Q&A: Sasikala Premaruban – CRM Admin
Plasmatreat and all members of the Plasmatreat family played a major role in shaping who I am today, helping me to be joyful and fullfilled. I am grateful to everyone who has always accompanied and encouraged me.
Sasikala, what were your first impressions when you became part of the company?
My job interview began with a unique encounter on four paws. I was supposed to introduce myself to Holger Timpe, who was still based in Bisamweg at the time.
When I rang the doorbell, my colleague Gaby Sumner opened the door—she was the first person I met there. Right after that I met Conny Puck and Molly, Gaby Sumner's dog. I was really nervous, but Molly surprisingly calmed me down. The actual interview with Holger Timpe was quick, and then I started right away on a 400-euro basis—at first only on Wednesdays in production, as I still had another part-time job. Together with Lilly Wisner, my journey at Plasmatreat began. Most of the colleagues I met on my first day are still there today, and amazing friendships have developed.
How do you think the company has changed in recent years?
I've been here for 14 years now, and during that time I've seen a huge amount of transformation. The most noticeable action was that the company grew very rapid. Back then, in Bisamweg, everything was smaller and more intimate. We practically all sat together in one room, knew everyone, and saw each other's faces every day. With the boost, some of this closeness has been lost. But that's completely normal when a company grows. The structure changes, you work in different teams and at different locations. Nevertheless, I always had the feeling that there was a family atmosphere in the teams I was part of.
Sasikala, what was the most challenging project you faced, and what did you learn from it?
For me, every project was challenging in its own way because I didn't have much prior knowledge in any of these areas at the beginning. I had to teach myself a lot and do a lot of research. My work with our Customer Relationship Management system was particularly overwhelming. That was a topic I knew nothing about in the beginning, but I was very intrigued in it. I have now developed a good understanding of the system and can see how it is arranged.
What achievements or accomplishments make you especially proud?
That's undeniably our Customer Relationship Management system: I am now the main contact person for all user queries from our various branches. This position allows me to work closely and intensively with colleagues from different countries.
In spite of that, this also means that I deal intensively with incoming inquiries on a daily basis. It is often necessary to conduct independent research, understand why something is not working, and then find suitable solutions or seek specific support. I am now able to classify most inquiries or problems directly and quickly identify possible sources of error.
How would you describe the corporate culture?
The history of Plasmatreat has a lot to do with family values, and this spirit has remained. Of course, things have become a little bit more formal today, which is necessary given the size of the company. However, I see this development as sensible, and if you want to grow, your culture and employees also have to evolve.
What I particularly appreciate about our culture is the open communication. You can exchange ideas, you can ask questions—that's how it all started here. I have to be honest: The exceptional way we interact with each other was ultimately the reason why I decided to leave my previous employer after more than seven years and switch to a part-time position here.
Were there any mentors or role models in the company who inspired you?
Yes, absolutely. When I started here, I had no formal training in this field, but Christian Buske gave me a chance anyway: “Let's see what we can reach together.” I was deeply impressed by this attitude. He tried out many things himself, and I think that's a mindset we share: you don't always need a degree or a title—curiosity and ambition are often enough. That's exactly what motivated me to get so involved. If you're curious, persistent, and willing to learn, you can achieve a lot.
Sasikala, how have your duties and responsibilities changed over the years?
I started out in production, gluing ceramic parts. Gradually, new tasks were added—I also worked in service, and later in internal sales. Among other things, I organized trade fairs and maintained websites in several languages. My time at our French branch was particularly impressionable. There, I worked very independently in internal sales and administration. After returning to Steinhagen, I took over the Customer Relationship Management project – today I am responsible for it and also train new employees in Germany and around the world.
Sasikala, what are your hopes for the future of the company?
I hope that we will continue to have many exciting projects in the coming years and that we will continue to grow. For me, Plasmatreat is more than just a workplace—it has become part of our family. My husband also works here, and our son was able to present the project “Plasma in the Washing Machine” together with a classmate as part of his high school graduation project. They took first place in a regional science competition and also received the special prize for environmental technology.
And I hope that we as a company will remain strong and efficient, no matter what crises may lie ahead. That we will not only persist, but become better. It's also nice to see that the next generation is involved – The fact that Lukas and Magnus Buske are continuing the business gives the feeling that the vision lives on.
Sasikala, what advice would you give to new employees?
I think the most important thing is that you really enjoy what you do. That's where it all starts. It's about passion, genuine interest—about whether you're willing to engage with a subject.
You have to set yourself clear goals. And you need the courage to work towards them – step by step. Not every task is fun, but each one brings you further along. It all starts with learning – and then it's up to each individual to decide what to do with that knowledge. I am convinced that people who consistently follow their vision will inevitably succeed. And only those who have the courage to take risks will be successful.
Sasikala, is there anything else you would like to learn?
Yes, definitely! I'm sure there will be many more challenges ahead. I still have a lot to learn and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
