Voices
Robert Ramaja in an interview
Hi Robert
Hello!
How long have you been with BOPP now?
I started on 8 March 2008, so just 18 years.
18 years – wow, congratulations!
How did that first come about?
In fact, it was very much earlier – at 14, as a holiday job. My uncle made that happen for me. The team was great and the vibe was even better. We laughed a lot, and as the youngest in the team the others always bought my coffee. Some of those people are still here today. However, I completed my apprenticeship as a vehicle body builder and was not involved with BOPP at all. Later, I wanted to open my own workshop. Until our head of sintering, Sedat Kazazi, who I enjoyed a close relationship with and was then works manager, called me and offered me a job. With all those good memories and the fact that my uncle still spoke so positively about BOPP, it was obvious that I should join the company.
What are you responsible for?
Welding, cutting, turning – but basically everything related to fabrications. Over time I have been able to assume more and more responsibilities, and today I also provide production training for our new colleagues. I enjoy this very much.
What differentiates welding meshes from other materials?
Welding is totally different here and is not done like this anywhere else. The precision is on a completely different level. For some time, we had a number of temporary colleagues who simply couldn’t comprehend what we achieve here.
What have been the highlights of your time with BOPP?
Every day is great. I am happy here. But if I have to name something, it would be the time spent with the ‘older generation’ who I knew from the early days and who are now retired. I always enjoy it when they drop in.
You have experienced the most profound changes in our fabrications. How has this been for you?
Very positive. Initially we were just six or seven people, now we number dozens. The company has developed significantly and enjoys an excellent reputation. In 2008, when I joined BOPP, the newbuild in Zürich had just been completed. It makes me quite emotional when I see things in the business which I have helped to shape. And this development is not yet complete. I can see BOPP continuing robust growth.
Before this interview, you told me that BOPP was like family for you. What creates this bond?
Quite a lot! As I said, I was very young when I first joined the team. My mentor Oski M (name abbreviated) really impressed me. He treated me like his own son and drove me towards perfection. Even if something was okay, he made me repeat it three times until it was perfect. Today, for me, it is the solidarity. I identify so much with the company that I sometimes find it difficult to leave the work behind – for example, when I go away on holiday. I consider myself part of it and like to weigh in with ideas. I am listened to here, and ideas are implemented. That motivates me. What’s more, I can be myself here, treating everyone the same, whether they are apprentices or directors.
We always see Robert in good spirits. How do you do that?
Why should I be in a bad mood (laughs)? Even if I had a bad start in life. My mother died young and my father became ill. For me, family was always my first priority. Given these circumstances, I had to assume responsibility early – at times, I had two jobs. At lunchtime I dashed home to make a meal for my brothers.
My key motivation was always to make my parents proud, by working hard and looking after the family. I am happy which where I am today and have achieved much of what I intended to do.
What is your greatest passion?
This has changed over time. Earlier, it was always cars. I even wanted to open my own workshop. Instead, as a sideline I have bought cars, prepared and repaired them and sold them for profit. That had the great benefit of enabling me to enjoy driving some rather exotic vehicles.
It felt like you had a different one every two weeks…
Yes, almost (laughs). Nothing would please me more, but today I have other priorities like my family, my garden and travel.
Resumé:
Robert Ramaja is 38 years old, married with three children, two boys and a girl. He lives in Aargau. Both of his brothers have also worked at BOPP for one or two years.
