
A journey through the years
40 or even 50 years at KAEFER – that’s a remarkable journey, and one that a number of our colleagues have taken with us. When they first joined the company, few could have predicted just how many years, projects and experiences would follow.
Today, we look back with appreciation and respect. We sincerely thank our long-serving colleagues for their loyalty, dedication and the valuable role they’ve played in shaping KAEFER over the years.
Congratulations on reaching this special milestone! We wish you continued good health, happiness and all the very best for the future.
Bronislaw Balcer

KAEFER Schiffsausbau GmbH
Germany
celebrated his 40th anniversary at KAEFER in November 2025. Bruno came to Germany from Poland in 1985 and started working as a fitter at the Lürssen-Kröger shipyard in Rendsburg. The early days were not easy, but with exceptional ambition and perseverance, Bruno mastered this challenge and quickly learned the ropes. He was soon working at shipyards throughout northern Germany. In the process, he became familiar with all types of ships, initially focusing on navy speedboats.
Later, he spent a lot of time travelling abroad for assembly work – coincidentally, at the same time when his children were born. Bruno has been a site manager since 2011 and is currently primarily responsible for the construction and refit of mega yachts.
We are delighted to have him on our team with his special experience and his friendly and engaging manner!

Torsten Bauer

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany
”On 22 July 1985, I joined KAEFER as a carpenter in the workshop on Bredowstraße in Hamburg. Two months after I started, I received a request from the acoustics department and moved there for a while. I worked on a few construction sites before I was assigned to Beiersdorf. I felt very comfortable there as a fitter, so I ended up staying on at this long-term construction site.
My supervisor managed the site with heart and passion. This positive atmosphere influenced all the employees. So I was delighted to be able to take over as site manager in 2005. I have managed a few other construction sites on the side, but Beiersdorf is ‘my permanent construction site’.
In my free time, I’m a loyal fan of the Gladbach football team and I enjoy working on my house, garden and horses.”

Jan Dorobek

KAEFER S.A.
Poland
celebrated his 40th anniversary at KAEFER on 1 September 2025, reflecting a remarkable journey shaped by dedication and expertise. His career began in 1985 at the Izokor School, followed by positions at Izokor and the KAEFER Płock branch, where he has worked as a scaffolder ever since. Throughout the years, Jan has contributed to a variety of projects and has always approached his work with diligence and commitment.
His ability to organise tasks efficiently and his strong sense of teamwork have made him a highly valued team member. Among the many experiences from his career, a trip to Sweden and weathering a storm at sea stand out as particularly memorable moments.
Outside of his professional life, Jan enjoys spending his free time walking and engaging in sports.

Michael Erhart

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

“I began my apprenticeship at KAEFER in Monheim in 1975. Who would have thought that it would turn into such a long journey? After taking a break for military service, I began working on smaller assembly sites before moving on to the Bayer project in Dormagen with KAEFER. I started in the sheet metal prefabrication workshop and over the years was able to take on more responsibility – from foreman to deputy site manager to site manager on the permanent construction site at KAEFER in Chempark Dormagen. For many years, I finally worked as site manager for the SKM consortium and supervised the areas of scaffolding, insulation and corrosion protection. I am particularly proud of the fantastic team I had the privilege of working with: together, we mastered challenges and successfully completed projects.
Looking back, I am grateful for every experience, every construction site and, above all, for the people who have accompanied me on my professional journey. Craftsmanship, team spirit and a little humour – these are the things that have always driven me. My motto, which has accompanied me throughout the years, is: ‘With motivation, humour and team spirit, you can master any challenge.’ Now I am looking forward to my upcoming retirement.”
Marek Gasza

KAEFER S.A.
Poland
marked his 40th anniversary at KAEFER on 20 May 2025. He started his career at Izokor in the Konin branch, now works at the KAEFER Toruń branch. For many years, he served as a foreman and industrial insulation fitter, contributing to numerous projects across Poland such as power plants, sugar factories, refineries, and chemical plants. His experience also includes work on international projects, mainly in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Among the many assignments, he particularly remembers trips abroad to the Schwedt/Oder and Leuna refineries in Germany, where he worked as an insulation fitter.
Marek currently works at the Gdańsk refinery, where he is involved in maintenance and repair work. He meets all expectations placed upon him and demonstrates great responsibility, professionalism, and commitment in the tasks entrusted him. You can always rely on him as a colleague and supervisor.
In his free time, Marek enjoys watching television series and sports events. He enjoys looking after his garden and allotment, and also loves spending time with his granddaughter and family.

Anke Gregorzewski

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

joined KAEFER on 1 August 1975 at the age of just 16 – back then, female apprentices were still addressed as ‘Miss’ and urgent messages were sent by telex. She wanted to do an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk: at that time, KAEFER still regarded this as preparation for working in a secretary’s office. Anke was the second female apprentice ever – and the first to learn about industrial training and work on an industrial construction site in Bremen for four weeks. After her apprenticeship, she was taken on in the purchasing department, where new suppliers were still found in the heavy and expensive reference guide ‘Who supplies what?’. Anke thus took over purchasing for interior fittings in the Bremen area.
After 14 years, she was ready for new challenges: in 1992, she moved to the general services department in Bremen to work on exciting tasks such as introducing flexitime and completing the office building at Pillauer Str. 16, including setting up the new canteen. In 2000, she had the opportunity to switch to the Central Communications, Advertising and PR department as a career changer, where she was involved in many interesting tasks. The wide spectrum ranged from advertisements, brochures, trade fairs and advertising materials to the development of the new KAEFER Intranet, the KAEFER Chronicle and the Corporate Design, as well as the organisation of events such as the Day of Caring, the International Management Meeting and two KAEFER Family Days – very popular employee events in Bremen each with up to 1,000 guests.
In 2016, Anke returned to her roots: she took over purchasing for the technical sound insulation department for a year and then for the industry division, where her responsibilities included managing the advertising materials shop. Most recently, she moved to the fleet management department. Since reaching regular retirement age in 2024, Anke has continued to support the fleet team two days a week.
Olaf Groskurth

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

has been fully committed, passionate and dedicated to his work for four decades:
“My professional career began in August 1985 with an apprenticeship as an interior fitter – a start that laid the foundation for four decades in the construction industry. After completing my apprenticeship, various projects took me all over Germany: from construction sites in Bremen to Kassel – including the construction of a new office building at the Kali und Salz AG (now K+S AG) – to Berlin, where I was able to work on projects such as the Federal Ministry of Justice in Berlin-Mitte and the Atlashof in the former general contractor department. Other stops included Dresden, Borkum and an exciting assignment in shipbuilding at the Lürssen shipyard in Lemwerder, where I was able to gain valuable experience in this specialised field. In 1996, I successfully completed further training as an industrial foreman in the field of drywall construction – an important milestone in my professional career. Since 2002, I have been permanently assigned to the Airbus site in Bremen – initially as a foreman and now as a site manager. Driven by commitment and organisational skills, I take on the responsibility of this position with the goal of guiding every project to a reliable and successful outcome. I look back with pride on 40 years in interior design – marked by exciting projects, diverse challenges and continuous development. In particular, I am grateful for the numerous encounters that have enriched me both professionally and personally.
Outside of work, I also stay active: handball and beach volleyball provide me with the ideal balance and team spirit, which also plays an important role in my everyday working life. I look forward to what lies ahead – with the same determination and passion as on my first day.”
Jens Mathies

KAEFER Technik und Service GmbH
Germany
completed his training as an industrial insulator at KAEFER from 1975 to 1978. He then worked as a fitter for Jacobs Kaffee in Hemelingen from 1978 to 1979. From 1980 to 2005, he was based at the Unterweser power station. In between, he had numerous assignments abroad for the CCN department in Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and other countries. Since 2006, he has been working at the ArcelorMittal construction site in Bremen.
Although he has been retired since 2023, we are very glad that he continues to support KAEFER on the sitein a part-time role.
Jens is a Werder Bremen fan, a family man and enjoys “booßeln” – a North German sporting highlight in which balls are thrown as far as possible. He also likes cycling.

Stanisław Nalepka

KAEFER S.A.
Poland
reached 40 years with KAEFER, a milestone that began on 1 August 1985 and highlights a long-standing commitment to his profession. His career began at the Oświęcim branch as an industrial insulation fitter. Among the many projects he has taken part in, the stands out as a particular focus where, since the beginning, Stanisław played a key role in one of KAEFER’s major projects. This undertaking has engaged him both technically and conceptually from the very beginning, and its development brought him great satisfaction. Looking back, Stanisław remembers many exceptional, funny and groundbreaking moments. Each project has left its mark on his memory. His work style is characterised by precision, responsibility, and openness to cooperation – combining independence with the ability to work effectively in a team. He is a highly reliable employee with numerous achievements. His dedication and attitude make him an inspiring example to others.
Outside of work, Stanisław spends his time on DIY projects, enjoys swimming, and takes walks with his grandchildren.
Sven Oestmann

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany
joined KAEFER in 1985 as a career changer and was immediately sent to the Netherlands, where he worked for several years as a fitter at Shell Pernis in Rotterdam, among other places. When the site management learned that Sven was a qualified construction draughtsman, he was trained as a construction surveyor. In 1993, Sven came to Bremen and has since then worked on many projects, also for other locations. These included projects such as the coker plant and various major shutdowns at the refinery in Lingen. Sven then went abroad again: he first worked for Degussa in Antwerp from 2004 to 2006, before moving to Brazil in 2009 to join the KAEFER Team at the Angra nuclear power plant.
Back in Germany, Sven was part of the KAEFER Team at Evonik in Duisburg until the end of 2010. After numerous other positions in Germany and abroad, Sven returned to Evonik from 2020 to 2021 – this time to Pisa in Marl. This was followed by positions at Krämer in Rastede and BP in Lingen. Today, Sven works as a construction surveyor for KAEFER in the Bremen region. He is a highly skilled surveyor, travels all over northern Germany wherever his expertise is required and also handles even complex tasks with great confidence.
In his free time, Sven enjoys swimming and is an active football fan, supporting both Werder Bremen and his home club FC Verden 04.

Adam Pokrzyk

KAEFER S.A.
Poland
began his journey at KAEFER on 2 September 1985 at the vocational school, which was part of KAEFER S.A.’s predecessor, PRT Termoizolacja Zabrze at the time. Immediately after graduation, he joined the team at the workshop in Oświęcim, where he met the challenge of carrying out a variety of tasks within tight time constraints. Within a year, Adam took on his first foreign assignment at the ZEISS plant in the German Democratic Republic. After the reunification of Germany, Adam participated in numerous insulation projects across the country, including assignments at power plants in Ingolstadt, Flensburg, Neurath, and Niederaußem. Looking back, Adam felt that in the early period, the organisation of work in Germany was particularly impressive.
However, over time, these standards have been matched.
In addition to his assignments in Germany, Adam’s journey with KAEFER also took him to major projects in Poland, such as Jaworzno II and III and Bełchatów and to Košice in Slovakia. Among his many experiences, working in extreme temperatures at the Košice site where the heat exceeded 40°C stands out in his memory.
Adam enjoys DIY, watching films, and following sports events. He also takes great pride in his two daughters, Gabriela and Joanna.

Olaf Rodewald

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

began an impressive career at KAEFER on 1 August 1985 – 40 years full of commitment, reliability and initiative. Over many years, his apprenticeship as an industrial clerk developed into a passion for the commercial sector and a responsible management role. Olaf always impressed with his vision and commitment – from his appointment as a commercial employee in the building construction department to his role as project manager and head of commercial activities at several locations (including Hanover, Magdeburg and Bielefeld). Special milestones in his career include the transfer of operations and integration of various business areas, taking on responsibility as team leader and later as controlling manager and managing director of the joint venture Zellstoffwerk Stendal.
Through his work, Olaf has made a significant contribution to optimising processes, motivating teams and successfully implementing projects. Today, Olaf applies his expertise as team leader for insulation and facades in Hanover. His many years of commitment are a valuable driving force for our future together.
In his free time, Olaf enjoys playing table tennis and travelling with his family and his dog. We look forward to many more years together with Olaf!
Michael Rogall

KAEFER Technik und Service GmbH
Germany
joined KAEFER in August 1985 and successfully completed his apprenticeship as an industrial insulator at KAEFER Isoliertechnik in Hamburg in 1988. He then began his career at the workshop in Hamburg. During a stay of several months in Norway, he gained further valuable knowledge. Welding is his passion, and Michael was able to turn his hobby into his profession. After coming back to Germany, he brought his expertise back to the workshop in Hamburg. In 2004, the workshop moved from Hamburg to Scheeßel.
Over time, he took on more and more tasks in the area of work preparation and control. Michael developed into a workshop foreman, and since 2023 he has been the manager of the production facility in Scheeßel. The KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services Team benefits from his in-depth expertise, extensive experience and openness to change.
In his free time, Michael enjoys fishing in Denmark or going on holiday to Croatia, where he spends hours on the water in a rented boat.

Martin Schubert

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany
began his apprenticeship at KAEFER in 1985 and has been an important part of the company ever since. After completing his training, Martin took on responsibility for managing major projects for various customers, including the natural gas storage facility in Reitbrook, the Jacobs coffee factory in Bremen and the Shell refinery in Heide. In 2007, he completed his further training as a foreman. Since 2008, Martin has been in charge of the Barry Callebaut (formerly Delfi) construction site in Hamburg, with which KAEFER has a framework agreement. There, he is significantly involved in the implementation of a wide variety of projects and shutdowns.
Martin is known for his high reliability, his many years of experience and his precise working methods. Particularly noteworthy are his strong technical understanding and his expertise as an excellent surveyor in sheet metal processing. This makes him an essential member of the team.
We wish Martin continued joy and success, be it with his projects on the construction site, relaxing camping breaks or exciting motorbike tours.

Dariusz Skórski

KAEFER S.A.
Poland

was a highly valued member of our team for 40 years. It is with great sadness that we must share that Dariusz passed away shortly after sending us his memories for this text as part of his anniversary celebrations. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. He will always be remembered.
Dariusz completed four decades at KAEFER, building a career defined by commitment and expertise in industrial insulation. His professional journey took him to the Płock, Gdańsk, and Konin branches, where he worked as an insulation fitter. Over the years, Dariusz gained experience on a range of international projects, including those in Germany, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands. One standout memory was his time in Norway, where he had the opportunity to learn new technologies in cold insulation.
Outside of work, Dariusz enjoyed watching athletics, cycling, and ski jumping competitions. He also found relaxation and satisfaction in working in his garden.
Dariusz was a dedicated colleague with extensive experience and an independent approach to work. He was known for his responsibility and diligence and was highly regarded for his positive collaboration with others. We will remember him fondly.
Frank Weinert

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany
first completed an apprenticeship as a thermal and acoustic insulation fitter from 1983 to 1985. The training was supported by the employment office and took place at the premises of Wintershall AG in Lingen. After successful completion, he joined KAEFER on 6 June 1985. Over the next 15 years, Frank worked at the refinery and on numerous construction sites in the region, including an oil production site in Emlichheim, a fibre plant in Lingen, the Unterweser power station, the gas and nuclear power station in Lingen and the power station in Ibbenbüren.
Throughout the next three years, he worked on construction sites in the Netherlands, including the Borssele nuclear power plant and the new Shell refinery. This was followed by around 20 years at the Angus permanent construction site in Ibbenbüren, with occasional assignments at various other power plants, such as the revision in Lingen.
Frank will be taking his well-earned retirement in December 2025.

Dittmar Wellbrock

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

started his apprenticeship as an industrial insulator at KAEFER from 1985. Already as an apprentice, he worked on numerous construction sites, including the Lürssen shipyard, the Farge power station, the Klöckner steelworks, the Bremen waste-to-energy plant, as well as the Kellogg and Beck’s Beer plants. At that time, Dittmar always travelled by bicycle – with his toolbox on the luggage rack.
After completing his apprenticeship in 1988, Dittmar continued working at KAEFER and gained a wide range of experience in the workshops, including welding and metalworking. Between 1991 and 1992, Dittmar served in the German Armed Forces. From 1993, he was part of the KAEFER team in the industry department in Bremen and on various construction sites, such as turbine spray insulation. In 1995, Dittmar was a foreman on the night shift. This was followed by other assignments, including at the Wolff construction site in Walsrode from 1996 to 1998. From 1998 to 2000, Dittmar worked as a foreman at Stahlwerke Bremen, where he was also responsible for the wage cards. In 2000, he successfully completed the site manager training as “Werkpolier” and has since been responsible for KAEFER as a site manager at ArcelorMittal in Bremen. Dittmar is particularly recognised for his dedication, helpfulness and consistently friendly manner.
Dittmar likes to spend his free time travelling and riding his motorbike – and just like with cars, he only goes for BMW.
Wojciech Wiśniewski

KAEFER S.A.
Poland
reached the milestone of 40 years with KAEFER on 1 September 1985. Starting at Izokor Płock, the predecessor of KAEFER S.A., as an insulation fitter, Wojciech went on to gain experience as a workshop sheet metal worker, was then promoted to team leader, and finally to foreman. His work has included a wide range of projects in Poland, such as those in Włocławek, Petrochemia Płock (PKN Orlen), the Stora Enso Project in Ostrołęka, EC Żerań, and Odolanów. His assignments for KAEFER also took him abroad to Germany, Lithuania, and Norway.
Today, Wojciech holds the position of supervisor at the workshop in Płock, where he balances technical and administrative responsibilities within tight time constraints and coordinates the work of his team. Wojciech recalls many memorable moments, including insightful discussions with colleagues from the LEAN department: While some promising ideas turned out not to be feasible, others exceeded expectations unexpectedly.
In his free time, Wojciech enjoys gardening, cycling, and watching good films.

Stanisław Zdanowicz

KAEFER S.A.
Poland

began his career at KAEFER on 1 September in 1975, marking fifty years of dedicated service in 2025. His path has taken him from training at the Izokor School through assignments for the branches in Toruń, Police, and Płock, where he worked as a foreman before taking up his current position as Quality Control Specialist. Over the years, Stanisław has been involved in a variety of projects, gaining international experience in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.A significant moment in his career was becoming Chairman of the Construction Workers’ Trade Union in 2005, which remains a memorable highlight. Stanisław is a dedicated and highly valued member of the team.
Over the past 50 years, he has brought many valuable skills and experience to KAEFER. His commitment and contributions deserve special recognition.
When he’s not at work, Stanisław enjoys working on his allotment, taking on construction projects, and playing with his grandchildren.
Georg Zgrzebski

KAEFER Deutschland Pro Services GmbH
Germany

began his apprenticeship as a thermal and acoustic insulation fitter in 1983 after retraining from a technical draughtsman. The training was supported by the employment office and took place at the premises of Wintershall AG in Lingen. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, he joined KAEFER in 1985. This was followed by a wide range of assignments, including at the refinery in Lingen, at the Flexi Coker construction site in Rotterdam in 1986 and on various projects in northern Germany from 1987 to 1988. In 1989, his career at KAEFER took him first to Antwerp, before he worked at the Ibbenbüren power plant from 1989 to 1993. At the same time, Georg attended evening classes from 1992 to 1994, which he successfully completed. Georg’s next step was an assignment at Storengy in Dötlingen. Since 1995, Georg has been working as a site manager in the Lingen area, overseeing projects for renowned customers such as Sidra Wasserchemie and Angus Chemie in Ibbenbüren, Covestro in Meppen, Storengy in Uelsen, Uniper in Gronau-Epe, Baerlocher in Lingen and RWE in Lingen. Georg is always a competent contact person for his customers, reliable and highly regarded by them.
In his free time, he loves to do DIY and agricultural work on his premises. He is also a welcome member of his rifle club. Georg is known for his wonderful dry humour.
Note: Written by humans – with a little help from GenAI. This article combines human understanding and intelligent digital tools to bring KAEFER stories to life.