Thomas Katzengruber is the all-rounder at Metran. Not only does the company benefit from his versatility, but also he himself, because the variety in his day-to-day work is exactly what he was looking for.
Thomas Katzengruber is the all-rounder in the team. His area of responsibility includes loading the railway wagons.
Mr. Katzengruber, you have been working for the Müller-Guttenbrunn Group, or more precisely Metran, since 2022. What made you decide to apply for a job here?
Thomas Katzengruber: I learnt from an acquaintance that Metran was looking for someone who was versatile. Someone who can drive lorries and loaders, knows their way around the workshop and can weld. Exactly what I like to do. I took a look at the homepage and realised that it suited me. Not only the type of work, but also the subject of ‘recycling’.
What exactly fascinated you so much?
Thomas Katzengruber: The idea that you can use intelligent processes to recover pure materials from material that at first glance no longer has any value – that really impresses me. And it still fascinates me when I stand at the plant and see how efficiently everything works.
How did you join the company?
Thomas Katzengruber: I went on a tour with my boss beforehand. He showed me everything and explained exactly what my tasks would be. That was very convincing and I applied straight away. I was accepted shortly afterwards.
Let’s take a look at your background: what did you originally learn?
Thomas Katzengruber: I graduated from the three-year agricultural college in Gießhübl and am a trained agricultural labourer. After leaving school, I worked for many years in an agricultural products trade. Among other things, I trained as a master pest controller and got my lorry licence there.
What ultimately made you decide to change jobs?
Thomas Katzengruber: I wanted to develop myself further, which would not have been possible in my old job. So I looked around for something new that would challenge me more, and I found it here.
The work that is part of his field of activity is varied. That’s exactly what Thomas Katzengruber loves about his job.
What does a typical working day – if you have one at all – look like?
Thomas Katzengruber: Despite all the variety, there are fixed points. Right at the start of my working day, I clarify with the production management how much plastic is due for transport. I then take the material to MGG Polymers by lorry, have the loads weighed and coordinate where the material is to be unloaded on site. Then I work in the metalworking shop or do metalwork on the systems. Or I help load the railway wagons, depending on what’s needed. I was looking for this variety, it never gets boring. You have to be flexible in my job. That’s exactly what I like.
Did you acquire your locksmithing skills during your training?
Thomas Katzengruber: I run a part-time farm together with my wife. You learn a lot there, including welding. That was recognised here. I support my colleagues in the metalworking shop, take care of repairs, weld and repair components. We work as a team on more complex tasks. We work well together.
How does the collaboration with colleagues work in general?
Thomas Katzengruber: There are two fitters on duty per shift. I work exclusively on the day shift, supporting my colleagues and stepping in where necessary. My varied tasks mean that I deal with almost everyone on a regular basis – on the site and in the office. It works well and is fun. The team spirit is extremely strong.
Speaking of working together: How would you describe the working atmosphere?
Thomas Katzengruber: Very positive. We meet as equals, there is trust and respect. I get on well with everyone, which is an important factor for me.
Many repairs have to be carried out directly on the equipment, as here, as it is often not possible to remove the faulty parts.
What do you generally appreciate about your employer?
Thomas Katzengruber: Working together as equals and the mutual appreciation. The company management really cares about the employees. Joint activities such as excursions, theatre visits, the annual Kart Trophy or participation in running events strengthen the team spirit and are fun.
How do you practise sustainability at home?
Thomas Katzengruber: In agriculture, we live a circular economy: feed, fertiliser, use of resources. There is hardly any waste, but when waste is produced, we make sure it is separated properly. This is important to us and works well. I already had contact with the Müller-Guttenbrunn Group at school. An excursion took us to MGG Polymers. The company with its philosophy and everything that goes with it really fascinated me and still impresses me today.
You mentioned that you also run a farm. How do you reconcile this with your work at Metran?
Thomas Katzengruber: My working hours here actually make it easy to combine it. That was also important to me. In my old job, it was difficult to get time off at short notice when something urgent came up on the farm. It’s different at Metran. I get the freedom I need. In return, I’m happy to step in when additional labour is needed. It’s a fair give and take. My work as a farmer is appreciated here.
Of course we are also interested in the private Thomas Katzengruber. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?
Thomas Katzengruber: I am married, have a two-year-old son and live with my family in Kematen an der Ybbs. In 2024, my wife and I took over my parents‘ farm. We share the agricultural work. We make sure to process and sell our produce regionally. I generally spend a lot of time with my family; at the moment, for example, we like to cycle along the Ybbs and Url rivers and enjoy nature. I combine the useful with the necessary: What grows in which fields? What about the crops and vegetation? Are there any pest infestations?
My voluntary work with the fire brigade is also important to me. This brings me full circle to my job: fire protection is a top priority at the Müller-Guttenbrunn Group. Nevertheless, fires can still break out. I have also been on duty with my fire brigade colleagues when there was a fire at Metran. Thanks to the exemplary precautions that Müller-Guttenbrunn attaches great importance to, such fires can be extinguished quickly – and without causing major damage.
Let’s take a brief look into the future: how do you think the recycling industry will develop?
Thomas Katzengruber: Recycling, reutilisation and the circular economy are becoming increasingly important in society. Awareness of the need to minimise our impact on the environment and use resources sparingly is essential for our future. I therefore believe that we will not run out of work. In addition, the Müller-Guttenbrunn Group is constantly researching and working on new, innovative processes and technologies. I am convinced that I will experience many new things here
One final question: What does your work at Metran mean to you?
Thomas Katzengruber: A lot. I am proud to be part of this company. The work is meaningful, varied and technically challenging. The working atmosphere is excellent and the topic of recycling is very important to me personally and socially. I feel I have arrived here.
Thank you very much for the interview!