Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by PALFINGER
At PALFINGER, we believe in more than just providing exceptional products and services. We believe in the individuals who shape and contribute to our success. Faces of PALFINGER MARINE is a blog series highlighting the diverse talents and perspectives of our colleagues across roles and locations. Our latest edition looks at the career of Andrej, our Regional Logistics Manager, based in Maribor, Slovenia.
FAMILY TIES LEAD TO PALFINGER MARINE
Andrej’s journey to PALFINGER MARINE reflects our mindset as a global group with deep roots in family. His father worked for PALFINGER’s loader crane division for more than two decades before Andrej became aware of the career opportunities at our Maribor location. “I joined PALFINGER MARINE in 2005 as a transport manager. Initially, I was broadly responsible for everything that needed to be moved. Over time, this role evolved, leading to my appointment as Regional Logistics Manager in 2020 with added responsibilities in supply chain management,” he recalls.
EXPANDING TEAM AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What was once a one-man operation has since grown into a team of six, largely as a result of increased volume.
Last year alone, we dispatched more than 970 cranes from Maribor.
“We are not only responsible for the shipment of marine, wind cranes, and davits, but we also handle spare parts logistics, after sales orders, and packaging optimization,” Andrej explains. “The fact that we split the daily operational tasks, allows me to focus on larger, more complex projects, collaborating on future tenders and evaluating their potential impact,” he adds.
The transportation of a product is generally viewed as the final link in the operational chain. While this is true to a certain extent, Andrej is keen to point out that things are more interconnected than one might think: “I’m regularly in touch with the production, quality assessment, and sales teams to ensure that our products are delivered on time and in top quality. Global supply chain issues have made Andrej’s job even more challenging since 2020, with factors such as geopolitical crises, port congestion, rising freight costs, and climate change all adding to the complexity. Nevertheless, he and his team are more than capable of rising to the challenge.
HANDLING CHALLENGES AND DELAYS ONE ORDER AT A TIME
Unexpected situations are now almost a daily occurrence. “Given that current supply chain issues primarily impact the customer, open communication is essential to build trust. There’s no upside in not sharing unwelcome news proactively. It is my job to be on top of things. I need to be the first to know the real-time status of all our delivery projects”, Andrej explains.
No news is good news in my business, but no news has become rare.
His strong organizational skills, along with his effective communication and relentless negotiation abilities, help him stay ahead of the curve and make him the ideal person for the job.
LOOKING FORWARD TO EXCITING TIMES AHEAD
Even after almost 20 years in the business, Andrej still feels the adrenaline. “I love facing the unexpected, and the fact that PALFINGER MARINE repeatedly sets new market standards in terms of product excellence fills me with satisfaction and pride,” he smiles. The excitement isn’t likely to fade anytime soon: “I’m really looking forward to the production of our new PFM2100 crane and the amazing new boats and davits coming out of China and Vietnam. They’ll require a very different logistical approach, which makes my job even more intriguing.”
Given Andrej’s path into the fold of PALFINGER MARINE, it comes as no surprise that he is a family man through and through. “Family has always been my top priority, no matter what’s happening around me,” he explains. “When I have some free time beyond that, I enjoy maintaining my physical fitness through squash, gym sessions, and golf.” For Andrej, it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a busy day on the job. “I can’t wait to find out what tomorrow brings,” Andrej smiles. Neither can we…
Eager to find out more about the career path of PALFINGER MARINE employees? Keep an eye open for the next edition of Faces of PALFINGER MARINE right here.