Martina, how are you doing as the new plant manager at such a traditional plant?
I inherited a great team from my predecessor, Václav Rada, who is now enjoying his well-deserved retirement. I've only been here since September, but I feel right at home: the atmosphere is great, the employees enjoy their work, and we have fun together. At our 50th anniversary celebration, I had the opportunity to meet many former employees. Many of them approached me and shared their experiences. This gave me the chance to learn firsthand from eyewitnesses what the early days were like here. They wished me strength and success and asked me many questions about being the new - and female - plant manager.
What do you bring to the table?
I am passionate about the Kaizen work philosophy. I have had positive experiences with it throughout my career, and I can now apply it at the Chlumčany plant. I gained experience in purchasing, logistics, and production at an automotive supplier. Most recently, I managed a large team at a mechanical engineering company for over 15 years. Ultimately, the team grew to over 70 people, which is approximately the same number of people currently working at the Chlumčany plant. Now that my three adult children are studying in Prague, I am looking for a new challenge.
What is important to you at work?
I enjoy getting to know people and staying in touch with them, which is why I work in production every day. It is also important to me to understand exactly what is happening there.
As I live by the Kaizen 5S method: sorting, systematizing, cleanliness, standardizing, and self-discipline. I pay close attention to order and cleanliness, and that influences how I work, whether I'm doing small repairs in day-to-day business or developing big ideas for the future. The best ideas come from the employees at the plant. Currently, we are systematically recording what we need to maintain and repair in order to start the new 2026 financial year off right.
What does your workday look like at the moment?
I arrive at 6:00 a.m. to speak with the foreman before the 7:00 a.m. shift change. Then, I attend various meetings with production management, shift supervisors, and foremen from the early and late shifts. It's important that everyone involved be able to exchange their opinions and experiences on current issues. I also drop by production from time to time. I'm still getting familiar with office work. I'm familiar with accounting and budgeting from other companies, but every company does things a little differently.
What motivates you at work?
Humanity. To me, it's the most important thing in the workplace, and you can feel it everywhere. Everyone who comes to us from outside notices this, too. For example, in open communication between colleagues when something goes wrong. Then, we work together to figure out how to make the best of it. I am grateful for this team spirit and am happy to get up at 4:00 a.m. every day. With this positive energy, we can achieve a lot.
What topics do you think will be particularly relevant in the coming years?
In my opinion, energy is an increasingly important topic. There have been major modernization projects at this site in recent years. For example, we have replaced the lighting with new technology. We have also put a special crusher into operation to grind and reuse autoclaved aerated concrete from other plants - an important step toward the circularity of our products.Next, we will examine the power lines in the plant. Following the example of plants in Italy and Slovenia, I would also like to push ahead with photovoltaics. I am fascinated by electromobility and autonomous driving as well. My dream is to continue bringing all kinds of modern technology to the world and developing a sustainable location here!
