Legacy & Leadership: Passing the Torch in Bobingen

It’s good people who make good places. And when those people bring passion, perseverance, and a bit of humor to the job, something truly special happens. As we say farewell to Monika Nagl, long-time JMer, plant leader of our Bobingen, Germany site, and soon-to-be retiree, and welcome Gerben Mensink into the role, we sat down with them both to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. 

🌟 Spotlight on Monika: A Legacy Built on Strength and Determination  

How It All Began 

JM: Monika, 36 years at JM is a remarkable journey. How did it all start? 

Monika: It began in 1989 in Quality Assurance - good old lab work. After a few years, I felt ready for a new challenge and transitioned into technical support for polyester products, even though some questioned if a woman could handle that role. Spoiler alert: I did just fine. 

Over the years, I expanded into glass products, earned a Black Belt in Six Sigma, and even went on to complete the Master Black Belt at JM’s WHQ in Denver, Colorado. That was one of the toughest points in my career. I flew to the U.S., walked into that training room full of fast-talking native speakers discussing technical topics, and thought: “I can’t do this.” That evening, I called Roger Eckrich (F&S Sales Leader at JM) and told him I was ready to give up. He reminded me of a postcard I used to have on my desk that said, “Never give up.” That stuck with me - and I stayed. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me more than any other training. 

Oh God, a Woman 

JM: And what came next? 

Monika: After that, I led the site selection for a new production line. Then I became the Operations Manager in Bobingen. That came with resistance; some couldn’t imagine a woman in the role. I even kept a workshop note where I asked about goals and expectations that just said, “Oh God, a woman.” But with great mentors, I found my footing. 

Later I took on EHS for Europe, then moved to Denver again for three years as Corporate Safety Leader. That role taught me a lot about influencing and communication at a global level. 

When I came back to Germany, I became Plant Manager in Bobingen and after two years Group Plant Manager for Bobingen and Berlin.  

Key Career Moments 

JM: What were some defining moments for you? 

Monika: Definitely my time in Denver during the Master Black Belt Training and later when working at Corporate EHS. I learned a lot, not just professionally, but also personally and culturally. One memory I’ll never forget: after my Master Black Belt graduation, one of the attendees unexpectedly told my story in front of the whole room - including how I flew to the U.S. shortly after 9/11, the struggles with language, and how I kept going. It was a very American kind of celebration and as a German this was something new to me and I was almost embarrassed but also deeply moved. 

JM: What makes the Bobingen team special? 

Monika: It’s the spirit. No silos, no egos. Just a strong team mentality. People come together to solve problems. That kind of collaboration isn’t something you find everywhere.  

JM: How has the polyester spunbond business changed during your tenure? 

Monika: It’s evolved a lot. We’ve moved away from purely chemical binders and focused more on sustainable solutions. We started using reinforcement threads and grids and increasing the share of recycled PET. Things that weren’t standard back then. The roofing industry was very conservative at the time, and polyester nonwovens were still new. Today, they’re market standard. And our efforts in filtration and separation, once laughed at, are now a key part of our business. I’m proud we stayed ahead of the curve. 

Advice to Next Generation

JM: Any advice for young professionals starting out in manufacturing? 

Monika: Speak up. If something doesn’t feel right, say something. You don’t have to accept disrespectful behavior. Times have changed, and JM is committed to making sure everyone feels safe and valued. And that’s not just for women; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt discriminated.  

JM: Now that retirement is here, what’s next? 

Monika: No more alarm clocks! I’m looking forward to focusing on my art, and just living a healthier, more balanced life. The transition feels right and I’m excited for what’s ahead.  

🌟 Spotlight on Gerben: Ready to Write the Next Chapter  

Joining JM 

JM: Gerben, what brought you to JM? 

Gerben: I’m originally from the Netherlands and had been working in a glass fiber cable plant in Augsburg, Germany before it shut down. Through a connection, Monika learned I was available. After our first conversations, I knew this was the right fit. It just clicked. I joined in May 2022 as Operations Manager, with a clear path ahead: training with Monika to eventually take over the plant leadership role.  

JM: What were your first impressions of the Bobingen team? 

Gerben: Very family-like. People work together closely and really shine under pressure. When things get tough, the team performs incredibly well. That said, I see a strong foundation here, and I’m looking forward to building on that by introducing a few new routines and structures to support our continued growth without losing the great spirit that defines this team. 

Vision for the Future  

JM: What are your goals for the plant? 

Gerben: The big themes across the industry, like staffing challenges, automation, and digitalization, are here to stay. At the same time, production must remain stable and efficient. Continuous improvement is key. If each of us finds just one thing to do better every day, the impact over a year is huge.  

JM: What did you learn from Monika? 

Gerben: So much. Monika knows the plant and our processes inside out. Her knowledge is hard to match. I’ve been lucky to learn from her and will combine that with my own experience and leadership style.  

Bobingen’s Role in Business 

JM: What role does Bobingen play in JM serving the construction and roofing markets? 

Gerben: We’re a trusted partner. Our long-standing relationships with customers are built on openness and reliability. In general, we maintain a close collaboration with our customers, whether it's during new developments or when handling complaints. I firmly believe that business is ultimately about people working with people. That’s why personal connections are so important to me. Recycling has been a long-standing focus for us in Bobingen. A significant portion of our products are made from recycled PET, and we have plans and projects in place to further increase that share in the future. We’re also seeing growing demand for reinforced polyester nonwovens, which we produce in Bobingen, particularly in the roofing membrane sector. 

Cultural Insights and A Dream Beyond the Factory Floor  

JM: Any cultural insights from working in both Germany and the Netherlands? 

Gerben: Dutch people are known for being direct and sometimes that’s seen as blunt. But it creates clarity. In Germany, the workplace can be more hierarchical. I’d like to promote more open, honest communication within our team.  One funny difference: warm lunches in the canteen! In the Netherlands, I’d grab a sandwich and go. Here, lunch is an event! I’m still getting used to it.  

JM: If you weren’t a Plant Manager…  

Gerben: As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a pilot. I’ve been fascinated by flying for as long as I can remember. I used to spend hours at a nearby airbase, watching military aircraft take off and land. Unfortunately, my eyesight wasn’t good enough for a career in aviation. But my wife once gave me flying lessons as a gift, which was amazing. The only challenge now is finding time. So far, I haven’t been able to pursue it as much as I’d like. 

Thank you, Monika and Gerben, for sharing your inspiring journeys. We wish you continued success and fulfillment in the exciting chapters ahead.