Manfred Jetzinger started his MGG career back in 2006 at MGG Polymers, which was then still called MBA Polymers and had just been founded. Through his interest in technology and his drive to constantly improve operations, he found his way into mechanical maintenance. In our MGG relay interview, he tells us how he experienced the company's rise, what demanding tasks have to be mastered and how he keeps track of things.

Mr. Jetzinger, you joined Polymers on 1 February 2006 as one of the first employees. How did that come about?

Manfred Jetzinger: I come from a farm near Viehdorf, where I learned to do physical work from an early age. Actually, my father encouraged me to apply because Müller-Guttenbrunn was known as a solid employer in the region. When I started work, the machines were just being put into operation. It was an exciting time, but also not always easy. Initially, I was not sure if I had made the right career choice, but as time went on, it became a better and better fit. Now I've been here for 16 years and I'm happy that everything has developed the way it has. I look forward to continuing to be a part of MGG Polymers.

You are responsible for mechanical maintenance. Has it always been like this??

Jetzinger: At the beginning, I worked in production and operated various machines. This task gave me the opportunity to gain an insight into the respective operational processes, which is very helpful for my current job. Over time, the processes in the company became more and more complex. So it happened that due to my technical interest and my "restless mind" I decided to take the locksmith's examination in the second career path. This additional qualification led me to the newly founded department of mechanical maintenance, which I now head.

What do you mean by maintenance? What are your specific tasks?

Jetzinger: Basically, the main task of my job is to take care of the problems that occur in the operating processes. Together with my team, I try to secure and optimise the internal processes. A fixed component is also to know the respective machines and to try to improve their output. Through these tasks, my team and I can have a direct influence on the success of the company. If you like, you can say that our work left no stone unturned. Although, if I'm honest, the steel construction is standing - still ...(laughs). It is important to recognise the possibilities and to think: "What else is possible"? Of course, there are also limits, for example if there is a physical impossibility. Nevertheless, the "inventive spirit" is required and you have to try to get around this with another solution. That is my approach to the job. 

What is important to you in your work?

Jetzinger: It is especially important to have foresight. That means not only seeing things as they are at the moment, but much more the potential. My goal is to motivate colleagues to see new possibilities themselves. Of course, there are also situations that are simple and monotonous, for example when you replace a part. But there are also processes that can and must be thought through creatively. 

And how can you imagine a typical working day?

Jetzinger: Typical? Relatively little in my job can be planned and is typical. We start the day at six o'clock with a short meeting to clarify which tasks need to be done. Usually there is a list of things that still need to be done or have already been started. Often there are also urgent requests from the shift manager, which we then prioritise. After the meeting, we go to the workshop or to the respective machine that needs to be repaired. 

Since we often work with very heavy materials and machine parts, we work in teams of two to minimise the risk of accidents. There are some very challenging tasks involved - Recycling is no walk in the park. Since production at MGG Polymers runs around the clock, we are always on call. For this very reason, it is important to me that everyone in my team knows all the machines so that they can intervene quickly and efficiently in an emergency. So you can say that when the "hat is on fire", someone from us is there.

We haven't even talked about the working environment yet. What do you like best about MGG Polymers?

Jetzinger: The familiar, friendly atmosphere in the company is important to me. Our staff is still at a level where people know and appreciate each other personally. In addition, I think that the cooperation within the team works well due to the size of our company and that each employee is appreciated. For example, many tasks also require direct contact with the management, which is a nice change for me and thankfully runs smoothly.

What do you do to balance your varied job?

Jetzinger: I run my parents' farm on the side, which is a small organic farm in my hometown of Viehdorf. My primary support is my family, which consists of my wife and my one-year-old son. Through them I manage to switch off at home and enjoy family time. 

Finally, one more question. You work for a sustainable company. How important is recycling to you personally?

Jetzinger: It is important to me that my work makes sense. At MGG Polymers, I see myself as someone who can make a difference for the planet and society. I think even being a small part of the big picture can make a difference. Our work has an impact on the environment and so I know this is the right place for me.  

Thank you for the interview, we wish you all the best for the future!