We met Stanislav Švarc on July 3. Just two days earlier, he had celebrated his 30th work anniversary. Since joining the ironworks, he worked for two years in maintenance and then at the galvanizing lines. He has held all operator positions. He currently works as an operations and maintenance coordinator for the galvanizing plant.
"I take care of the operation of the galvanizing lines and, above all, I mediate information between technology and maintenance so that the lines are operational. Together with my team, we identify all causes of malfunctions, focus on prediction, and solve current problems. We act as a link between maintenance and technology. I know the galvanizing lines really well. I really like my job; I've found my calling. Every day brings new challenges that require new approaches, procedures, and solutions, as well as new experiences. The greatest experience for me is when I manage to solve a problem. I wouldn't trade my job for anything in the world. We are an excellent team. We have gone through difficult times, as is probably the case everywhere, but now things are fine. It's just a shame that we don't get to see each other and our families as often as we used to, says Stanislav Švarc.
He revealed that his greatest and most memorable work experience was 19 years ago when he switched from the old galvanizing plant to CGL3: "It was a challenge and an experience in one when we started up the line."
His father also worked in the galvanizing plant
"Stano is one of the most experienced and willing workers on this line. He knows all the details of the equipment and has gained invaluable experience over the years. He has also taught me a lot, and I always value his opinion when we encounter a problem. He is a cheerful person who enjoys sports, so it's always nice to see him," says Tibor Kovács, director of the Finishing and Packaging Division.
His father worked for many years as a foreman in the ironworks and also in the galvanizing plant. Frequent conversations about his work influenced Stanislav's decision about his own career choice. He will never forget the moment when a gas pipe exploded and there was a gas leak in the plant: "My father was at work at the time. We were very afraid that something had happened to him, whether he was okay, and we couldn't wait for him to come home."
It is important to have a positive attitude
Last Friday, Stanislav Švarc was awarded the Minister of Economy's badge of honor for his loyalty to work: "Every award is a pleasure, and I am very proud of this badge of honor. I have two sons, aged 13 and 19. They were both delighted."
Honesty has always been Stanislav's top priority. He doesn't like lying: "Well, when it comes to work, we're all different. I taught new operators and apprentices. Some people learn faster than others, but that's not important. What's important is wanting to learn. If someone isn't lazy and wants to learn, whether they learn a week earlier or later is not that important. The important thing is that they want to, that they have a drive. I teach this to my sons, to all my colleagues, operators, and young guys who come to work for us."
On a motorcycle around Slovakia
He does a lot of sports in his free time. He likes cycling and swimming best, and he plays soccer here and there. In the past, he was a semi-professional road cyclist. In the recent years, motorcycles have been his passion. He got his first one from his family on his 40th birthday, and he's been riding ever since.
"I've traveled all over Slovakia on my motorcycle. I like the Low Tatras and Manínska Gorge, but I've also traveled through Poland, on the other side of the Tatras, where there is also a lot to discover and admire. When it comes to the Czech Republic, it's definitely Moravia that I love best."
Photo: Ján Kisucký
