(INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD OF “CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA,” MGR ENG. KAROL STASIK).
- We have already grown accustomed to seeing the factory halls built by “Modernbud” on Kościuszki Street. We also know that these buildings are home to the Artistic Handicraft Cooperative “Ceramika Artystyczna,” formerly located on Polna Street. However, we know little about what is currently happening in these new halls—in other words, how our “showcase” plant is doing, whose products were once known throughout Europe.
- They are no less well known now. This is demonstrated by a full order book through the middle of next year and significantly increased sales (compared with the second quarter, they have even doubled). Our products reach markets in the United States, England, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Between 70 and 80 percent of our products are intended for export. In addition, cars with license plates from various countries stop every day outside our factory shop, with German plates predominating.
- What is currently “coming out” of “Ceramika Artystyczna”?
- We draw on the traditional patterns of the Bolesławiec pottery known throughout Europe, the so-called stamp-decorated pottery, but with new Polish accents and using more modern technology. Artistic supervision of the products is provided by the well-known local and national artist Bronisław Wolanin, MA. Our products are varied, and customers readily buy stamp-decorated coffee and dinner services in navy blue, green and brown, as well as vases, jugs and candlesticks. Mr Wolanin introduced these traditional patterns into production years ago, and they are precisely the main source of the company’s financial success.
- The residents of Bolesławiec say that the products of the former “Cepelia” are too expensive...
- The price results from demand. Our products go to exclusive shops, such as HEAL in London, which sets trends in fashion and design, and there high prices are natural. In our shop, however, one can buy lower-grade products more cheaply.
- How do you assess “today’s” privatization?
- In my opinion, the existing path to privatization is unfavorable to cooperative members because it proceeds through liquidation, while the current legal situation is that only part of the enterprise’s assets belongs to the cooperative members—their shares. The remaining part of the assets, although generated through the turnover of the cooperative members’ shares, is under existing law the property of the State Treasury. Before privatization, we are waiting for a new law on cooperatives, which is currently being drafted. The law, whose draft I know, provides for the transfer of all assets to the disposal of the General Assembly. How the assets transferred under the law will be used will depend on the decision of the General Assembly—that is, on the decision of all cooperative members.
- What does the cooperative use its profits for?
- The profits are not small. Among other things, they are used to repay a large loan, with interest accounting for a substantial share of costs. We are paying all our liabilities on an ongoing basis, and it is worth recalling that just three months ago we were an unreliable payer, paying penalty interest.
We have also purchased essential production materials that guarantee improved quality. Not long ago, quality stood at 70 percent; now it has exceeded the low eighties. We bought computer equipment to improve the organization of the sales and accounting departments. Once the company’s modernization plans have been completed, our production will double and employment will increase by 50 percent, which will also reduce the number of unemployed people in our city.
- And how are employees’ wages developing?
- Beginning in October, we are granting pay increases and want to rise above the national average.
- The current position of “Ceramika Artystyczna” in the city—and likewise in the country and abroad—is undoubtedly a great success. What should this success be attributed to?
- It is the success of the entire workforce, but also of the proper selection of managerial staff.
- What do you consider when selecting staff?
- Perhaps I will say something inappropriate in the way cooperative members understand this issue, but because I am open by nature, I will say frankly that expertise and competence are the essence of success. These are the main criteria I use when selecting staff. This is how companies in the West operate, and the results are visible to everyone.
- You have only recently been managing the Artistic Handicraft Cooperative. How did you come to “Ceramika Artystyczna”?
- As a graduate of the Stanisław Staszic University of Science and Technology in Kraków, I have worked in the ceramics industry for 20 years, which has enabled me to become thoroughly familiar with production processes in this sector and gain the experience necessary to manage a plant. I obtained my current position through a competition. My intention is to bring the plant to a dominant position in the city, so that artistic ceramics from Bolesławiec will—as once before—bring fame to our city in Europe and perhaps beyond.
- I wish you and the entire workforce every success, and thank you for the interview.
Interviewed by: FRANCISZEK UŚCIŃSKI
BREAKING NEWS:
After the material had been sent to print, we learned that Mgr Eng. Karol Stasik and Mgr Bronisław Wolanin had submitted their resignations from their positions.