Interview with the director of BFFiA "Polfa," engineer Stanisław Kozłowski
In a brochure about Bolesławiec published in the 1960s (price: 2 złoty), I read the following sentences: For many years, Bolesławiec has been home to the country's only highly mechanized and automated factory producing vials and ampoules, glass packaging for medicines. As many as 350 million units are produced here annually. Let us add that the plant is on the eve of a major expansion..." and so on. Apparently, you were already working at "POLFA" in those years. How can you assess the plant's development today, from the perspective of time?
- Yes. I have been working at "Polfa" since 1961. During these years, our factory has become a large plant specializing in packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. The figure of 350 million has been exceeded several times, and medical equipment—disposable syringes and needles—is also produced. As it happened, this most modern production, by which I mean syringes and needles, was located in that old former German building in which all production was housed in the 1960s. I believe that we did not waste the opportunities created by the developing Polish pharmaceutical industry, and that our investment decisions were sound, as evidenced by the fact that, despite the recession, we remain in this market with good results.
- Mr. Director, some of Bolesławiec's plants have already stopped production, while others are changing their profiles. How is "Polfa" coping in these difficult times? (Will the plant be included in the privatization process?)
- We, too, have not avoided difficulties and a decline in production, though to a lesser extent than other plants. This is because we operate in an industry where demand for products has not fallen as drastically as in others. Secondly, we entered the recession not only without debt, but with certain financial reserves that allowed us to maintain financial liquidity. It should also be added that we are able to compete in terms of both price and quality.
Our company is among the 41 companies in the best economic condition for which the founding authority is the Minister of Industry and Trade. We rank sixth on this list. As for transforming the enterprise, a project to merge all "POLFA" plants into a concern-type organization is currently being discussed with the government.
- The local government and the plant's management are known for their great concern for the city's pressing issues and needs. "POLFA" has supported healthcare, culture and social associations. Does the assistance provided to those in need reduce the plant employees' pay? Do people make such accusations against the management?
- The value of financial resources and medical equipment donated to healthcare, schools and other Bolesławiec institutions and organizations amounted to 220 million złoty in 1991, and already 282 million złoty this year. The Works Council understands the city's needs and, in most cases, responds positively.
The majority of the workforce accepts such assistance, although there are also critical comments. Those who criticize it believe that it comes at the expense of their wages, which is not true, because wages are being restrained not by a lack of funds but by the so-called popiwek barrier.
- A few words about the plant's social and cultural affairs.
- We continue to operate holiday centers in Stegna and Bożkowice. We organize summer and winter camps, although not on the same scale as before. This is due to the reduced financial means of our workforce. The works canteen has been operating for the second year, serving more than 300 people. A club of the Association of Polish Engineers and Technicians of Mechanical Engineers is being organized to bring together our technical staff. Naturally, the works orchestra, known not only in the city, continues to operate.
- What do you wish for the plant and its employees on the occasion of the anniversary?
- Above all, I wish our workforce not to feel threatened by the loss of their jobs; that our factory survives and continues to develop; and that wages improve. I also wish everyone good health and would like all employees to feel satisfaction from working at our plant.
- What should we wish for you?
- More orders for our products.
- Thank you for the interview.
Interviewed by: Franciszek Uściński