Kanthal employee benefits: Meet Magnus

My dad worked at Kanthal, so naturally I knew of the company. One Friday I swung by on a whim and asked if they had a job opening. The HR manager said “can you start on Monday?” I brought a friend, and when the manager was done with me, he turned to my friend and asked “… and what about you, would you like a job as well?”

Initially I thought I’d be here for two years, tops. But soon it’ll be 30 years. I’ve done a lot of different things and always liked it here, and I have had great bosses and colleagues. It also seems like a generous company, with a lot of  good benefits.  

I have hip arthritis and need to exercise, exercise, exercise – all the time. If I don’t work out, my body becomes like an 80-year olds. But, thanks to all the exercise, I keep it at bay and my body remains at its actual age. A couple of years ago our company healthcare representative informed me that I could apply for rehab trips to Gran Canaria. It’s no vacation. It’s a lot of working out, but also really good food, your own PT, psychiatrist, and your own accommodation in a bungalow. You breathe, eat, and focus on exercising for three weeks. And it doesn’t cost you a penny. Basically, you could go the whole trip without spending a single euro.  

During the rehab weeks I learned a lot of new exercises and disciplines, such as Tabata. Before the trip, I thought that was a dish. For someone who needs to exercise as much as I do, it was really a great inspiration. It is also a fantastic opportunity to be by yourself for three weeks, it really offers a lot of time for reflection. 

You’re entitled to apply for a trip every other year, and I will continue to do so. I tell people that if I could swap the trips for a healthy body, I’d do so in a heartbeat. The trips are a real pain reliever and do a lot of good. Just the heat itself makes your joints feel better, and when I come home, I’m in almost no pain at all. The effects, the inspiration and the great feeling stays with you for a long time, I can still almost hear the music from the Tabata classes…

Having an employer that offers this opportunity is fantastic. I’ve been sitting on the plane pinching myself, especially when you arrive and see your living quarters. Is this for real?  

Now I’m looking forward to my next trip, and having my oldest son as a colleague. He’s 18 years old and has just started at Kanthal. Third generation… 

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