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Home Insights Two in project paradise
Employees –

Two in project paradise
Bringing ideas to life

At Geberit, one project follows another. To get promising ideas off the ground, you need employees like Gerald Luck and Florian Schwarz.  

At Geberit, new products are not developed in isolation, but through collaboration between various disciplines and external partners. Gerald Luck (65) and Florian Schwarz (42) work in this international environment. The two project managers accompany innovations in the areas of bathroom, installation and flushing systems from the early concept stage to the finished product. These include new products such as the Alba shower toilet and the development of damper technology for toilet seats.

A man in a blue shirt demonstrates a modern toilet seat design while standing at a table in a minimalist office setting.
Florian Schwarz was responsible for developing the damper technology for toilet seats. (all photos ©Seraina Boner)
A person is attaching a device using a black connector to a white object on a wooden surface.
The black dampers ensure that the lid closes slowly and in a controlled manner.
A man in a suit examines a modern toilet while holding its lid in a stylish bathroom setting.
The new Alba shower toilet was developed under the project management of Gerald Luck.

Overcoming hurdles and reaching milestones 

The company has a wide variety of projects and a high volume of work. "It's a paradise for all project managers," says Gerald Luck, who still finds his work fulfilling even at the age of 65. Each project follows a clear process with defined milestones: from the start of the order to budget approvals and market launch. Things get particularly intense when development and feasibility are being tested.

"The Alba initiative was particularly complex because almost all departments were involved," says Gerald Luck, who had overall responsibility. Different views and interests inevitably clash in such situations. "Such differences are normal," says Gerald Luck, who also has to act as a mediator in his role. "Our job is to maintain an overview, act according to the situation and bring about decisions that serve the overall success." 

A man in a formal outfit stands next to several modern toilet models displayed in a showroom.
“The project to develop the Alba shower toilet was a complex undertaking,” says Gerald Luck.

Thrills and success stories

Florian Schwarz particularly appreciates challenges like these. "You need strong nerves. On the other hand, you also have to be able to escalate things in a friendly manner when things get tight." Ultimately, the product must deliver on its promises, be market-compliant and be purchased. The fact that so much is successful is also due to the uncomplicated culture of exchange – or, if you will, the "coffee culture" that is practised: short distances, quick coordination, dialogue on an equal footing.

Many topics are technically demanding. "Technical knowledge helps," says Florian Schwarz. "But it is more important to be willing to learn new things and take on responsibility." Gerald Luck adds: "You identify with a project. When things get tough, you take difficult issues home with you after work and continue to think about them." Overall, however, the enthusiasm for what can be achieved together prevails.

For Florian Schwarz, project management is also a career springboard. He is currently completing an Executive Master's in Business Administration with the aim of taking on more responsibility at some point. "Here at Geberit, I have opportunities to develop further because my area of responsibility covers a wide range of tasks."

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