MAEM's new production manager

‘If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.’ - Wayne Dyer. This is a quote that aptly describes the changes that have taken place in one of MAEM's key departments, namely the manufacturing department.

When talking about the work of the department, we have typically focused on the technical innovations and the incredible level of technology that fills us with pride in providing customers with the highest quality products. Until now, while observing the progress, we did not pay attention to the fact that machines, processes and technology are just tools in human hands. On the occasion of the personnel change in the position of production manager, we would like to thank Lech for bringing the department to a level that we are proud of and welcome the new manager, Zbigniew.

Zbigniew, taking this honorable position, agreed to tell us about his vision for the department. Zbigniew, working at MAEM is not the first on your professional path. What inspired you to apply to our company?

I've known MAEM since 2012 - while working for one of its suppliers, I witnessed its growth, empowerment and branding for seven years. When the time came, when I finally decided to change my job, I first checked if MAEM was looking for someone. I was lucky - they were recruiting for the position of Process Engineer and my application to MAEM was the only one I submitted at that time. MAEM has always had that something, that unique combination of aspiration for high quality and excellence in products offered, high level of organization of key processes, with simultaneous family atmosphere and very human, warm approach to employees and contractors.

Working in a new place always brings with it an element of uncertainty and surprise. What were your first impressions after joining the MAEM team? My beginnings came at a rather difficult time in the history of MAEM (and beyond). The onset of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 forced Management to introduce remote working and other restrictions, so the world dosed me with elements of uncertainty and surprise for several months. Already during this extended period of getting to know the company from the inside, however, it quickly became clear that every person I was given to work with was unique in what they did, that everyone was a high-level professional, a true expert within the scope of their responsibilities, and that the whole formed a unique mechanism designed to achieve the goals clearly set by the Board. From the beginning it was, and still is, a lesson in humility for me because, although I have always had a fairly positive view of my abilities, I have been forced to undergo severe self-criticism on many occasions.

After more than two years in our organization, you take care of probably the most important department of

a manufacturing company, namely the production department. What does this nomination mean to you?

Obtaining this position is a great honour for me, an expression of great trust placed in me by my superiors. It is a great responsibility and a big challenge to manage this area, especially that my predecessors set the bar high and the Machining Department was handed over to me in very good shape. I am motivated to do more, so of course it is also a great opportunity for personal development. Working with a team of great specialists and the opportunity to learn new things from them will allow me to improve myself, to push further the boundaries of my own creativity and resourcefulness.

What will change at the MAEM production headed by Zbigniew? Should we expect revolutionary changes in the functioning of the department?

Revolutions are against nature, I prefer evolution - continuous improvement, gradual but relatively smooth development. Over the past two years, a number of projects have been initiated within the Machining Department, such as the implementation of an automated tool magazine and the rebuilding of the technology module. So we will continue our efforts to improve the flow of tools, instruments, controls and measurements as well as raw materials. A lot of work is ahead of us with powering the ERP system with additional technological data, and in the near future, I hope, also with implementation of a module for recording measurement results. These investments will allow us to move on to the next stages of development of the production area and to take on new challenges, as well as will force a slight alteration of the organizational structure, with an emphasis on strengthening the department responsible for designing technologies and the production support area.

What new challenges does the department face in 2022?

The biggest challenge is to improve the planning process, both from the point of view of achieving the goal (ensuring availability on the required date), maximizing the use of company resources and running the series production process smoothly, and from the point of view of the quality planning process and pricing of newly implemented parts. To meet these challenges, we will improve our methods of data collection and analysis, refine or redesign operating procedures, and increase the precision of cost classification. All this is done in order to be able to react efficiently to the needs of the market and potential customers, and to improve our flexibility in the currently quite difficult realities of the raw material market.

What can you wish for as you take on your new position?

Quick implementation in the new reality, receptive mind and brilliance in using the acquired knowledge to overcome future difficulties. And to all my colleagues and superiors - patience and understanding.