At our site in Kecskemét, 400 to 500 people work every day to achieve more and more success. Our colleagues all contribute to making our company the second-largest trailer parts manufacturer in Europe. This ensures a stable livelihood for countless Hungarian families. In the next period, we would like to show our followers the human side of Autóflex-KNOTT in Kecskemét. We are interviewing our employees to give you a better insight into our company and the atmosphere in which they work. The following interview was made with Gabriella Péter, the foreign sales manager of Autóflex-KNOTT, please enjoy.
How long have you been part of the Autóflex-KNOTT Ltd team?
G.P.: Since 1996.
Is this your first job? If not, how did you start your career?
G.P.: As a receptionist, I was the only one who knew German at the time, my main task was to deal with Western European customers. I also welcomed domestic customers and guests coming to the company. I took over as head of all foreign sales from Zita H. Szabó, who was appointed company manager.
What are your personal motivations? How do you see your future at the company?
G.P.: My first and foremost goal for many years has been to have a well-functioning company, which in my position is to satisfy the customer in a way that benefits Autóflex. Both parties must be satisfied. If there is a need to change something, ourselves, our processes, to be more effective, we focus on the solution.
What do you consider your greatest success at the company?
G.P.: Many of the customers we have been in contact with have been here almost from the beginning. We have developed a very good relationship, which not only allows for blunt business conversations, but if any problems arise, we can talk in a way that both parties focus on solving the problem.
A good relationship has also been established with the parent company. There are also many employees there with whom we started our careers together or who have been with the company for even longer.
What do you consider the biggest challenge in your work?
G.P.: To meet the expectations of the current economic situation, because everything is constantly changing and you have to adapt to it.
Why do you like working at Autóflex-KNOTT Ltd?
G.P.: I’ve been here quite a long time. I just love it. Our CEO and owner are also close to my heart. Over the decades, a bond has developed that is more than just a simple boss-employee relationship. This family atmosphere characterises the whole company.
What is the working atmosphere and teamwork like?
G.P.: We are a very good, close-knit, mutually supportive team of 9 people. To keep the customer happy and everything running smoothly, the whole team needs to be able to fully focus on the solution. We brainstorm together, we make decisions together. At the same time, we try to give colleagues the authority to make their own decisions, with the support of appropriate management. I want to give team members the space they need to develop.
The atmosphere is calm. Of course, there is stress and friction, which is not directed at the individual colleagues, but at solving the given situation or task. We can work as a team. This also helps us find a solution for every situation.
How do you recharge when you’re out of the daily grind?
P.G.: For me, the most fulfilling thing is to get away from the dull weekdays and get together with my family on the terrace and spend quality time together.
What message would you send to existing and future colleagues?
G.P.: The company has always given me security in the past, in my current situation and for the years to come. Sándor H. Szabó, the owner of the company, always puts the company’s employees first, in the good times and the difficult times as well. People who work here should be provided with work, be paid and he always finds solutions to challenges. He never thinks one-sided. The company also tries to take into account the private life of its employees, supporting them as much as possible when necessary.
Thank you to Gabriella Péter for the interview.