledge That Sparks Interest

When the workday ends, a completely different life awaits. Simone is a certified mushroom consultant, a qualification she obtained a few years ago alongside her work at JGA. Mushroom is a passion that often evokes curiosity, and many people like to discuss it with her. To be a certified mushroom consultant, you must pass a species test with requirements to identify both poisonous and edible mushrooms. The training gives her the possibility to lead groups in forests — something she has not yet tried.

“I’ve always loved nature and collected mushrooms. There are actually more than a hundred different edible mushroom species in Sweden, something many people are not aware of. You can also find edible mushrooms in all seasons here in southern Sweden.”
She also notes that one of the more unusual mushrooms found here is the inkcap fungus — a species relatively new to Sweden, which, like other fungi, has arrived via soil or spores.

“Different mushrooms grow with different types of trees, so you’ll have the greatest possibility to find the most species in forests with multiple kinds of trees.”
Beyond her mushroom interest, Simone has four horses and a background in show jumping. She has put competitive riding on hold, but the horses remain a big and important part of her life.

Tip: Dare to Try Industry!

Switching from healthcare to the wood industry is a big step, but it is something Simone warmly recommends.

“This job suits me perfectly and I’m very content. It’s a choice I’ve never regretted, and I can really recommend others to go the same route,” she says.
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Wood industry worker is one of all our roles within the JGA Group. Read more about our co-workers and what it’s like to work at JGA:

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Meet Fabian – The Specialist In Wood Packaging ➝

Meet Peter – The strategist behind an efficient drying process ➝