Rizla collector Annie Wante (65) is retiring after 49 years: “She is an icon for the company”

Although she worked in a cigarette rolling paper factory for almost half a century, Annie is not a smoker herself. “I have only ever smoked the peace pipe. There were three of us at home, my mother, my sister and me. When resentment arose between my sister and I, I suggested we smoke the peace pipe. It was a large wooden pipe that hung on the wall in the living room and we filled it with our mother’s tobacco. I was once very sick from it and then I swore off smoking for good,” Annie tells her story with a laugh.

“Everyone has a hobby, this is mine. At home I keep everything in covers and plastic bins, because there is far too much to display.”

Annie Wante

Rizla collection

In addition to the working days in the factory, Rizla also has a place in Annie’s free time. As an avid collector, she has been keeping track of everything related to the company for years. This started with a book that she liked, but as more and more unique copies came onto the market, she started a collection. “Everyone has a hobby, this is mine. At home I keep everything in covers and plastic bins because there is way too much to display. For example, I have already donated a Rizla pocket bike to the company, because I didn’t have room for it myself, and it has been given a nice place in the entrance hall.”

Now that her career at the manufacturer is ending, that does not mean that Annie will stop collecting. At the celebration she also received a number of items to add to her collection: an authentic campaign poster, T-shirt and ashtray that were still used by the Painblanc business family.

Annie will extend her caring for others even more into her personal life during her retirement. For example, the neighbor’s dog is waiting for her while they are on vacation. She also takes care of her neighbors who are over 80 and prepares food for them while cooking. “Caring is in my character, I always try to be there for everyone.”

This has not gone unnoticed by Rizla’s colleagues. Everyone wanted to have their picture taken with her and brought gifts to give her a proper farewell. “She is the warmest person in the company and always had a positive attitude. Not a day went by that she did not arrive at work with a broad smile and helped create a pleasant working atmosphere,” the speeches say. Factory director Smedts added in summary: “Annie is the person who has been employed the longest and she may remain so. No one can imitate her.”