19.08.2026
A perfectionist at the sawmill
From machine operator to plant manager: Martin Hlaváč has been running the sawmill in Chanovice since 2017, making sure every cutting pattern and every quality standard is spot on. In the interview, he talks about why he prefers working with wood over steel, and how he grew into Pfeifer as an employer while teaching himself German along the way.
My education and career so far:
After finishing secondary school with a focus on steel processing and CNC machines, I went straight into working life. First at two companies in the automotive supply industry – one made headrests, the other produced turbochargers. Then came the move into the timber industry. I completed internal training to build up the necessary expertise, and then worked as a machine operator. A short time later, my supervisors promoted me to production manager at the planing mill, and later even to head of production planning. Since October 2017, I’ve been in charge of the sawmill in Chanovice.
“New ideas are welcomed”
Martin Hlaváč
Head of the Chanovice Sawmill (Czech Republic)
How I came to Pfeifer:
My mother spotted a job advertisement and pointed it out to me.
My day-to-day tasks:
I handle processing quotes, ensuring standards are met, and the organisation and running of the sawmill. In practice, this means I analyse incoming orders and calculate a cutting pattern from them, so I know exactly how we need to cut the wood to get the products we want.
What fascinates me about working at Pfeifer:
We have a good team that tackles the work together. In production, we pay close attention to improving even the smallest details to achieve the best possible result. In that respect, we’re just as much perfectionists as the automotive industry.
Qualities you need to succeed in my field:
Practical common sense, the ability to grasp things quickly, and a willingness to learn new tasks and technologies are the basics. I taught myself German – at first I only knew a few stock phrases like “Hallo” or “Wie geht’s?” Today, I’m lucky enough to be able to converse with my German colleague: he speaks Czech with me, and I answer in German.
What motivates me in my daily tasks?
I’ve now been working in Chanovice for ten years. At Pfeifer, every opportunity is open to me. If you’re good at what you do and contribute your ideas, there are no limits to how far you can develop. As my own career shows, there’s always a chance to try something new or move up professionally. I also love the material we work with every day. Steel is cold. Wood is better.
What makes Pfeifer stand out as an employer:
Besides the positive mood among the workforce, I value the company’s willingness to invest in the site. On top of that, new ideas are recognised, welcomed, and put to use for improvements in production. My workplace is close to where I live, too – only ten kilometres away.
