May we introduce: Our head of production

Production manager Marco Baumann doesn't come to work in swimming trunks even when it's 35 degrees outside. Because he is used to "hot times" by now. In this interview, he tells us how he keeps production running even in times of crisis.

Marco, manufacturing at 35 degrees outside temperature, are you also allowed to come to work in swimming trunks?

(smiles) That would be nice, but we have to obey safety regulations and wear long trousers.

How hot is it in production at the moment?

In the welding shop and with the machines running, it can get pretty sweaty. Of course, it always depends on the temperature outside. Most often it's about 25 degrees in the hall, but in midsummer it can sometimes exceed 28-30°C in specific areas.

How do you cool down?

With ice cream! We have a rule: If someone messes up, they have to provide ice cream for everyone. When the temperature is high and the ice cream supply is low, I sometimes get a bit picky. (winks)

Which ice cream goes fastest?

Anything with chocolate and a wafer!

The current ups and downs of the global economic situation are also making us sweat. First Corona, then the war in Ukraine, inflation and dwindling consumer confidence: how are you feeling the effects of these years of crisis in production, which are continuing today?

Above all, we notice that we have to remain flexible. Despite all our efforts in purchasing, there are ongoing problems with material availability and delivery times. So we have to cope as best we can with the resources and materials we have in hand. I'm very grateful that our team sticks together so well and that I can count on the support of my staff.

Have you often had to introduce short and shift work?

During Corona we had some kind of shift work, mainly to limit personal contact. There were two teams, both of which worked slightly less than usual. This ensured that we remained able to act if Corona broke out. That worked well.

Otherwise, it was more a case of individual staff working short days when there was no material available. But most of it was actually compensated for with overtime and flexitime.

What are your challenges as a production manager in current times?

The "system hopping". Our systems consists of thousands of individual parts. Before the crises, we were building to completion one plant after the other. It moved from station to station in our line. At the moment, this is no longer possible. Even small penny items, such as insertion sleeves for the pneumatic hoses or plugs for probes can suddenly be missing and cause work processes to come to a complete standstill. The system is put aside and the next one has to be started. So we have many semi-completed systems with only a small part missing. And then you jump from one unit to the next and lose an insane amount of time. I try to keep track of everything though.

You have now completed your first year as head of production. What has changed during that time?

Not much has changed in the last year; it's still crisis management. But there is something that is very important to me, and that is having fun at work!

It also goes hand in hand with crisis management: if you enjoy your work, then you are also prepared to react spontaneously and flexibly to crises. Sometimes overtime has to be worked off when there is a lot going on - which can then be taken in lieu in when there is less going on. And my team does a great job. I am very proud of it.

Now something private to finish off:

What was the nicest compliment someone ever paid you?

From my staff, that I am a good boss. "I like being here because you're here."

What gets you up in the middle of the night ?

My children. That's an actualfact, because my youngest is just under one year old.

If you had three wishes: What would they be?

• That my family and friends are doing well.
• Good health for everyone.
• That times would become safer again. That you don't have to worry about who will bring the electricity in the future, or whether you will still be able to finance your house in a few years with this inflation. It would just be nice not to have to worry so much about the future.