Working in a fertilizer factory is a niche job. There are many types of fertilizer factories in the world. Mine in Palembang happens to be a chemical compound or NPK fertilizer factory.
Basically we blend the different raw materials such as Urea (Nitrogen source), Phosphate Rock (Phosphate source) & Potash (Kalium source) plus other elements like Magnesite, Copper & Zinc Sulphates to the appropriate proportions, then we add water and heat to make them into granular form (oval shaped) then screen them, coat them and eventually pack them.
Below are some most common questions coming from people who are not from the fertilizer or agricultural industry:
- What do you do at work? - ensure the people carry out instructions!! If you pay peanuts, who would you get?
- How is the working environment? - it is a "sweat shop" because the environment is hot. Air is limited inside the plant because it will cause the fertilizers to "melt" (hygroscopic in nature when in contact with high humidity). The condition in the plant is often "muddy" as when teh products fall off the belts/chutes/leakages, they will become hygroscopic. I should say that it is quite similar to a muddy construction site which is indoors.
- Does it smell? - yes, when water comes into contact with urea, ammonia gas will be emitted. so you think you would ever fall asleep at work?
- Will it explode? - Ha ha, no....only ammonium nitrate plants in Europe has potential of explosions.
- Do you like working there? - It has been 5 years since I changed my career from the semiconductor industry (clean) to the fertilizer industry (dirty). I should say that I am contented with what I have at the moment in PLM, except for the long working hours (5.5 days week), power limitation of my company sponsored house and the mosquitoes (I get bitten almost everyday)!
- Would you like to work there forever? - I am entering my 3rd year in Palembang and throughout the 2 years here I have learnt a lot about the Indonesian culture, language and people. If opportunity calls, I might need to make another career change? Life is unpredictable!
- How many staff do you have? - 86 permanent plus 100 contractors (forklifts, packers, loaders)
- What do you like best about your job now? - expat life. No need to pay for rent, driver or maid.... making me a lazy bum. Sucks when maid is sick or away.....getting too dependent on others to do household chores!
2 comments:
Haaa ... that answers very much all of my questions that I have about what do you do at work . Especialy the "will it explode?" part :) I agree that 5.5 days is simply too much for work. :) That 0.5 day should be used for family/friends/recreational activities instead ....
I work 7 days a week in ATM..
Post a Comment