Gitte Løvenholdt - Purchaser
Joined IRON Pump in 1983
From local beginnings to a global presence: Strong Danish roots with worldwide reach
Gitte Løvenholdt is a proud long-serving employee at IRON Pump. Starting over 40 years ago as an apprentice, she explored various departments before finding her place in Purchasing in 1984. Gitte remembers those early days as a time when IRON Pump felt like an entirely different company.
Over time, IRON Pump has grown from a local Danish business into a global company with strong, long-lasting relationships with partners and customers worldwide.
“The last decade has been a turning point for IRON Pump. The shift from local to global has been significant. It’s not only about suppliers and partnerships, but also our people. Today, I have colleagues from many different countries. That international aspect is now a key part of who we are,” Gitte says.
IRON Pump’s global footprint continues to expand, with its established sales office and a brand-new production facility in China marking exciting milestones in its international journey.
While Gitte’s title has remained unchanged, her role has evolved alongside the company’s growth. She describes her experience as living through several companies within one. Where communication once passed through intermediaries, the team now connects directly, requiring independence, strong relationship skills, and a deep sense of responsibility.
“I have always enjoyed a lot of freedom in my daily work. There has always been trust, which gives me a sense of ownership. At IRON Pump, you can speak directly with anyone because of our flat structure, and that makes working together easy and efficient,” Gitte explains.
A significant part of Gitte’s work involves collaborating with casting foundries. Sustainability now plays a central role, and with that, the focus has broadened from traditional materials to include greener alternatives such as stainless steel, which help reduce CO₂ emissions.
“We try to source materials responsibly and in amounts that make sense to ship, instead of using less efficient transport. Many of the foundries we work with already must document their environmental impact. We pay close attention to that,” Gitte says.
For Gitte, purchasing goes far beyond specifications and prices. It is about nurturing lasting relationships built on mutual respect and unwavering integrity.
“It’s much more than raw material and products; you trade with people. Many of our supplier relationships have lasted for decades. Of course, price matters, but it’s just as much about trust and reliability,” she says.
Gitte’s own career is a testament to this long-term perspective. Over four decades, she has witnessed colleagues embrace new challenges, departments transform, and the company expand across borders, all while its core values have endured.
“There’s a sense of professional pride here. People feel comfortable working here. We have flexibility, influence, and a flat structure. Many of us have stayed because we’re trusted and have the freedom to shape our own roles and take pride in what we do at IRON Pump,” she says.
“I have been with IRON Pump for decades, and I know the company inside out. IRON Pump started as a local company and now operates globally, and I have loved to be part of that journey,” Gitte Løvenholdt, Purchaser in Supply Chain at IRON Pump.