Krunoslav Puškadija has been with Knauf Insulation for nine years and currently works as an operator on the main line. He has had a successful career and last year received the Orion Award, recognizing him as one of Knauf Insulation's top employees in 2023. "I'm glad my work has been recognized," says Krunoslav, adding that teamwork is undoubtedly one of the company's hallmarks. "We can't do it without each other," Krunoslav emphasizes.

How long have you been working at Knauf Insulation and do you remember your first day? What was it like?

I've been at Knauf Insulation for 9 years. When I think back to my first day, the first thing that comes to mind is that it wasn't stressful at all. I didn't know what to expect, since I was coming into a new environment, but I knew a few colleagues beforehand, which made me feel more comfortable. I got the hang of things right away because they explained how everything worked, so there were no additional challenges. So I can say that my first day went exceptionally well.

Knauf Insulation is known as a company with many benefits. Which benefits would you highlight the most?
Yes, and that's a big advantage of our company. When you ask me which benefit to highlight, I have to mention team building. I like the fact that I can get to know all my colleagues better and relax outside of the work environment, while still connecting as a team, which is very important in our work because we can't cooperate without each other.

We believe that during your 9 years at Knauf Insulation, you have experienced many pleasant moments. Could you share some of them with us?
Besides team building events, which always have interesting moments, I would also highlight Knauf Insulation's concern for employee well-being at all times. Here's an example. During the coronavirus pandemic, employees in self-isolation received a symbolic food package delivered to their doorstep from the company, since we were not allowed to leave the house. That truly showed me how much Knauf Insulation cares about each employee. In addition, I would emphasize the fact that Knauf Insulation greatly values the efforts of each employee, motivates work, and offers numerous opportunities for advancement if you prove yourself to be a good worker.

At the end of last year, you received the Orion Award. What does it represent to you?
That's right. In December, I received this truly important recognition for me. In our company, some really many colleagues work hard and do their jobs excellently, so I'm glad that they recognized me for this award. From this, I see that my efforts and work at Knauf Insulation are recognized and appreciated.

What are the two things that working at Knauf Insulation has taught you?
The first is teamwork - at Knauf Insulation, I had to adapt more to teamwork, which I believe is a very valuable virtue because no job can be done without cooperation with colleagues. The second thing, also very important, is the habit of caring for our safety and the safety of other colleagues. Indeed, safety at Knauf Insulation is at a really high level, so a safety check is always carried out before each shift.

Can you briefly describe your average workday?
My job is to coordinate the main line. I am responsible for the quality of packaging plates, packages, and the appearance of pallets; I calculate product changes because several products go through the line so that it doesn't happen that fewer or more products come out. Since I work at the end of the line, where there are more different machines, I have to adjust them individually so that the final product is sufficient.

You mentioned cooperation between departments. Can you tell us a little more about the dynamics with other departments? Do you share experiences and knowledge with colleagues from other departments?
Departments are all interconnected, we can't do without each other - we are coordinated and must know everything about the product. Regardless of the size of the factory, we communicate well with each other in various ways so that everything goes well in the plant. I emphasize teamwork because without a good and hardworking team, no job can be done.

Besides the professional relationship with colleagues, do you socialize with some colleagues privately?
Yes, of course. I spend a lot of time with colleagues at work, so we're pretty connected privately. We hang out, of course as much as we can considering our obligations, and thus further strengthen our team spirit and good cooperation in the workplace. This is also another proof of the truly great atmosphere that exists in our company.

What are your interests outside of work? How do you spend your free time?
I always somehow fill my free time. I enjoy spending time in my workshop where I make different things. Besides that, I also spend my free time on housework, and I most like going to the cinema with my family.