Brose CZ:

At Home in Kopřivnice for 15 Years The family-owned company Brose is the fourth-largest automotive supplier in the world. Every second newlyproduced vehicle in the world carries at least one product made by Brose. Since 2003, the company has been present in the Czech Republic, first in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, and from 2004 in a newly-built factory in Kopřivnice. Brose produces front and rear seat structures, latches and electric drives for over thirty automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Mr Niclas Pfüller, General Manager of Brose CZ, reviewed the fifteen years of the company operating in the Czech Republic. Mr Pfüller, Brose CZ celebrate its 15th anniversary of the move to Kopřivnice. How has the company changed so far? First of all, let me thank all of our colleagues who have contributed to our success. I am very proud of what we have achieved in Kopřivnice as well as in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. Fifteen years ago, experts from our German plants came to teach us how to produce seats and latches. In these fifteen years we have grown from a sister company to a technology lead plant, a plant with our own experts and specialists in various fields. Now we provide support and instruction to other Brose plants everywhere in the world, operating central controlling, purchase management, IT, and European transport management, all from the Czech Republic. What makes Brose different from other businesses in the region? The principal differences can be found in four areas: the stability and long-term vision of a familyowned enterprise; a strong regional team with an entrepreneurial approach; innovative technologies; and a strong product portfolio. We understand the importance of creating a modern and attractive work environment. At the same time we realize that such an environment does not mean only employing stateof-the-art technologies but also providing support for staff and having strong leadership. Besides the high density of robots in production, which make employees’ work easier, we support our leaders in the development of their leadership skills. We offer a wide range of benefits to all our employees, from having our own canteen with a great selection

of tasty and healthy meals for reasonable prices, the Brose Kids Club (educational- and leisure-time facility for children from one to fifteen years old) and camps for children to races, championships and contests and a team of our own physiotherapists. All employees have equal opportunity to grow, promote and take part in programmes of further development. These activities have been recognized by a few institutions, granting us the certificate of the Top Employer in the Czech Republic and a HealthPromoting Company of the 3rd degree (which is the highest). What is your vision of the future of the company? We have a high-quality product portfolio not influenced by changing trends in alternative fuels. We are focusing on the mechatronics of interiors of the future, complete seating systems and doors in the interconnected and autonomous world of driving. Our aim is to remain a stable and responsible employer in the region. We want to maintain the present volume of production and use the latest technologies supported by digitization. We see great prospects in product development and the sharing of services within the Brose Group on the way to global progress. We also intend to offer our employees interesting career opportunities. Our team always welcomes motivated employees who contribute to the success of our enterprise. Thank you for the interview. -editorial-

Text: redakce Foto: archiv společnosti Brose CZ spol. s r.o. www.brose.com

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