Ewa Korwek
How do you recall your first day at MBMPL?
My first day at MBMPL coincides with the very first day of the company's existence because I was the one who established it. Formally, I was employed for the first three months (November 2016–January 2017) by Mercedes-Benz Polska, the company selling cars in Warsaw. That day was February 1, 2017 – we held a full-day workshop with headquarters on personnel planning. On that day, together with CEO Andreas Schenkel, we were thrilled to see that our systems (e.g., HRWT) and email were operational after we were separated from Mercedes-Benz Polska. On that same day, for the first time, employees such as Anna Frąckowiak, whom I had hired, reported to work at our then-office at the market square in Wrocław.
Seven years have passed; how would you summarize them?
For me, these seven years ended on November 1, 2024. They were undoubtedly dynamic and intense.
What was the biggest challenge?
So far, it was the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the biggest challenge is transforming a well-functioning battery and engine factory into an equally successful plant producing vans.
What has surprised you the most so far?
The participation of women in our workforce. This is the only KPI where my initial estimates (from 2016) were significantly underestimated. I am very proud that women make up nearly half of our team.
Which benefit do you value the most and why?
I wouldn’t want to have to choose just one. For me, learning a foreign language is very important, but I also value Luxmed medical care. Unfortunately, due to my health condition, I use it quite often. The Culture and Sports Cards, as well as the Helping Hand platform, are also very important.
In a few years, vans “made in Jawor” will be rolling out. Another big project – this time a transformation – is the next step forward. Which of the People Principles is the most important to you in the context of this transformation?
A natural response would be Agility, which means fostering a culture of change and quick adaptation. However, as a manager, I choose Empowerment, understood as motivating and supporting employees in achieving the best results and succeeding in entirely new challenges, such as the transformation from PT to vans.
Kacper Lenik
How do you remember your first days at MBMPL?
That was so long ago! My first days at MBMPL were filled with excitement and new challenges. I started my journey at our factory as a Measurement Technician. From the very beginning, I was impressed by the professionalism of the team and the modern vision of our plant. I felt like part of something truly special.
What was the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was the stage our plant was at at the time. The installation, testing, and calibration of measurement equipment were crucial to ensuring the accuracy of our measurements. We worked closely as a team and with equipment suppliers to ensure everything functioned flawlessly. This stage required great precision and attention to detail, as even the smallest deviations could impact production quality. However, I quickly realized that these challenges are what make working here so rewarding.
What has surprised you the most so far?
I was positively surprised by the work culture based on collaboration and mutual respect. Everyone here has the opportunity to express their opinions and contribute, creating an incredibly inspiring and productive environment. I hadn’t expected how well people from such diverse backgrounds could complement one another.
Which benefit do you value the most and why?
I value the development and training programs the most. Thanks to them, we can continuously improve our skills and expand our knowledge, which is invaluable both for our plant and our personal growth.
In a few years, delivery vehicles marked "Made in Jawor" will be rolling out of the plant – another major transformation project. How do you see this development, and which People Principles value do you relate to the most in this case?
I am very excited about this project, especially since I have already had the opportunity to participate in the development phase and know how rewarding it is to successfully complete the first start-ups. This is a huge step forward for our factory and the region. I identify most with the Empowerment principle because I believe that each of us has a crucial role to play in this transformation. Together, we can achieve incredible things.
Małgorzata Romanek
How do you remember your first days at MBMPL?
I started working at MBMPL when the headquarters was still located in Letia, Legnica.
It was an incredible time – a period of meeting new people, gaining knowledge, and building a new department, as well as a time of intensive work and many challenges. The atmosphere was amazing – full of openness and positive energy. I felt like I was part of something truly special.
What was the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was the recruitment process. I wanted to build a great team – a group of professionals engaged in their work, finding satisfaction in it, supporting each other, and continuously learning. The recruitment process took a long time – I conducted many interviews to find the best candidates. That effort paid off, and what was once the biggest challenge became my greatest achievement. I am very proud of my team, and I know that, just as we have so far, we will continue to tackle any challenge together in the future.
What has surprised you the most so far?
I deeply appreciate the organizational culture we have managed to create in our company. The atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, friendly relationships, a culture of learning from mistakes, and a constructive approach to problems are all aspects that, in my opinion, set us apart in a positive way.
Which benefit do you value the most and why?
It's hard to choose just one benefit, but if I had to, I would pick the company canteen and the possibility of having lunch on-site. Why? Because having a warm meal in the company of colleagues boosts energy, improves well-being, and saves a lot of time in the afternoon. :)
In a few years, delivery vans labeled "Made in Jawor" will be rolling out (another major project – transformation). This is another step forward. How do you see it? And which People Principles value do you identify with in this case?
Exactly – this is another step forward. It is a massive project that will give us the opportunity to grow and learn new technologies, but it will also be a significant challenge.However, we already have experience and know how to do it. We have successfully launched the production of engines and batteries with excellent results, and I believe it will be the same for delivery vehicles.Which People Principles value will be key in this process? I think AGILITY. The transformation process requires us to be open to change, adapt to new circumstances, and take a proactive approach.
Patrycja Piątkiewicz-Merchut
How do you remember your first days at MBMPL?
Although in August 2024 it will have been six years since I started working at MBMPL, surprisingly, I still remember my first day very well. I remember the excitement I felt, but also the uncertainty. I’m glad I took the train to work that day—focusing on driving a car would have been difficult. I had many questions on my mind, but the people I met here at the time were incredibly supportive, and now I look back on that beginning with nothing but positive feelings.
What was the biggest challenge?
Looking back, I think the biggest challenge was balancing my own ambition with the desire to gain knowledge about the tasks I was going to take on. As someone who always strives to do everything to the best of their ability, I placed very high expectations on myself at the start.
What has surprised you the most so far?
People and the atmosphere. For those who associate Mercedes with a global corporation and a leader in its industry, but have never worked here, it might seem like a very formalized organization. However, the wonderful people I’ve met here, their openness to collaboration, and the atmosphere they create make the inside look completely different.
Which benefit do you value most, and why? Personally, I really appreciate that the company supports access to cultural and active pursuits. Since this benefit comes in the form of financial support, everyone can choose what suits them best. Some prefer to spend time with a book or a movie, while others engage in physical activity. I’m happy to spend my share in bookstores.
In a few years, delivery vehicles "Made in Jawor" will start rolling out (a new and large-scale transformation project). It’s another step forward. How do you see this? And which People Principle do you most identify with in this context?
The idea that Jawor will become a place where vehicles bearing the Mercedes logo are built from scratch is very inspiring. I believe we should all strive to grow, and the best way to achieve growth is through taking on challenges. When it comes to the People Principles, I still most strongly identify with Learning and Agility. Learning, because—as I mentioned earlier—we should always be learning something new, and the opportunity to gain knowledge is a great privilege. Agility, because change brings many possibilities.
Adam Michalak
How do you remember your first days at MBMPL?
I have very fond memories of my first days at MBMPL. Although it’s been five years, I still remember it like it was yesterday — a small group of machining employees working out of a modest container. I was one of the few people in the department. The atmosphere was great, and the team was fantastic — together we were able to build the team and collaborate with machine subcontractors as we set up new production lines (additional modules). From the very beginning, I was involved in launching and testing the M8 and M7 production lines.
What was the biggest challenge?
I had the opportunity to take part in most of the projects on modules 8 and 7. Each of them brought new challenges and chances to expand my skills and experience. Being part of new projects makes my work not only interesting but also dynamic and diverse. The biggest challenge for me was the production test (PT1) on module 8 — it was the first test in the Machining Department. With the following ones, it became much easier.
What has surprised you the most so far?
The amazing people around me — they are open to collaboration and always ready to help. It's incredibly motivating because no two days are the same, and it’s hard to predict what will happen next. But with a team like this, nothing stands in our way.
Which benefit do you value the most, and why?
It’s hard to pick just one. In my opinion, each benefit offered by our employer brings added value for all of us. There are quite a few of them, so everyone can find something that suits their needs.
In a few years, delivery vehicles “Made in Jawor” will be rolling out from the plant — another big project and a major transformation. How do you see it, and which People Principle do you identify with most in this context?
This period of transformation is a big challenge for all of us and a step forward. I believe each of the People Principles is important and should be applied to our everyday work. However, the one I identify with most is AGILITY — the ability to quickly adapt to change, which is an inherent part of our job — and LEARNING. As I mentioned earlier, we’re constantly learning something new, and the chance to gain knowledge is a real privilege.