Orora Cans’ engineer, Horst Drechsler, recently achieved a remarkable milestone, celebrating 45 years of service at Orora’s Revesby beverage can manufacturing plant.
Horst credits Orora's commitment to innovation and sustainability as key factors in his career longevity and dedication to the business.
German-born Horst joined the Revesby team in 1979, a time when the facility operated a single-speed production line and produced heavier cans. Since then, he has witnessed the evolution of Orora’s production capabilities firsthand, with the Revesby plant now operating mass conveyors with variable speeds and producing lightweight cans in multiple sizes.
Recently celebrated for his amazing dedication and tenure, Horst says that a culture built around continuous improvement is what makes Orora stand out.
The team is prepared to work hard for results, and that resonates with me. I’ve always appreciated Orora’s innovation – we try to stay ahead of trends in technology and try new things.”
This dedication to improvement, he says, is one reason he has remained with Orora for so many years. “People always want to drink something out of a can, and they always will. But we don’t rest on that. I have seen a lot of technology changes and improvements focused on making cans better for customers and the environment.”
“A lot of manufacturing in Australia has come and gone over my time, but I think what keeps Orora strong is its approach to innovation and trying new things.”
Reflecting on his career, Horst credits Orora’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and employee care as the reasons for his incredible
45-year tenure. Horst learned his trade skills in Germany but says the opportunity to develop skills in different engineering roles at Orora has kept him motivated. “I’ve worked shift work for many years and while it’s challenging the business looks after me. That is one of the things that has kept me here.”
Chris Smith, Executive General Manager, Orora Cans, said Horst’s loyalty and dedication wasn’t rare for the Revesby site or wider Cans team, however it was quite extraordinary by today’s standards. “For 45 years, Horst has been an integral part of our team, which is amazing in itself,” Smith said. “He has seen this business through many changes, always adapting and sharing his wisdom with his teammates.”
Horst is actually one of a number of team members at Revesby who have given more than 30 years of service, which I think is a great reflection of our culture and the working environment.”
“We can’t thank Horst and his long serving colleagues enough for their contribution and dedication.”
Orora is the largest can manufacturer in the Oceania region, with six manufacturing sites across Australia and New Zealand.
Orora’s investments in innovation are designed to meet the changing needs of customers and end consumers, offering a range of can sizes and shapes from 250ml Slim, 330ml Sleek, 375ml Classic all the way through to 500ml cans.
Sustainability is at the core of our business, with Orora’s cans being infinitely recyclable, our cans are made made with ~72% recycled content.
Horst Drechsler's journey with Orora stands as a powerful example of commitment, resilience, and the rewards of a workplace that values both its people and continuous innovation.
For career opportunities at Orora visit our Careers page.
