Detlef Grossmann

29.09.2022

Head of Logistics and Data Protection Officer

How long have you been working for the company and what position did you start in?

I started in September 1983, as a “forklift driver” (packer). At that time the company was still called “Dynamit Nobel”.

Tell us about your background and studies.

In my “first life”, I completed an apprenticeship (1978 – 1981) as a car mechanic and worked in this profession for one year.

At the end of the ‘80s, the company gave me the opportunity to do a REFA training in evening school, and within three and a half years I received a qualification (basic certificate, process organizer, specialist) which today corresponds to REFA technician.

How did you get promoted?

Of course, a bit of luck was also part of it – but my own willingness to perform was also essential.  As time went by, various positions became vacant for which I was suitable based on my performance and commitment.

Logistics here in Troisdorf was redefined at the end of 2006 and the warehouse, shipping, work preparation and purchasing departments were merged.

As I had been “at home” in all these areas for many years, I met the requirement profile and applied internally for the newly created position of “Logistics Manager”.

What are your main tasks/responsibilities today?

As Logistics Manager, I am responsible for purchasing, work preparation, the warehouse and shipping at the Troisdorf site. I’m also in charge of planning in the packaging area (work preparation).

I am also the data protection officer and provide support in the area of IT administration.

You have been working here about 39 years now. Why do you still love to be here?

I have been with the company for almost 39 years now.

I have witnessed the various rebrandings and sales of the company, but I have also been able to experience all the development.

Because of the good relationship with my colleagues and great cooperation within and among the departments, I still enjoy being here and hope to retire from here.

Could you please tell us a bit about your private life or hobbies to let us know you better? How can you reconcile work and private life?

I turned 60 earlier this year and my wife and I have been married for 32 years. We have a son who has just successfully completed his master’s degree in comparative literature.

I have been running for many years, and I started playing golf last year after bowling intensively for 14 years.

Hobbies, family and friends are important to me and provide a very good balance to the job.

What would you recommend to the new colleagues so that they can build a similarly successful career at Trocellen?

I think there is no “recipe” for a successful career.

In my case, I was often in the right place at the right time, but you also need knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to be successful.