"We are building the plant of the future." | Interview with Jan Žabenský, Plant Manager of BAUMANN Czech Republic

FROM ROŽNOV POD RADHOŠTĚM TO THE WORLD

Jan, let's start from the beginning. You come from Rožnov pod Radhoštěm. How did your hometown influence you?

Jan Žabenský: I have a soft spot for Rožnov - it’s in my DNA; I have lived there all my life. I studied at secondary school in Frenštát and then went to university in Ostrava. Ostrava shaped me a lot, not only thanks to my studies, but also thanks to football - I played actively from the age of four and was in Baník Ostrava until I was fifteen. The discipline and teamwork I learned on the field have stayed with me ever since.

How was your first work experience after university?

I started in a construction company of a friend’s who drew me into the world of quality. I had no clue what it involved, but I quickly became fascinated by it. Not long after, I landed a job as a quality engineer at an American company. Within a month I was sent to south Wales in the UK to help close a plant there. I was 26, had zero experience, but I had great mentors who believed in me and let me learn through real challenges.

THE LEADERSHIP THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE

At 28, you were already managing a team when production moved from Barcelona to the Czech Republic. How did you handle leadership at such a young age? And how did it shape you as a leader?

Leading people has always felt natural to me. Even in kindergarten, my teacher told my mom, “If I need something done, I tell Honza, and he makes sure it happens.” (laughs) But leadership isn’t just about managing people - it’s about empowering them. I learned early on that success comes from surrounding yourself with the best people, trusting them, and creating an environment where they can thrive. That belief has guided me ever since.

Your career took you across China, India, and Germany. What was the biggest challenge?

In Germany, I was responsible for restructuring a plant with numerous loyal, long-standing employees - some of them working for the company for over 40 years. Then I, a Czech, came with the mandate to change things. Not easy. A senior colleague gave me great advice: “If you want to gain their trust, go to the smoking area, grab a coffee, and just talk to them.” And it worked. Change takes time, but building relationships is the key to making it happen.

BAUMANN: THE CZECH PLANT AS A STRATEGIC PLAYER

Then came an offer from BAUMANN, a Swiss company. What attracted you to it?

I had already known BAUMANN as a supplier of springs. What really caught my attention was its strong vision as a family-owned business aiming to become a global specialist. When I first spoke to the company’s owner, it instantly clicked. I often compare it to a first date - you either feel the chemistry, or you don’t. Here, it was immediate. I joined as Global Quality Manager in October 2020.

Shortly after joining, you were sent on a mission to the U.S. What happened?

I was in charge of restarting the BAUMANN plant in Texas. After returning to the Czech Republic, a new hall in Karviná, a key BAUMANN project, was being finalized. The Czech plant became strategic for the entire group, and I was offered the opportunity to become its director.

What do you consider to be the biggest contribution of the Czech plant to BAUMANN? What makes the Czech BAUMANN so important to the group?

The combination of several factors. We have a diverse portfolio - the production line of springs for the automotive industry, including the production line of long compression springs for the car trunk opening system called Power Lift Gate, and a strongly growing medical division. BAUMANN Medical give us stability and growth prospects. Our location is also advantageous - we’re close to key markets in the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania.

You’re expanding with a new production hall. What does this mean for BAUMANN and the region?

It's a huge opportunity to show that the Czech Republic is no longer just a manufacturing plant - it’s a place where we build world-class factories. The speed of this project has been incredible - we prepared documentation in just one month, planned the project, and completed construction in a year. Primarily focused on the production of springs for the medical industry, the new facility, along with the overall plant development, will create 100 new jobs over the next two years and significantly support the growth of technical talent in the region.

Companies today are more likely to struggle for employees. How do you keep employee turnover low?

A fair approach and company stability are essential. We have people who have worked for BAUMANN for over 10 years and people who have been here since the first day the plant opened. It's more difficult to find specific specialists, such as machine setters. That's why we want to establish a cooperation with regional schools.

How would you describe your life at BAUMANN in three words?

Emotions, dynamics, family. I love my job and look forward to it. BAUMANN is a dynamic company with a family atmosphere, which is its greatest strength.

A COMPANY CULTURE THAT WORKS

The Swiss corporate culture of BAUMANN - how does it translate into the Czech team? It’s embedded in everything we do. We are guided by three values: TIME, INSPIRATION, TOGETHER - efficiency, curiosity, and collaboration. We may not be a giant corporation, but we operate with precision and excellence. Each department monitors performance daily, so we have a clear overview. Open dialogue is a key - colleagues know they can come to me at any time. My office door is always open - I believe success is about having the best people, giving them space, and setting them up for growth.

Work-life balance must be tough in your role. How do you relax?

Sports. Always sports. I play amateur hockey; I help coach my son's team. Last night, I had a game, got home at 11:00 PM, and was up at 4:45 AM for my son’s practice. But I love it!

What has sport taught you about business?

That complaining doesn’t fix anything. You have to ask: What are we going to do about it? How can we make it better? Sports teach resilience and a problem-solving mindset - both are essential in business.

A FUTURE FULL OF CHALLENGES

How big will the new production hall be and what will happen in it?

The new hall will be 2,500 m², of which 500 m² will be office space and the rest will be used for production. The new hall facility will focus on medical spring production, supporting the rapid growth of BAUMANN Medical, allowing us to expand capacity and implement new technologies. This will not only double our production area but will also create a strong base for the growing needs of our customers and expand capacity in key areas.

Alongside, the new hall will be home to the Global Services HUB, which manages important global functions for the entire BAUMANN Group. This will make Karviná a vital strategic centre on BAUMANN’s global map.

This sounds like a massive investment. How much will you invest in the new production hall project?

Up to CZK 400 million in total over the next few years. But this isn’t just an investment in a building - it’s an investment in people, technology, and the future of Czech industry and a contribution to the growth of the industrial area in Karviná. We’re creating 100 new jobs, bringing cutting-edge innovations to the region, and expanding our capabilities for the long term.

Finally, when will the new hall start operating?

In September 2025. It seems like yesterday when we celebrated the opening of the construction at the first pillar. Now, the building is standing, and we’re preparing for the final interior phase. Huge thanks to the whole team and our partners for their commitment. BAUMANN's growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone working on this project. This project is proof of what’s possible when you have the right people and the right vision. And I'm already looking forward to what's next!

Jan Žabenský is a leader who knows how to connect vision with reality. Under his leadership, Czech BAUMANN is becoming a key player within the entire group. With a clear direction, sportsmanlike tenacity and openness to change, he shows that success in industry is not just about technology, it is all about people.

BAUMANN in the Czech Republic in numbers:

New hall: 2,500 m²

Investment: 400 million crowns

100 new jobs

Start of operations: September 2025