People at the heart of our business

What does your day-to-day life and work at GF look like?

As the production manager, I support the plant manager and provide him with advice and assistance. In addition, I have daily and weekly routine meetings such as production meetings, management meetings and measures meetings on current topics. In addition to my daily routine, I always receive new tasks and challenges, which I then tackle together with the team. In doing so, I support all departments, from the administrative departments (occupational safety, personnel management, purchasing) to the production departments (maintenance, tool service, foundry, finishing, raw casting, logistics, quality). My support covers various areas such as workplace design, the creation of action plans and sustainable working. I also participate in customer audits (customer visits) and support projects such as the redesign of routines, consultant support, and other key projects. Likewise, the leadership, development and coaching of the management team, as well as the development and realization of goals, budgets and forecasts, taking into account the guidelines of the management, is part of my field of activity.

How were you "looked after" at GF?

As an apprentice, I was already given the best possible mentoring. I received support at all times and was very well accompanied throughout the entire apprenticeship. After completing my apprenticeship, I took the opportunity to continue as a permanent employee at GF Casting Solutions.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to GF?

Take advantage of the opportunities at GF to develop. Be ambitious and determined, always remain open to challenges and do your best!

What happened after your training?

After my apprenticeship as a tool mechanic, I worked in special equipment construction for 2 years and repaired trimming tools, manufactured spare parts and built fixtures as well as various processing machines and special machines together with the team. I then worked as a machine operator for 1 year before working as a punch press operator for 4 years. After that, I was promoted to shift supervisor, after 2 years to department assistant and after another year to the foundry’s head of department, where I again remained for another year. Then I worked as division manager for raw casting and mechanical processing for 4 years. Currently, I have been working as production manager since April 2022.

How have you perceived the culture at GF so far?

There is a very open culture at GF where I have always felt very comfortable. The cooperation is good; we remain a strong team in both good and difficult times! Especially in challenging times, everyone pulls together and helps each other out to overcome the situation. This strengthens our company culture.

How would you sum up your apprenticeship at GF in one sentence?

It was a very challenging and educational time, during which I was able to benefit from very good training with many opportunities.