Profile: Kjeld Jensen, industrial technician at Akea
In the fast-paced world of modern manufacturing, it is rare to find someone who has witnessed the entire evolution of the trade first-hand. Kjeld Jensen is one of those rare craftsmen.
At 69 years old, Kjeld celebrates an incredible milestone: 52 years as a machinist and industrial technician.
From manual to digital
When Kjeld started over five decades ago, the work was almost exclusively manual. Over the years, he has watched computers slowly integrate into the workshop and transform the industry. Rather than shying away from this change, Kjeld embraced it
Today, he operates our CNC milling machines and is driven by a genuine curiosity for programming and technology. “When you like the work and you’re curious about the trade, there’s no reason to stop,” Kjeld says.
The specialist in “holding on”
At Akea, Kjeld often handles a specific but crucial task: milling “jaws” (kæber). These are the custom fixtures used to hold other complex items securely in place while they are being machined. It is precision work that ensures the rest of the production line runs smoothly. He enjoys the variety of getting a drawing, figuring out the solution, and creating the part.
Calm on busy days
Having spent six and a half years at Akea, Kjeld embodies the same value that his younger colleague Daniel appreciates: Freedom under responsibility.
Kjeld notes that AKEA is a place where everyone talks to everyone regardless of rank. This environment suits his working style perfectly.
On busy days, Kjeld is the team’s anchor. He doesn’t need a specific ritual to handle stress. He just uses his experience. “I take it as it comes,” Kjeld explains. “You can only do so much. Sometimes it’s busy, but there are always moments to catch your breath again.”
It is this combination of massive experience, technical curiosity, and a calm demeanor that makes Kjeld such a valued member of the Akea family.