Innovation managers have many qualities. They know their business and love change. They spot new trends faster than their competitors. And they have the patience to endure with occasional setbacks. Wojciech Rogala is one of these managers. His heart beats for technological progress that directly benefits people.
"Until I started at Xella, I couldn’t imagine how many interesting topics there were around the production of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and calcium silicate units (CSU). At first, I thought it was just simple masonry units’ production. But because our products are used as a structure of the building as well as partitions, they are one of the most important parts of the building. That gives us the great opportunity to constantly improve it, for example in terms of on-site processing, sound insulation, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and fire protection. Our technical horizons are expanding almost every day," says Rogala. This, he says, is one of the main reasons why most of his colleagues have been with Xella for many years. "Today I am responsible for launching new products, and I feel good about learning something new every day," he adds.
Making people's lives easier
What drives the engineer in search of the next great idea? It's the practical benefits that new Xella products and technologies bring directly to the people who use them. He is particularly proud of one ongoing project: the development of an orthopaedical exoskeleton. This 'power suit' makes it easier for construction workers to carry heavy loads or move CSU blocks, for example. "We tested it even though many people in Poland had never heard of it. The devices are highly likely to be used daily, both on construction sites and in our plants. Construction workers praise us for it.
Xella Poland has also digitized the design process and completely renewed its product portfolio over the past five years. "Our large-format building elements have changed the way walls are built in Poland. Masonry erection effectiveness is significantly higher. The construction workers are less tired, walls are built faster, and its quality is better. We are the company that is known as innovative on the Polish market," Rogala says proudly. Using large-format elements is effective only in combination with BIM assembly plans. The final position of each element is known before entering the construction site gate. BIM technology that Xella Polska launched helps to reduce the number of materials lost on construction sites and allows avoiding collisions.
