Together we can get it done

Yes, the people. Everywhere there are good teams that do excellent work. And no matter where I have been so far, the colleagues have always(!) been open and willing to learn something new. In addition, there is a willingness to adapt everywhere. I know that this often takes a lot of time and energy. It's enormous how many changes I've already witnessed at KAMAX. And there has always been a willingness at all locations to play along with it.

There are of course cultural differences. In the U.S., for example, the willingness to try new things is greater than in other countries. A special feature for Germany, on the other hand, is that we are very consistent in implementing something once the plan is in place. Some of the locations have different strengths and are different, but there are definitely more things that unite us than divide us.

To live in, it would be Spain. I was born there, I'm from Valencia and that's where my heart is. But I feel like a global KAMAXian. Now with the possibilities through mobile working we are a bit more flexible in many situations and that makes it easier for me as well.

I started here in September 2012. That was the first trainee program at the time, we started with three people. I wanted an international program in the automotive industry and here I had the chance to work not only in one country, but also get to know locations in America and other parts of Europe. Not only we as trainees learned a lot at that time, it was of course also a new experience for KAMAX.

After the program, I worked as a team leader under Stefanie Hofmann and had shared responsibility for the packaging of our products in Homberg. I learned a lot there. Nine months later, KAMAX decided to set up its own supply chain organization at the Alsfeld plant and I was asked to take on this task. That was a huge challenge. In 2014, I didn't really speak German and yet I had to set up a new department as their manager.

No, after two and a half years I wanted to move to the production area. Dieter Bernhard retired in Homberg at that time and, together with Kai Porschitz, I was given the opportunity to take over the segment management in cold forming. We made some changes there. With this newly gained experience, I then went to the USA for another five months to further develop the organization in the cold forming area. This was my last stop before I was offered the position of plant manager in Alsfeld in October 2018 - six years after starting at KAMAX.
But one thing is particularly important for me to emphasize. Something I always had in every position was a really strong team. That was the precondition for me to develop the way I did, and I'm very grateful for that.

Alsfeld is an operation with a lot of history. The decision was very difficult to make; many jobs and the lives of many employees are at stake. The challenge was and is enormous. The biggest difficulty has been the fluctuations in volume since the closure was announced. We have had to adjust constantly because the order situation changed abruptly. In addition, colleagues have resigned, which we respect and are pleased that they have been given a new opportunity. But as a result, the knowledge of these people is then missing.
The professionalism of the employees facing this situation is impressive. I already said it at the staff meeting and I'm happy to repeat it: I can only express my thanks for this performance. I am very proud of the team.

Starting next year, I have the opportunity to lead the so-called “Lean Transformation”. My role is ultimately about simplifying and speeding up production processes in all plants to be more efficient. I have learned a lot in the last nine years at KAMAX and now I want to consistently help on a global level to successfully implement our strategy “Back To The Top”

We will set up a SMED program [setup time]. So we will try to reduce the effort for retooling our machines in all plants. We have already started on this [see article]. At the same time, my goal is to get all employees on board and trained, because we need them to be able to improve the processes. Another important point is to standardize all our measures. What works well in Turnov, should be implemented in the same way in Lapeer and vice versa. We are currently in the process of building up the teams for this at all operations.

We want to be a trendsetter in cold forming. That is our clear goal. We want faster, simpler and more efficient processes than our competitors and to be a benchmark for other companies. There are therefore many demands associated with my new position, and it has a long-term perspective. I therefore definitely see myself still at KAMAX in five years' time.

I also still feel young (laughs). I'm only 33 years old, and if I have any advice at all, it's that they need to be hungry for learning and trying out new things. Always ask questions when you don't understand something. Not everything always works out, mistakes are part of it. I myself have made a lot of mistakes. But if you stay hungry and are willing to learn, that's a good basis.

Emma and we are doing great, everything went really well. I'm very happy about that, too. Family is the most important thing for me. With our new family member, a lot of things are different at home now, of course, everything has really changed. Fortunately, I have a coach at home who always helps and supports me: my wife Ines. It's important that the family sticks together. As Spaniards, we generally spend a lot of time with the family. Not only in the smaller circle, our parents and siblings are often there as well. With our daughter Emma, a new phase of life begins, but one thing will not change: We continue to take every opportunity to visit family back home in Spain.

Then I play or watch soccer. I was in a club myself for years, but stopped for now after the Corona break. Nevertheless, I still watch soccer often and I'm a big fan of Real Madrid.

That's a good question. My father is not from Valencia and he is a Real Madrid supporter. We used to watch them together and I took it from him. Besides, Real is the best club in the world and we often win, so that's good for the mood (laughs). But I will sign up my daughter with Valencia.
The great thing about soccer is that you win and lose together - as a team. And whether it's on the soccer field, in the family, or on shopfloor: it's important to leave nobody behind and overcome challenges together. Our attitude should always be: Together we can get it done!