BSH in Wroclaw. A global giant invests a billion zlotys. [INTERVIEW]

Where do refrigerators and ovens from Wrocław end up? Can they be bought in Poland?

Our appliances are in many countries around the world. We export over 90 percent of our production, mainly to Western European countries. Of course, our refrigerators and ovens can be purchased in Poland. For some time now, we have been labeling them with stickers featuring the Polish flag and the words “Made in Poland”.

So if any of our readers see such a sticker on a Bosch or Siemens refrigerator or oven in a store, they will know that these appliances come from Wrocław. Of course, these stickers are also on other appliances. BSH manufactures washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers in Łódź, and vacuum cleaners and capsule coffee machines in Rzeszów. Poland is a very important country for the BSH Group in terms of production, as well as research and development.

I know that the company is investing in the development of new products, among other things. For example, Bosch refrigerators from the Green Collection line are being manufactured in the capital of Lower Silesia. These are refrigerators made of so-called green steel. What is it?

It differs from traditional steel in that it is produced without burning huge amounts of coal. We launched the first Bosch Green Collection line in 2023, and this year we introduced a newer version with the highest energy efficiency rating of A.

The value of BSH's investment in Wrocław is growing

Eight years ago, in 2017, BSH launched its factories in Wrocław. What were the beginnings and where are you today?

The location has changed beyond recognition. These are very modern facilities, equipped with robots, state-of-the-art production machines, and comfortable and safe workstations. We have a dynamic, motivated, and diverse team. We are pioneers in implementing many modern solutions across the entire BSH Group.

For example, in the warehouse, we use artificial intelligence that analyzes the movement of forklifts and pedestrians and predicts potentially dangerous situations. This is a pioneering solution for which our team received an award in an international competition across the entire Bosch Group.

At the oven factory, we were the first in the world at BSH to implement a fully automated packaging process for finished products. At the refrigerator factory, we use artificial intelligence to control the quality of the welding process. These are just a few examples. There are many such advanced solutions.

BSH and formerly Wrozamet and Fagor Mastercook

You are located on Żmigrodzka Street, in a place with a long industrial tradition, I am thinking of the former Wrozamet. Do you refer to it?

Of course, for example, in the main entrance to our facilities, we have a permanent exhibition of archival photos with a description of the history of this place. We are proud to continue the long and rich tradition of household appliance production in this location. We also have employees who worked here when these facilities belonged to other companies. Their experience is invaluable.

How much have you already invested in Wrocław? I am asking about money and jobs. What are your plans for the future?

Since 2015, when BSH bought this location, we have invested a total of over PLN 1 billion here. Approximately PLN 500 million to start production in 2017 and the same amount in the following years. We are still in the process of increasing the production capacity of our factories, we are growing, although the largest and most spectacular investments are already behind us. We are creating about 1,400 jobs here.

In 2021, BSH received an award from the Mayor of Wrocław – Socially Responsible Business. You were awarded, among other things, for the fact that the company has been supporting local charities for years. What do you do and why?

For years, we have been supporting the Tobiaszki Foundation, which operates nearby, in Wrocław's Karłowice district, at the parish of St. Anthony. It is a wonderful organization that helps children and young people. The foundation runs a place where young people can come every day to spend time together in a wise and pleasant way.

The foundation's caregivers help the children with their studies and organize many additional activities for them. It is a place where children can also eat a hot meal. The foundation organizes trips and activities during the holidays.

The goal of BSH's charitable activities is to equalize educational opportunities among children and young people. We set this goal many years ago and have been consistently pursuing it ever since. We support similar organizations in every city in Poland.

We provide them with financial donations and household appliances to equip their facilities. Of course, corporate social responsibility also means protecting the environment and maintaining very good relations with our employees. We are proud of this award from Mayor Jacek Sutryk, which you asked about. It adorns our office.

How did you end up in Wrocław? And do you regret moving?

Personally, I believe that working in different countries helps me develop as an employee and as a person. BSH is a global company that consciously supports such opportunities. Since I started working at BSH, I have worked in Spain and Germany, and before coming to Poland, I lived in China.

Due to the introduction of new, innovative products and the development plan, it is a good time to work in Wrocław. My favorite place in the city is the banks of the Oder River, which is ideal for running – it is a really peaceful and colorful place to practice sports.