Erich Pably: Dorfen Plant under New Leadership
SCHREINER GROUP
Erich Pably:
Dorfen Plant under New Leadership
At Schreiner Group’s second German plant, more than 70 employees produce multifunctional specialty labels and marking solutions for the healthcare sector. After the original plant manager entered well-deserved retirement following three successful years of development, top executive Erich Pably is now responsible for Dorfen. In an interview, the experienced executive reveals why after more than 20 years as purchasing, operations, and plant manager in the automotive industry he chose Schreiner Group and what the future of the Dorfen factory will look like.
How did you join Schreiner Group?
Erich Pably: I’ve been following Schreiner Group’s evolution into an internationally renowned high-tech company with keen interest for several years. When the highly attractive role of the plant manager was vacant, I investigated the company in greater detail and learned that its vision, strategy, history, and future prospects are unique and felt that I’d like to assume an active role in this success story with my experience, my energy, and my commitment.
How do you perceive the Dorfen plant?
Although the plant was opened only in 2019, we’ve already achieved a high level of stability with maximum focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. That means the processes in the value chain in terms of effectiveness and efficiency are continually being optimized. The Lean philosophy—to ensure low-waste or zero-waste manufacturing—is visible throughout the plant. The highly motivated team is an excellent mix of very experienced senior experts from the headquarters and young, well-trained new employees. Those are perfect prerequisites for a flourishing future that I’d like to help shape.
What have you achieved in your first few months as plant manager?
For instance, in a joint project with the headquarters in Oberschleissheim and my team in Dorfen we improved the previously good delivery performance once more. According to the Kaizen philosophy, we strive for further optimizations despite our very high share of so-called make-to-order business. Kaizen is centered around the pursuit of continuous and infinite improvement. Improvement takes place in the form of step-by-step optimization—up to the level of perfection.
Beyond that, what are the plans for the future in Dorfen?
One of the most obvious challenges is the extension that has been planned for some time that we’re going to start in 2024 and finish in 2025. As a result, we’re going to increase our manufacturing capacities in Dorfen and create a fantastic prospect for the future. The company’s values, “Innovation, Quality, Performance and Enthusiasm” are deeply rooted in Dorfen by now and motivate the employees and me personally to deliver top performance.
