As part of our Meet the Team series, we spoke with Tomasz Kaderka, our Production Director. Below, you can read what he shared with us during the interview.
- Could you briefly describe how you entered the manufacturing field and what your professional path looked like before becoming Production Director?
I have had a very close relationship with mechanical engineering since childhood. My grandfather was an entrepreneur who owned a company focused on the production of belt conveyors and spare parts for AM-50 mining roadheaders. Whenever I visited him in Karviná, we spent time in his workshop, where he showed me the basics of machining and welding. I was fascinated by how fully functional machines could be created from ordinary pieces of steel. This principle of transforming raw material into a finished product still motivates me today.
Naturally, I chose a technical education path. I graduated from the Secondary Technical School of Electrical Engineering in Havířov and later from Brno University of Technology (VUT FEKT), specializing in Electrical Manufacturing and Management. My original intention was to take over the family business, which I briefly experienced during a year working under my grandfather’s guidance. In the end, we agreed that gaining broader experience in a larger company would be more beneficial. I joined Ferrit, where I have been working ever since.
- Could you tell us something about your family?
Family has always been a fundamental pillar of my life. My grandfather had a strong influence on my professional direction—through honest work and hands-on experience, he taught me that results require patience and a systematic approach. His passing last year reminded me how important it is to seek balance between professional and personal life.
Today, I am the father of two young daughters who show me every day that each person is unique and requires an individual approach. This is a principle I also apply at work—both in team leadership and in production management. A strong and supportive family allows me to maintain a clear mindset and effectively handle demanding situations, which I consider essential for long-term success.
- How long have you been with Ferrit, and how has manufacturing evolved during that time?
I joined Ferrit in May 2012, which means I will soon celebrate 14 years with the company. During this period, manufacturing has undergone significant development, including modernization and the introduction of new technologies and process management systems. We continuously focus on improving efficiency and quality, enabling us to respond flexibly to market demands and ensure reliable production for our customers.
- Which positions have you held at Ferrit, and how have these experiences shaped your current role?
I joined Ferrit as a Project Manager focusing on production controlling and production planning. After two years, I moved into the role of Assembly Supervisor, where I gained hands-on experience with direct team leadership and daily production operations.
Later, when Petr Mohelník became Executive Director, I was offered the position of Production Director. After two years in this role, I experienced burnout and decided to slow down by returning to a Project Manager position. Over the next two years, I built and developed the company’s project management processes.
Following the sudden departure of the Production Director, I was asked to temporarily take over the role until a replacement could be found. It turned out that taking a step back and deepening my experience was the right decision. I have now held this position permanently for more than four and a half years.
- How would you describe a typical working day—does it involve more people management, planning, or operational tasks?
A typical working day at Ferrit cannot be precisely defined, as the role of Production Director involves a combination of people management, planning, and operational responsibilities. Each morning starts with a production briefing, where I summarize key information and tasks to ensure consistent communication across the team.
A significant portion of the day is dedicated to meetings and coordinating activities between management and individual departments. I also make it a point to walk through the production halls daily and remain accessible for constructive discussions with employees. An essential part of my role is monitoring task execution quality and continuously improving processes, which I consider crucial for maintaining a high production standard.
- What leadership approach do you take, and how do you motivate your team to achieve results?
My leadership approach is based on supporting independence and accountability. Each member of my team supervises other employees, so it is essential that they are able to make decisions independently and stand by them. Every assignment is unique, and my colleagues have strong intrinsic motivation to deliver results and continuously improve production, which I see as a key factor in the team’s success.
- How many people do you currently manage in production, and how do you maintain cooperation between teams?
My direct team consists of six supervisors, while the total number of employees in production is approximately 120. Cooperation between teams is essential, which is why I emphasize clear communication, task coordination, and fostering a strong team spirit across the entire production organization.
- What role do modern technologies—such as automation, digitalization, or data utilization—play at Ferrit?
Modern technologies play a very important role at Ferrit. We are currently in the process of selecting a new ERP system that will allow us to further advance internal logistics, production planning, and manufacturing controlling. This step will significantly improve process efficiency and data utilization in production management. Our goal is to have a fully functional and fine-tuned system in place at the beginning of 2027, enabling even more effective planning and production optimization.
- How do you recharge outside of work—are you able to switch off beyond the production floor?
I recharge primarily through family and friends. As a family, we enjoy exploring cities across the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. We particularly enjoyed Budapest and are definitely planning to return. Every year, a few friends and I go on a men’s ski trip to the Alps, which is always an intense and enjoyable experience. Last year, I started a small personal project called “paint the cottage,” which, after tearing down walls and digging up floors, turned into a complete renovation. So yes—I am able to switch off and recharge outside the production environment.
- What continues to motivate and inspire you in manufacturing after so many years in the field?
What continues to motivate me is seeing everything Ferrit has managed to design, manufacture, and deliver to customers around the world. It is not always easy, but when I walk through the production halls and see our machines, it is deeply satisfying to realize that all of this is produced in a relatively small yet highly efficient factory near Frýdek-Místek.
We would like to thank Mr. Kaderka very much for an excellent interview.
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