Cost centres move nothing. People move everything.

"I want to continue doing this job for as long as possible," says Olaf (57) with a laugh. In the construction field behind him, the gravel thunders through the cleaning machine and two V100s pull the wagons for gravel remains in double traction. Everything is going according to plan (“As always!”) and there is time for one or two more questions. ‘Why for as long as possible?’ Olaf pushes his helmet back with his big hands: “Because it is fun. You have something different to do everyday, something new and you have to be aware and stay alert.” Pointing to his colleagues, he says “And you need people who understand the railways. Their logic and their expertise. Then it just works and it’s even more fun”. He smiles. ‘And LOCON?’ “I’ve been here since November 2011. Need I say anymore? I’m satisfied all around.”

Christoph gets off the V100. "Building is simply the best. Every construction track is different. And you discover so much - for example the old railway history of Berlin or abandoned side tracks. But you must also have a passion for it. No passion, no interest in railways, no enthusiasm?" Christoph shakes his head: "No chance." ‘And LOCON?’ "It's like family. You're not just a number here. You can talk to everyone - and everyone is looking for a solution alongside you. That's a strength."

Olaf's gaze has been focused on the car with a questionable set of wheels ever since its arrival in the LOCON terminal. "You can hear it, it doesn't sound right," he says casually. "I've been doing this job for 15 years," he says with a smile - and then he makes sure the car gets to the workshop. Enthusiasm and understanding of technology, he says, are crucial for his job. "And curiosity, because the technology never stops." Whether a car remains ready for use, is taken out of service or whether it can keep running on site with minor repairs is something Olaf, as a rail mechanic, decides most days."This is certainly part of the beauty of the job: you help make things work. But you also bear the responsibility for every decision". ‘And LOCON?’ "The working environment is good here. You don't have to hide from the bosses - quite the opposite: there's a great relationship. LOCON is a reliable partner, not only for its customers but also for its teams"

Dirk never goes to work without the Betra. Never. The train driver shrugs his shoulders: That goes without saying. Dozens of markings run through his papers. "You must be interested in what's going on at the construction site every day. Really interested, no half measures. I look at everything, always. It is my job to look ahead and think ahead. Foresight." As part of his routine, Dirk stands next to the track, it seems to work even today. He nods contentedly: "Yep, that's it. With us the shunting distances are always a little shorter. There is no stuttering, no hesitation. All arrangements have been made, the car lists are ready. Maybe they would call it old school today, who knows?" The many solutions that Dirk and his team find every day are part of the job satisfaction. And LOCON? "I've been here since 2011. There is still something of a social alliance here, you stand by your employees. Recently a colleague damaged an intervertebral disc so he now works in the dispatching department. Things like that are great. But above all, we talk to each other and the boss listens. I think that is what makes LOCON special."

Simon joined the railway for a career change. "I can still vividly remember the first time I stood in front of a locomotive and really understood its size and mass." He laughs: "From then on I was hooked, I studied and studied." After graduating in construction logistics and freight transport, Simon became an trainee locomotive driver and instructor. Today he is a local operations manager. "You never get bored here. LOCON offers you a lot of variety and opportunities". ‘What else is typical for LOCON?’ "Humanity and respect among colleagues. Good people work here, some with 30 years more experience on the locomotive than me. We listen to each other. I think it's part of that LOCON magic."

"In construction logistics, there is always a great variety: different places, different vehicles, different loads. Sometimes bulk goods, sometimes containers, sometimes loading excavators, sometimes a bridge. As a wagon technician, you don't need to complain about a lack of variety," says Stefan. The construction site is quiet at the moment, the day is just beginning. ‘What makes a good wagon technician?’ "You have to understand technology in order to be able to assess operational safety even in exceptional cases - for example in the event of damage or if the loading gauge is exceeded. You decide, you take responsibility." ‘And LOCON?’ "Good people, good colleagues and a good team spirit, the management are relaxed and approachable, the logistics experts understand their job - what more do you want?”

Jan smiles widely. He is actually a trained toy maker and got to know the railway more as a model railway ("It was my father's fault!"). At 30 he went back to school and qualified as a train driver. Anyone watching Jan at work has no doubt; even on a 1:1 scale, this is his dream job. "Construction logistics is great, and the work is at a constant pace. On the construction site all colleagues, yourself included, must be alert. And if, for example, you need to lay down rails to the centimetre, you have to supply them as train driver. For this you need a strong, well-coordinated team. Otherwise, it won't work, nothing else really works." ‘And LOCON?’ "LOCON is more of a family than a company, in a healthy sense. You have good people here and good teamwork. As well as a strong management team with whom you can talk openly".

11 years ago, Christian Günther (39) saw no future as a painter, "and certainly not in construction". In 2009, he applied to LOCON and did an 11-month advanced training course to become a train driver. "It was intense and challenging in theory and in practice," he says, remembering the condensed programme. After the exam, Christian worked in construction logistics for 5 years and in freight transport for 2.5 years. "I am now a father and needed more predictable shifts. And LOCON goes along with it, plans along with it. I think it’s impressive. Of course, there is stress now and then, as in every company - but we always manage it well."