Like a phoenix from the ashes
Large fire first, then career
At 35 years of age, Robin Mazanek is already head of production and logistics, managing twelve executives at the Pottenbrunn (AT) production plant. He started his career at Geberit as an apprentice – actually by accident.
Sometimes he asks himself: “What if?“ What if the company where he completed his first year of apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer had not fallen victim to a major fire? What if Geberit had not stepped into the breach and taken him on? Where would Robin Mazanek be today?
He probably wouldn't be Head of Production and Logistics at the Geberit plant in Pottenbrunn (AT). “But I would have made my way anyway,“ he says confidently. “At the same time, I am very grateful to Geberit for the opportunity. When the company I was working for at the time was closed down, it was my express wish to come here.“
From employee to manager
At the time, he probably couldn't have imagined the career ladder he would climb over the next 15 years. After his apprenticeship, he started as a production employee, where he soon became deputy line manager. Then came a big change – from line manager to shift manager.
Hundreds of different products were manufactured on his line, often in very small quantities. This diversity was challenging, as was becoming a boss to his colleagues. “I learned a lot – but it was always important to me to treat people as equals. I think that's why I was well accepted.“
Suddenly strategic
He attended various further training courses and trained as a master craftsman in metal construction technology. In 2021, he took his biggest leap: the shift supervisor became production manager for the entire production plant. “All of a sudden, I was no longer involved in operations, but in strategy – I was allowed to report to the plant manager and attend management meetings. It was a whole new world.“ Just four years later – at the beginning of 2025 – he is now also responsible for production logistics and manages twelve executives.
17 years at Geberit – Robin Mazanek's drive for change has remained constant. His highlights: participating in a social project in India as an apprentice, but also the product launch of the CleanLine shower channel. Robin Mazanek is just 35 years old today. His career is by no means solely due to the major fire and Geberit. “No, you make your own life.“