We present the column I SHARE GGG HISTORY, where the company's employees will share their thoughts.
The first participant was the head of production department Vytautas Naruševičius.
 

What is your profession, Vytautas, and what motivated you to choose this one? Did you know what you would do when you grow up? Was it the purposeful aspiration from childhood?

I graduated from Kaunas University of Technology in 2005, earning a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. When I applied for university, my chosen field of study was engineering, either mechanical or civil engineering. I chose mechanical engineering because I saw greater prospects (time has shown that I was not mistaken). As a child, probably like many, I dreamed of being a cop, a firefighter, a doctor. So I chose not my childhood dream profession.

When did you start your professional career at Giraites Ginkuotes Gamykla (GGG)? What determined your choice to work for this company?

I started my professional career at Giraites Ginkuotes Gamykla (GGG) in April 2013. At that time, I was just looking for that kind of job, and GGG was just looking for an employee. I tried, and I succeeded. And I have been working here for seven years.

Could you tell us a fun story that happened while you have been working for GGG, and inspired you never to give up and always to look for a way forward?

I try to see every single day as a certain story. My position does not allow me to give up. I must always look for solutions for any challenge. I’m not saying it’s easy. When you’re in charge of the entire team, you realize that giving up is irresponsible. The team really doesn’t expect that.

Production planning is one of the most important stages of production management. Every production process starts with the supply of raw materials. Stock management tasks are very important. What are the biggest challenges you face in your daily work?

One of the main goals is to ensure that production does not stop due to a shortage of raw materials. We need to manage raw materials responsibly. At the same time we need to be flexible with customers because they are demanding. Sometimes, it is very difficult to reconcile everything, but to this point we are doing well. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is the quality of raw materials. Many companies, by increasing the scale of production, forget about the requirements for quality.
It has been particularly noticeable in the last two years. We talk to the raw material suppliers and remind them that the quality is one of our top priorities. So that the products produced by GGG are of the highest quality in the world.

The company is focused on mass production. Certain types of GGG cartridges are produced in batches. How do you control the schedule of the production volumes?

At first, the sale is planned. Then, we plan how much, when and what type of cartridges we will produce. Next, we take corrective action based on the actual situation. Maybe what we planned to produce later needs to be produced now, or vice versa. We simply try to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of each client.

This year, GGG celebrates its 20th anniversary. The company is operating successfully, exports are expanding to increasingly higher number of countries and the organization of the production process ensures smooth manufacture. Often, they ask you, how the cartridge is born? Could you briefly review the process of the cartridge manufacture? Which production phase requires special attention?

To tell the truth, I often get this question. A lot of people imagine that cartridge just needs to be assembled. But in reality the process is much more complex. I try to explain everything in detail to those who ask. In short, the stages in the cartridge manufacturing process are the follows: cold stamping, stretching, forming, assembling and packing.
Attention and precision is required at every stage. It is an integral part of our work. When you tell people how accurate the production is, the majority are impressed.

The head of production department builds the team and ensures its steady work. What are the main selection criterions you follow when hiring an employee to your team? What professional skills, competencies and personal qualities are the most important?

The main selection criteria are a certain level of knowledge and a very strong pursuit for improvement. Knowledge is acquired, and everything else depends on the employee's desire to achieve the set goals.

What are the biggest challenges you face every day?

It is personal and team development, stable quality maintenance, and employee motivation not to stop moving forward, no matter what.

Do you have any strict rules that you always follow?

I have no strict rules. The most fun thing for me is to work with honest employees. It motivates me very much as a manager and promotes personal and professional development.

What are your expectations as a head of production department that you would like to achieve in the next five years?

My main expectations are related to the development of the company, the creation of new jobs, to ensuring a smooth production process, and increasing the potential of the production.

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my children and fishing.

If life were a movie, what genre would it be?

It could be a historical movie. After all, each of us creates a certain, albeit short, story.

And finally, if you had to give a short message to a news portal describing the company's activities, how would it sound?

GGG is the best!