BUSINESS ROZHOVOR

Can you recall a specific important project that really

stuck with you?

One of our bigger projects involved supplying special

metal palettes for Siemens from 2003–2004. At the time,

we did not have our own production capabilities—those

only came with our first facility in Jistebník in 2007.

I personally managed this project and even literally

physically overlooked it. I remember that one time I had

a business meeting, however, I received a call saying that

there was some kind of issue during loading at one of

our suppliers, saying that they did not want to handle the

truck’s contents. I went there myself and had no choice

but to drop everything and personally load the vehicle.

After this experience, we dropped that supplier. The entire

project was supported by me, physically. Back then, that

was labour worth a million euros. Since then, we have

managed to develop to the point where a million euros is

our weekly turnover rate.

in our management

“ Fluctuation

is practically at zero.

”

What aspects of product quality are most important

to you? What technologies and quality checks did you

implement in production in order to reach

your desired quality?

Generally, customers require adequate quality, price

and delivery dates. Quality is determined by technical

documentation and customer needs. It is important

to properly comprehend each customer and their

understanding of the term quality. This makes it all work

smoothly. Specific documentation is part of the quality

required from us (this means, for example, control protocols,

3D measuring, attestation and so on). Communication is

an inseparable part of good cooperation. We need to be

able to lead meetings and follow-up communication in,

for example, German or English. Application of TQM and

lean management are the basis of quality in the production

process; at the same time, we enter a contract with each

customer regarding quality, which specifies the number of

measurements, control protocols, change management,

etc. Each of our facilities has their own special workplace

for quality control, which is outfitted with the necessary

equipment. We hold weekly quality check meetings where

we analyse returns and complaints and develop solutions

for production, TPV, construction and management.

Text: redakce

Foto:

Kateřina Skupieňová

Innovation plays a key role in any successful company.

What types of innovation will you be focused on

this year?

This year, we will continue implementing lean

management—the internal name for this program is

PENALTA. Furthermore, we will reorganise projects

across our facilities, as our new acquisition in Albrechtice

indicates a redistribution of production programs within

all ISMM facilities. We are focused on rationalisation in

production and technological innovations that generate

savings in production costs. This process involves all of our

employees who have the opportunity to receive financial

rewards for their ideas.

Employees are the most valuable asset of any company.

It is no secret that it is key for your company to create

14 ǀ POSITIV 1/2022

an amicable environment for your employees. What

are some methods through which you motivate your

employees and what sort of benefits do you offer them?

Over the last two years we completely overhauled the

social areas at all of our facilities. We are securing company

lunches for our employees, ensuring the opportunity to

take corporate loans, seeing that all of our employees have

one free annual weekend stay at our Gong Hotel. We

offer additional holidays, financial support during difficult

life events, employee legal help and Christmas bonuses.

Additionally, as the company’s owner, I am personally

open to any issues our employees would like to raise.

Fluctuation in our management is practically at zero; it is

also very low among employees, and many of our former

workers eventually return to us. I would say that we are

among the region’s top employers.

What are some of your future plans and ambitions?

We will definitely continue to grow according to the state

of our business and the projects we will be able to acquire.

Currently, the Albrechtice plant employs about sixty people

and we expect to increase this number to 100 shortly. This

facility also holds the potential for another 150 positions

within one to two years, meaning that this is where our

capacity reserves will be focused. I am also not dismissing

the potential for further acquisitions, whether it be in

vertical integration, meaning the acquisition of a supplier

in our chain, other companies aimed at final products, or

perhaps even in a completely different business field. Our

long-term goal is to build one of the biggest manufacturing

and trading groups in Czechia, employing over

1,000 people.

ISMM is the general partner for the extra league

handball team KH ISMM Kopřivnice and the hockey

team HC ISMM Kopřivnice. What is your relationship

with sports?

I have always had a positive relationship with sports. I used

to play some competitive football, later some small soccer

and, finally, I transitioned to tennis. I devoted a lot of energy

towards my daughters and their tennis careers, however,

at this point I fully dedicate myself to my business. Yes, we

support sports in the form of general partnerships. I would

also like to add the football club TJ ISMM Jistebník and,

from March 2022, the American football club ISMM

Ostrava Steelers. The clubs appreciate our help and we

see it as a great way to advertise ourselves as well as build

local relationships—we continue to count on their support.

Your proactive approach to work has to require you

to replenish your energy at some point. Do you have

a favourite spot within the region where you go to relax?

I have a sort of ritual which I use to recharge my energy.

For example, twice a year I travel to exotic locations where

I can reorganise my thoughts and think about strategies

going forward. I also play some tennis every week at our

tennis courts, or visit a fitness centre, which we have at

home. I also like to visit a couple local pubs that I have

grown to love or places such as the Gong Hotel in

Štramberk or Libotín.

Mr Cváček, thank you for the interview, and we wish

you luck.