They are Opinel: Alicia Richard

"It's a Savoyard company with local savoir faire that is handed down."
Let's go and meet Alicia Richard, leader in the wood workshop.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Alicia Richard and I'm 24 years old. I've been working for the company for 18 months. I started as a temporary worker and then I was directly employed.

What is your job at Opinel, and what does it involve?

I'm the leader in the wood workshop. Part of my job is as an operator - I load the machines and I make sure that everything is running smoothly while the handle is being made. Most of the work is done when the handle comes out of the machine. It has to be checked visually to ensure that the wood hasn't been torn and that there are no other defects. Dimensional checks also have to be carried out on the sizing control machine, which is a bit like a scan, to ensure that the dimensions are correct. The other part is my role as leader which involves ensuring that everything is going well with regard to my team's working life and well-being. This includes the training and support of my team, but also ensuring that tasks such as inventories, stock monitoring, handling and so on are carried out.

What do you like most about this profession?

I like seeing new types of wood and working with them. They're different to the traditional varieties, which makes the work very interesting. I also like the meticulous nature of this work.

If you had to describe your profession in just one word, what would you say?

Am I allowed two words? Good eye. You have to know how to demonstrate precision and meticulousness.

What values would you say that the company holds?

Tradition, expertise, and the passing on of those values to new generations. What I mean is that it's a Savoyard company with local savoir faire that is handed down.

What does working at Opinel mean to you? And to your friends and family?

I love working at Opinel. It's a famous company and my friends and family are interested when I tell them about Opinel, and generally speaking, everyone is very receptive.