Christian: process technician and Schmölln native

Christian F. puts his home advantage to good use at voestalpine Automotive Components in Schmölln. When it comes to optimizing production processes, he is always creative and explores new avenues.

Mobility is a basic need and a central element of our modern society because it connects people, goods, and cultures. With its innovative products, voestalpine Automotive Components in Schmölln is helping to ensure that mobility meets the needs of today and the requirements of tomorrow. A core element in staying “one step ahead” here as well lies in constantly optimizing production processes. This is exactly the right job for process engineer Christian F., who oversees manufacturing processes to make sure they are up to date.

In 2023, Christian will celebrate his 10th anniversary at voestalpine Automotive Components Dettingen in Schmölln. Born in Schmölln and virtually growing up with the company, he has been working for the lightweight solutions expert for the automotive industry for almost a decade.

Ample freedom

Christian began his career at voestalpine Automotive Components as a machine setter. He advanced to shift supervisor before finally becoming a process technician. The machinery mechanic and cutting machine operator’s top priority is to increase the stability and output of the production process while at the same time making his colleagues’ work easier. Christian starts work at six in the morning. He takes stock of the situation and then plans his workday. “Every day is different. First, I go over what has happened on the previous shifts. I evaluate reasons for malfunctions and work on component and process optimization. I have various points of contact with mechanics, electrics, and controls,” explains Christian . He spends time both behind the desk and in production.

What makes his job special for him is the freedom he enjoys to try things out and test his ideas. “My work is really exciting. I enjoy it a lot. I can experiment with new things and new approaches to always find the best solution,” says Christian F.. The fact that voestalpine Automotive Components has been a reliable partner to the automotive industry for many years shows that this mindset of continuous improvement is paying off.

Always moving

When Christian is sitting in his car instead of his office, he often thinks about the fact that an Automotive Components’ component could be traveling with him. Maybe even be a component off a production line that has been process-optimized thanks to his creative solution finding in Schmölln. This is an additional incentive on top of his everyday self-motivation.

And he is doing just that—he is currently training to become a PLC technician. PLCs (programmable logic controllers) ensure that production plant processes run smoothly. He is using this knowledge to expand his skills and abilities as a machine control programmer.

The fact that he no longer works shifts as a process technician makes it easier for the father of two to balance work and family. “My kids are four and six years old and want to be entertained,” says Christian F. with a twinkle in his eye. That’s why he likes to recharge his batteries by going on outings with his family, especially to amusement parks, zoos, the playground, and the soccer field. He feels it is absolutely crucial to have fun in everything you do—both personally and professionally.