Three questions to...
Daniel Schmitz

Daniel Schmitz has been working in production engineering at Heidrive for ten years now and has advanced through several career steps within the company to reach his current position. In a brief interview, he explains why completing an apprenticeship doesn’t have to mean the end of your career.

You’ve had a varied career path—could you briefly describe it for us?
In 2009, when the company was still called Heidolph, I began my apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic specializing in toolmaking. After completing my apprenticeship, however, my cohort wasn’t hired by the company, so I initially worked at another company for about a year and a half.
Afterward, I decided to pursue further qualifications and completed a full-time program to become a state-certified mechanical engineer. After successfully graduating, I returned to Heidrive in 2016 and started in production engineering. Alongside my professional work, I pursued part-time studies from late 2018 through 2021 to become a technical business administrator.
In my role at Heidrive, I initially worked on the design of equipment and special-purpose machines, as well as on various projects. In early 2022, I took on the position of coordinator between the Kelheim and Mrákov (CZ) plants. Looking ahead, my goal is to further deepen my technical and business management skills, take on more responsibility, and continue to optimize cross-location collaboration.

What motivates you here at Heidrive, and why do you enjoy working here?
I’m particularly motivated by the combination of technical and organizational tasks, as well as the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of processes. Collaborating across multiple locations always brings new challenges and ensures a varied workday.
At Heidrive, I especially appreciate the open collaboration, the short decision-making processes, and the trust that is placed in me. The opportunity to contribute my own ideas and take on responsibility is also particularly important to me.

What are your responsibilities, explained briefly and concisely?
I serve as the liaison between the plants in Kelheim and Mrákov and am responsible for coordinating technical matters on a wide range of topics between the two locations.
My responsibilities include launching new projects, conducting pilot runs, designing, planning, and procuring equipment and special-purpose machinery, as well as further developing and optimizing processes. In addition, I work on cross-functional projects and coordinate collaboration among various departments. I also serve as the plant manager’s organizational representative in Mrákov during vacation periods.