Keeping The FACTORY’s Heart Beating Strong
Ensuring all production activities in the TAF factory continue to run smoothly and efficiently day after day is a challenging, but rewarding, responsibility. The new Production Manager at TAF, David Sanetrnik, has taken on this role with gusto and hit the ground running in November of last year. With several months behind him in this new position, David speaks about his extensive experience in the engineering and manufacturing sector, along with his view on the current status of the factory, his plans for the future, and more.
- Can you tell us about your professional experience – past positions you’ve held and your responsibilities?
I have worked in the engineering field for a total of 13 years. During this time, I have held all key positions in manufacturing.
I began my career as a Production Preparation Technician, where I was responsible for developing manufacturing documents and establishing technological processes. Much of my time was spent on the production floor, which allowed me to gain a detailed understanding of engineering technologies and a solid foundation in real-world production activities.
Later, I held the position of Project Manager, managing manufacturing projects focused on large, complex welding processes. In this role, I worked extensively with key international customers, particularly from Germany and Austria, which helped me to better understand their needs and market specifics. I also learned how to calculate costs, prepare quotations, plan production processes, and lead a team of production preparation engineers.
Manufacturing and working with people have always been close to my heart, so I accepted the next challenge of my career and moved up to the position of Production Manager. In this role, I was responsible for all sheet metal fabrication operations and managed a team of approximately 100 employees, including a team of CNC machine programmers. Production was carried out according to the highest market standards, with a focus on efficiency, quality, and safety. We successfully implemented automated technologies and robotic workstations, significantly increasing productivity and stabilizing our processes.
- What led you to TAF?
Jakub Rozboril, COO of TAF, contacted me and requested a meeting. During our discussions, we quickly found common ground on both a professional and personal level. He described the current status of production activities at TAF and his vision for the company’s future. I shared my views on how I could contribute to the development and optimization of production. It became clear that we understood each other very well, and it made sense to work together.
Joining TAF was an opportunity for me to leverage my extensive manufacturing experience and take responsibility for TAF’s production activities. I saw it as a chance to modernize production standards and establish a culture of continuous improvement, which I believe is key to long-term success.
- Now that you’ve been on the job for a few months, how would you describe the factory, its equipment, and its production processes?
After a few months with the company, I am happy to say that our production activities are operating at a very high level, mainly thanks to the highly qualified and experienced people who form a solid foundation for the entire production process.
TAF manufacturing operates in a custom production mode, requiring a high level of flexibility and rapid adaptation to customer requirements. However, this model also limits the extent to which automation can be expanded. The entire production process is highly dynamic and time-consuming, with minimal room for inefficiency or waste.
- Have you identified any challenges?
Situations regularly arise during production that require immediate responses and operational solutions. We see these events as an integral part of the dynamic environment of custom manufacturing. Major problems are thoroughly analyzed to identify their root causes, and systemic measures are implemented to minimize the likelihood of recurrence. We take a preventive approach that enhances the stability of production processes and continuously improves operational standards.
- Do you have plans for introducing changes or improvements in the short-term and long-term?
We have a number of short-term and long-term plans that are continuously prioritized based on current operational needs. In the short term, our main focus is on streamlining production planning to increase transparency and simplify coordination across all teams.
We are also continuously responding to changing customer requirements, particularly regarding the product mix. These changes require adaptations not only in personnel but also in technical areas.
All changes are implemented with utmost caution and attention to production stability, ensuring smooth deliveries without compromising quality or deadlines.
Our long-term goal is to build a flexible and resilient production environment that can adapt to market developments and evolving customer needs.
- What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
When away from the factory, I spend most of my time with my family. I have two sons, aged one and a half and five years, so I always have plenty of activities planned with them. When time permits, I enjoy cycling — both on and off-road — as well as hiking. In the winter, you can find me on the ski slopes. These activities allow me to maintain a balance between work and personal life, helping to recharge my energy levels.
