WH INTERVIEW: Dominik Chamioło - On the way to the Anniversary
On 3 October 1992, the first Winkhaus Polska warehouse and offices were built in Leszno, Wielkopolska, followed by a small production department for window fittings. It has now been 30 years since then, and Winkhaus Polska employs around 800 people, exports to 33 countries in Europe and Asia, and carries out production in modern industrial facilities in Rydzyna. This round anniversary of a strategic partner provided an opportunity to talk about our common path on the eve of PAGEN's 25th anniversary next year. We invite you to read the interview with Dominik Chamioło, CEO of PAGEN.
WH: How did your adventure in window and door manufacturing begin?
My adventure with joinery production began, as with many Polish manufacturers, with the sale of windows. The beginning of this story is classic and starts with the question - why not try our own window production when we know so much about selling windows? Of course, the beginnings were not easy, but today, with the benefit of hindsight and the approaching 25th anniversary of the company's operation, I can proudly say that it was worth taking on this challenge.
WH: What is the most memorable thing about your first years in the window business?
I would like to answer in a slightly subversive way: the advertising slogan "The house is a creation of a lifetime", which we now use in our marketing communication, also fits perfectly with that time. After all, the company was our home - we spent almost every single moment there. We worked late, fell asleep at the company and woke up at the company - just like at home. After all these years, I can say that PAGEN is my life's work. Of course, from that time I also remember the first Urban welding machine from 1975, which I operated myself. It has been replaced today by professional machines, but the commitment and strength of the team from that time can't be replaced by anything. I have a great respect for the daily effort of the team, because I know taste of it myself. These memories of those years are still with me today.
WH: What is your business philosophy? What marks you out in the marketplace? What are you most proud of?
Hard work, people's trust, dedication and responsibility are the values that have made us one of Poland's most important manufacturers of window and door joinery. We owe our presence in this honourable group first and foremost to our customers, who put their trust in us when making decisions regarding the choice of windows, doors, roller shutters or garage doors. When making investment decisions today, we focus on automation and robotics solutions that allow us to respond to market expectations in an even better way. "Factory of the Future" in line with Industry 4.0 is the philosophy that guides us.
WH: What made you decide that you have been working with Winkhaus Poland for so many years? Are we like comfy slippers, reliable, warm and long-lasting, or like well-fitting trekking boots for wandering through the meanders of business?
In my opinion, Winkhaus is a stable and reliable business partner and its team are people we can always depend on. We have known each other for years and also support each other in private life. In reference to the question that was asked - it does not matter in which shoes we walk through the meanders of business, it is important with which people. Winkhaus Polska's greatest value is the people with whom we are honoured to work.
WH: What do you remember most from these years of cooperation? And we are not asking about the number of price increases :)
I remember every pay rise very well, but the one that stuck out most, of course, was the one received as a Christmas present (laughs). However, referring to the previous question - what I remember most is your Team's commitment and willingness to help in various situations. For example, in recent years, we have been involved in helping the fire victims in Nowa Biała, which we coordinated by donating Winkhaus joinery, or taking part in a blood donation campaign, which, inspired by us, has become a permanent fixture in your calendar, just as it is in ours.
WH: What would you wish for yourself and for us in the years to come?
I wish us constant passion, which powers us forward and motivates us. It is what makes us able to say a short "MasterIt!" every day.