STRATEGIC PLANNING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. An interview with WOJCIECH HOMIK, General manager, Member of the Management Board of Layher Sp. z o.o.
Layher Sp. z o.o. is a supplier of advanced and innovative scaffolding systems for all sectors of construction and industry. The company has successfully provided solutions for various fields, including construction, engineering, aviation, shipbuilding, energy, and the event industry. In 2023, the Polish branch of Layher Company will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of operation in our country. Over the past five years, the company has been under the management of Wojciech Homik. We had a conversation with him regarding the significance of value in a challenging and competitive building market.
IN 2023, THE POLISH BRANCH OF LAYHER IS CELEBRATING ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY. THE COMPANY CONSTANTLY DEVELOPS, TAKES PART IN SPECTACULAR PROJECTS, AND TAKES ON FURTHER CHALLENGES. CONGRATULATIONS! HOWEVER, PLEASE TELL US: WHAT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS?
The answer is simple in theory and complicated in practice. In my opinion, strategic planning is the key. It is difficult to imagine a well-functioning company without a welldeveloped strategy. In a dynamically changing world, not everything works perfectly, but thanks to the strategy it is easier to adapt to changes. Strategic planning needs to be focused on achieving specific effects, motivating employees, and flexibility for the circumstances. Company management is a multi-faceted responsibility – for the stability and development of the company, for finances, and for people.
A VALUABLE IMAGE OF THE EMPLOYER ATTRACTS VALUABLE EMPLOYEES…
At Layher,development policy is based strongly on our values. People are our greatest resources – experienced engineers, designers, and advisors who passionately approach their work and have open minds to listen to the signals coming from the market. We interact, develop, inspire, and create together. Our team is slowly but steadily growing. Employees identify with the company and their values. I trust my team. Many managers can dream of such a team, and I just have it. It is a huge capital of trust, knowledge, and experience.
…VALUABLE EMPLOYEES ARE THE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT IN NEW AREAS. HOW DOES IT WORK IN PRACTICE IN LAYHER POLAND?
The ability to find the best solutions for the market is our second success factor. Optimization of operating costs while maintaining high quality and safety of construction is the everyday life of every entrepreneur. At Layher, we know it very well, so we provide solutions that allow their users to meet the highest standards, ensure a safe working environment and maintain economic efficiency. Layher system solutions are completely compatible with each other. Configuration and planning with our Layplan software are as precise as never before. Using Layher system solutions, the investor is guaranteed that all designed and built scaffolding meet strict technical requirements and complies with the applicable building law. This allows us to fulfill our promise: “more possibilities”, which is included in Layher’s motto.
WHICH CUSTOMERS DO THE COMPANY MOST OFTEN COOPERATE WITH?
We cooperate with the full cross-section of companies present on the market. Among our clients are investors and replacement investors, such as developers, general contractors, scaffolding companies, renovation companies, construction companies, but also the whole sector of event companies. The services customers most often ask us are support in the design process, technical support, training of teams and supervision of proper project implementation. Our services are always tailor-made to the client’s needs. We not only sell scaffolds. We cooperate and support our clients at every stage of the project, we help to choose solutions and technologies, and we advise on materials. As a result, our clients know that they are always in good hands.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE IN THE COMING YEARS? WHAT DIRECTION DO YOU RUN A BUSINESS?
We are committed to expanding our client’s portfolio and investments and expansion in the regions. We do not intend to settle. There is a lot to do – projects and the promotion of our key value. We want to acquire an increasing number of interesting projects, where we and our clients will develop. With ambitious projects, we can fully show and exploit the potential of our employees.
BUT THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SITUATION IS UNFAVORABLE, AND EXPERTS ARE HERALDING THE UPCOMING CRISES. DIFFICULT TIMES REQUIRE LEADERS WHO CAN MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS. HOW DO YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NOWADAYS REALITY?
Although the economic situation is quite unstable, we act decisively and with optimism, always having some plan B. Held by Layher and by us – as a team – position is the result of hard work. Customers come to us with new challenges. We just need to keep the attention and listen. There is no place or time to relax. We operate with consistency. The market appreciates this. The proof is the awards and distinctions we archevie. This is the achievement of the efforts, projects, and activities carried out over the last, difficult years. Our Partners and Clients trust us and our team is always ready to cooperate and seek the best solutions for all the challenges that arise.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST BUSINESS DREAM?
There is no doubt, our company is one of the main players in the scaffolding sector. We are a reference point and we undertake the implementation of difficult projects. We grow year by year. I am proud and enthusiastic about the fact I participate in this process and have a real impact on it. Strategic planning is the key to success, and I dream I will always have this enthusiasm and fun that my ideas pass the exam.
Wojciech Homik, General Manager, Member of the Management Board of Layher Sp. z o.o. since 2018 he has been managing the Polish branch of Layher. Deputy Chairman of the Bureau of the Construction Machinery and Equipment Committee at the Polish Association of Construction Employers. A graduate of the Rzeszów University of Technology with a specialization in construction and engineering and a graduate of the School of Sales Management in Warsaw. He has already started his professional practice during his studies, participating in the Skanska Summer internship program. Then, for several years, he was responsible for design work and led construction works, working in a family company.
In 2011, he started cooperation with DOKA, whereas as a Project Manager, he was responsible, among others, for the coordination and comprehensive service of the A4 contract on the Dębica – Rzeszów section, as well as the development of the south-eastern region. He gained a broad view of the construction industry thanks to cooperation with DOKA and Ulma. During his professional career, he was responsible for sales management, acquisition, and execution of contracts, including the pylon bridge in Rzeszów and the Varso Tower building in Warsaw. Privately, a great fan of motorization and motorsports.
Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by Janusz Gil