“The phrase ‘That’s not my job’ doesn’t exist for us. Otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am now.”

Interview with Christian Gremer, hardening plant manager at H-O-T.

How long have you been working for the H-O-T Group?

For over 10 years.

What opportunities has the company offered you?  
How has H-O-T supported you in your personal development?

Having dropped out of university when I was 23, it was difficult to find a company that would give me the opportunity to gain a foothold in the world of work. H-O-T gave me that opportunity. I had excellent supervision during my training. I had a direct contact person who I could turn to at any time, and I was in an internal company learning group with three other trainees to prepare me for the exams. That was very helpful. H-O-T also supported me throughout my development. For example, the company paid the cost of my training to become a technician, which is not something to be taken for granted.

In your opinion, what do you need in order to achieve success with the H-O-T Group?

You need to have good technical skills. However, technical weaknesses are not necessarily an obstacle to climbing the career ladder within the company. Personal commitment, a willingness to learn, the ability to work in a team, resistance to stress and enjoying the work are at least just as important if you want to be successful here. Nothing is handed to you on a plate. The phrase ‘That’s not my job’ doesn’t exist for us. Otherwise I wouldn’t be where I am now. We are a medium-sized company. Taking on tasks that are not within your own area of responsibility is part of everyday working life. We support each other, which allows us to broaden each other’s horizons. If you want to climb the career ladder, you should therefore be open to new things and be prepared to assume responsibility.

What do you like most about your current job?  
What do you particularly enjoy at work?

The working environment is very informal. But also, the responsibility that I have in my position is appealing. You are faced with day-to-day challenges that need to be overcome, along with demanding, varied and complex tasks ranging from working in the production department to employee management and contact with customers. The variety of tasks is enjoyable. You want to and can make a difference and develop personally at the same time.

What do you think are the greatest challenges?

H-O-T is a medium-sized company. You’re not a small fish in a big pond – everyone knows each other. But there are always two sides to every coin. In a large company, you just swim along with the masses. If you don’t complete your work, someone else will do it.  
At H-O-T you have to be aware of your responsibility in order to safeguard day-to-day operations, as there is not always a replacement who can take on your tasks.

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Christian Gremer

Hardening plant manager