Manuel Cala Conde
Production Shift Manager Hot End
"Look back and you lose. If you want to live and be alive, you have to look ahead."
With Gerresheimer since: 1997
Site: Essen, Germany
After 13 years as a car mechanic I decided to change professions. Somebody I knew recommended Gerresheimer Essen and the job of glass process engineer to me at the time. After an interview with the Technical Manager and a guided tour of the glassworks I was immediately fascinated by the idea of glass product manufacturing.
I initially started work as Machine Operator and stayed in that position for four years. Then I was promoted to the position of Shift Foreman because of my existing and new qualifications. On occasions I stood in for the shift manager.
In 2002 I was offered the opportunity to attend a school for master craftspeople and I obtained my master craftsman’s diploma there. I also took part in an in-house training course to obtain a HE production shift manager qualification and started work as Shift Manager in 2008.
My job involves shift organization and quality assurance, because our glass products have to be defect-free. I also have to manage, instruct and train staff. One special experience for me was the reproduction of a melting furnace in 2002.
My colleagues and managers have always been very friendly and warm-hearted. I always feel appreciated for my personal commitment and achievements. That’s why I’m looking forward to my future at Gerresheimer.