Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to page footer
SDG 10

Reduced inequalities

We are stronger together: Our culture team

We are convinced: people who feel good are more productive. That's why we have a culture team – colleagues from logistics, production, sales, marketing and financial accounting. They are all united by the desire to actively strengthen and shape the community. "We want to promote a lively, appreciative and authentic corporate culture. Because only together are we strong – and only in this way can we ensure our long-term success," explains Kathrin Drück from the culture team. 

Actions that weld people together

The team regularly provides a breath of fresh air in everyday working life: whether it's company lunches, summer barbecues, fundraising campaigns or Christmas parties – there's always something new. "We received a lot of positive feedback from the 100-year quiz to mark the anniversary. It's really fun to see how well our campaigns are received," says Kathrin. 

We are currently planning to organise food trucks for lunch so that there is even more variety on the table. As the first point of contact for everything to do with corporate culture, the team is always happy to receive ideas and requests. "If you have something on your mind, just come to us or use the app. We always have an open ear – that's a promise," adds Thorsten Kaiser, another committed member of the culture team.

Responsibility doesn't end at the factory gate

We feel closely connected to Porta Westfalica – not only because our headquarters are here, but also because our history, our values and our success are inextricably linked to the region. Without them, we would not be where we are today. For us, taking responsibility means partnering with the local community. In the neighbourhood, in education, in sport and wherever community counts. Because sustainable action begins in the immediate environment – and has an impact far beyond that.

Christmas market at the Bad Oexen rehabilitation centre

For over ten years, we have put our heart and soul into the Bad Oexen rehabilitation centre. For example, when the children there asked for a water play area, our trainees immediately travelled there and set it up. And we are also active at Christmas time: every year, we organise a small Christmas market on site with cakes, waffles and, of course, presents for the children – and 2024 was no exception. A true project of the heart – a very special event every time.

Football for life: Minden Wolves

The Minden Wolves are an American football team from our neighbourhood in the Minden-Lübbecke district. Their goal: to promote American football in the local region. And since we also want to strengthen our region, it quickly became clear: with the same visions and values, a partnership just makes sense.

Team spirit on and off the pitch

We focus on cohesion, trust, a down-to-earth attitude and the common goal of achieving more. We support the Minden Wolves not only from the sidelines, but also with job offers and training opportunities. For players from abroad, it is particularly important to have a secure job in Germany – including social and health insurance – when playing a contact sport with a risk of injury. To showcase career opportunities, we invite the youth team to JACOB every year as part of an "Open Day" – to get a taste of the company, get to know each other and exchange ideas. In return, we make American football appealing to our employees with free tickets for the whole season. So it's a win-win situation for both sides.

"Football is family – that's exactly what our sport is all about, together with our fans and partners like JACOB. That's very nice to see."

Volker Krusche,
sports director of the Minden Wolves

orta shows its face

At JACOB, people from 30 nations come together – day after day, side by side, with a common goal. And because this only works with respect and cooperation, we make it very clear: there is no racism, anti-Semitism, bullying or right-wing violence here. Zero tolerance for intolerance. We stand for openness and fairness. How do we deal with diversity in our organisation? Listen for yourself – in the radio report from Radio Westfalica!

The association "Gesicht zeigen!" ("Show your face!") is campaigning for respect and tolerance with strong campaigns and activities throughout the country. As a corporate partner, we support the fight against hatred and marginalisation because we are convinced of this: taking a stand is more important than ever.

Find out more

The story of Ali Reza

In 2015, photographer Ali Reza and his wife made their way from Afghanistan to Germany – fleeing violence, fear and a lack of freedom. Once here, fate fortunately led him to JACOB. After a successful internship, Ali finally started his apprenticeship with us on 1 August 2018. In this interview, Ali tells his impressive story – with all its highs and lows.

Ali Reza puts the finishing touches to tubular elements

1
From Kandahar in Afghanistan to Porta Westfalica in Germany: How did you end up here with us after travelling such a long way?

It all started when I fled the country with my wife in 2015. In my home country, I had my own photo shop and worked as a photographer. But the constant violence and restrictions imposed by the Taliban and other groups left us with hardly any room to breathe. We had no choice but to flee. Our journey to Germany was anything but easy – on foot, by boat, by train – but somehow we made it bit by bit until we finally arrived here. We got in touch with JACOB through my German teacher.

2
How were you received in Germany and later by us – and what were your impressions?

When we arrived in Germany, the first thing we felt was genuine humanity, compassion – and freedom. Things that were lacking in many places in Afghanistan. At JACOB, I was very well received from day one. I got on well with everyone in the team – even if it was a real linguistic challenge at the beginning, especially with the technical terms. But I was always taken into consideration in that respect. The training also helped me a lot to arrive in Germany and integrate step by step. 

3
How is the work here compared to home and what are your next goals?

There are quite a few differences. In Afghanistan, for example, there is no training like here – and a fixed salary is also the exception rather than the rule. Although I really enjoyed my job as a photographer, I really enjoyed working at JACOB right from the start. That's why it was immediately clear to me that I would stay here. After completing my training, my next goal is to become a German citizen – and in the long term, I dream of buying my own house with my wife. I can therefore only say to anyone who is in a similar situation to me at the time: don't give up and do your best – even if it's sometimes difficult. It's worth it. Really!

Our contributions to social sustainability

SDG 3: Good health and well-being

SDG 5: Gender equality