In 2016, a new industrial facility opened its doors in the Polish city of Wroclaw: Industrias Alegre. Within a few months, that facility would begin production, but at that point it was little more than a promise tied to Ford’s plans. They had to get that factory up and running, assemble a team, and prove that the company was also capable of producing well there—right from the very first shift. It was an intense and successful journey.
He arrived alone. He had a practically empty factory, a clear assignment, and no coworkers nearby. It was early 2016, and Górski had just become the first person hired by Industrias Alegre in Poland to get its factory up and running. Ten years later, he’s still in the same position and has witnessed firsthand the growth of the factory into what it is today. Here are his thoughts.
Having a dedicated team is one of the advantages of Alegre Poland. This dedication is evident in the workplace atmosphere, during shift changes, and over coffee breaks. It’s also evident in the number of ideas for improvement that the staff proposes. Through the internal system, employees suggest changes week after week, with the consistency of those who know they are creating real value.
On the afternoon of October 29, 2024, our plant was flooded and rendered inoperable. Thirty people were trapped. When they were rescued, the priority was clear: protect people and restore supply to customers without breaking the value chain. With the perspective that time gives us, we know that the key to rebuilding was making quick decisions and executing with discipline.
For two years, various professionals from our plants in Albal and Poland have completed 128 hours of training designed by Industrias Alegre to promote internal talent. It has been a program that has combined strategy, leadership, innovation, and diverse skills. The closing ceremony was held on December 11 with the presentation of diplomas and testimonials that summarize the spirit of the academy: learning, teamwork, and vision for the future.
Our colleague and commercial director of the company, Mónica Alegre, has been appointed chair of the Construction Industry Commission of SERNAUTO, the Spanish Association of Automotive Suppliers.
Today, October 29, exactly one year after the storm that devastated our region and left the Albal plant under mud, the Industrias Alegre team stopped work at 12:00 noon to observe a minute's silence in memory of all those who died in that tragic event.