Chropynska is people – Milan

• 12. September, 2024
• Lucia Mikušová
• Chropynska is people

Milan has worked with us for 39 years, witnessing all the changes the company has gone through—from its independence from PPS Group to the renaming to Chropynska Slovakia a.s. During this time, he has held various positions. In our interview, he revealed why he chose engineering and described what has changed in Chropynska over the years.

Milan – External Cooperant

You chose to study a technical field. Where did you study, and why did you choose this path?

My whole family worked in engineering, so I continued the tradition and chose the same path. I graduated from a vocational school as a mechanic-setter, and my next steps led me to university, where I obtained an engineering degree in the field of production management. Thanks to my studies, I gained a solid foundation for working in engineering, which I later applied in practice.

Why did you decide on a career in engineering, and what positions have you held over the years?

I was fascinated by tool-making, so after military service in 1985, I joined what is now Chropynska Slovakia a.s. My job positions evolved gradually. At first, I worked as a foreman for several years, then in the business sector—materials and technological procurement—and finally, I became the production manager. In 1997, I took up the position of a cooperant, where I work to this day and will finish my career.

What is your current role?

Since there are some processes we, as a company, cannot handle internally, either due to capacity limitations in meeting deadlines or because we lack the necessary processes, we have to outsource and collaborate with specialized firms. My task is to ensure these processes are fulfilled based on production requirements.

How would you evaluate the team you work with?

I can only evaluate the team around me positively throughout my entire time at the company. We started our careers as a group of friends; we were all from Detva or the nearby area, and we knew each other very well. Our relationships were undoubtedly family-like, which created a great atmosphere at work. Over time, as the company grew, new employees joined from different parts of Slovakia. Workplace relationships became more professional and were based on job roles. However, this did not change the fact that we all got along well and created a great team where you could always find support and help when needed. Of the people who started with me, I am the only one left, so over the years, I have experienced many changes in the team. In recent years, the company has rejuvenated and is full of young, promising people.

How has Chropynska changed since you joined?

The company grew, so to speak, right before my eyes. I have to highlight the modernization, which keeps pace with the times, and the company is making significant progress in this regard, often gaining a competitive advantage. New technological equipment is constantly being purchased, and the machinery is being upgraded. Office spaces are also being remodeled, and the working environment is continuously improved. The company values its employees and creates a workplace where they feel comfortable. This is also evidenced by the fact that Chropynska is continuously expanding and constantly increasing its workforce.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, my family comes first. The time spent with them is the most precious, and I am very happy with my three grandsons, with whom I love spending time and teaching them new things. I also actively engage in sports and enjoy hiking. I am enchanted by the Slovak nature, where I find peace and a chance to think about other things.

What would you say to young people considering a career in engineering or studying at technical schools?

A career in engineering is very promising for young people, as the field of engineering is gaining increasing importance in the industry. Using various motivational factors is very favorable for attracting young people to engineering. At our company, Chropynska, we have implemented a dual education system, which is very beneficial for both the employee and the employer. Students can experience what it is like to work with us while still in secondary school, get to know our company and team, and after graduation, they already know what to expect if they decide to work with us. The employer, by gaining a student who has completed dual education, receives partially prepared workers, which speeds up the adaptation process and also reduces the risk of turnover.