What are your daily tasks?
Kaspar Henschke :My tasks are varied and I really enjoy them. As I'm responsible for buying wood chips, I discuss prices with suppliers. I also plan staff for the wood yard, which is where the wood chips are delivered by lorry and taken to our production facilities. I supervise the layout - i.e. the input and output of wood chips - in coordination with the stock of round wood, our second source of raw material. Finally, I take care of management control tasks: for example, I keep an eye on compliance with our annual planning, assess costs and make sure that our wood actually comes from an FSC or PEFC-certified forestry operation.
What do you enjoy most about this business?
Kaspar Henschke :I enjoy the intensive contact with suppliers and colleagues from a wide range of sectors, which allows me to learn a lot and get involved at different levels.
What has been your best experience so far?
Kaspar Henschke :The surprise of being involved in planning ournew plantwe're a small team and work closely with architects, installation suppliers, authorities and other players in the construction industry. The tasks are very varied and demanding, because some subjects are completely new to me, such as fire protection for buildings. But it's also very gratifying to see what we can achieve together.
Why do you like working at GUTEX?
Kaspar Henschke :Because it's a highly innovative company. Because I'm convinced by the product that is wood fibre insulation and, as a trained forester, I fully support what we're doing. And because there are always new projects.
What qualities do you need for a job in your field?
Kaspar Henschke :I think that a taste for communication is an asset, as is a certain openness to challenges. If you like to familiarise yourself with new themes and problems, you'll find something to suit you in wood purchasing and environmental management.
Are you originally from the region or have you moved away?
Kaspar Henschke :I moved here from Göttingen and quickly familiarised myself with the people and the area, but I'm also someone who prefers to be directly in nature rather than having to travel half an hour by metro to do so.
How do you feel about working with your colleagues?
Kaspar Henschke :We're very determined, and no matter how busy we are, we always find time to talk about private things. The personal aspect here is perfect - which contributes to everyone's satisfaction and to the company's success.
Does GUTEX have clear hierarchies?
Kaspar Henschke :Of course we have hierarchies, but because we're in direct contact with our superiors, decisions can be taken quickly and purposefully. There's no rat-tail of CEOs who have to give their blessing first. It's true that we're expanding and some structures need to be reorganised, but overall we still have a very flat and 'straight' structure.
How do you assess your development potential?
Kaspar Henschke :Very well, I think that if we show that we can and want to do something, it will quickly be seen and we'll be given more responsibilities as a result.
How can you tell that GUTEX is a family business?
Kaspar Henschke :The boss is also really still in the office, I see him regularly, and I attribute this to the flat structures and the fact that the well-being of the individual is important right up to the top.
Describe GUTEX in 3 words:
Kaspar Henschke :Innovative, forward-looking, hands-on.
