A Special Visit

We have recently received a very pleasant and special visit to our printing plant. Our production site in Medlov near Brno was visited by Senator Pavel Fischer, who is the head of the Senate Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security – and also a 2023 presidential candidate in the Czech Republic.

What was your reason for visiting the POINT CZ printing plant?

I like the fact that someone has successfully built up a world-class company in, of all places, a former agricultural enterprise. I’ve seen several such companies recently, and it’s a great experience every time. One thing that fascinates me about the POINT CZ plant is just how advanced the technologies you’ve brought in here are.

Our company, just like many others founded after the revolution, will be celebrating 30 years on the market next year. Do you perceive any difference between the philosophies of long-running companies and those founded in recent years?

There are companies where, when I visit their site, or even when I’m talking with people in their offices, I get the feeling that the time has stopped there. On the other hand, there are companies where you get the opposite feeling – they keep up with the times and even ahead of the curve. That’s your situation. And when I look at companies that are prospering and that have been around for decades, I take a bow. Also, this is the work of two generations, which is something that really interests me about the Sázavský family. The founders have managed to break into the Czech market as well as gain customers abroad. And to do that in the realm of printing and paper processing is something exceptional.

Recently many companies have “put on the brakes”, whereas we have decided on a major investment project. We support constant development, and indeed we march onward thanks to modern technologies. How do you perceive modernisation in Czech companies at present?

We’re in an exceptionally complex period. One talented engineering entrepreneur showed me how they had to go tens of millions of crowns into debt this year just to send their suppliers deposits on the latest machines, which won’t arrive in our country for several years. The pressure on the supply chain is enormous, and some links have broken completely. You can see this in purchases of paper and other raw materials too. That’s one reason why I’m impressed that POINT CZ is still going forward thirty years on and is planning new development. It’s very encouraging. Perhaps the only reminders around here of how not everyone is so hard-working are the potholes in the street and the low quality of the access roads on my way to Medlov. I think our public administration could learn a few things from business.

We ourselves see our work more as a service; our motto is: “We support your success”. Our printed materials and packaging help companies sell their products. Public service is a topic that relates to your profession. How do you see this sector?

The service sector can be a dynamic driving force for the whole economy. A stance for services that’s one of readiness to listen to and understand others’ needs is effective, not just for entrepreneurs, but also for government officials, non-governmental organisations and society. So your company’s motto is close to my feelings.

We know you also take an interest in companies’ internal health and their employment policies. How do you rate this area in the Czech Republic?

Finding qualified staff is not an easy task. At your company I’ve seen the latest technologies; for example your machine for folding cardboard boxes caught my eye. I can only imagine how much work it takes to adjust it for each specific box. You have to understand not only the tasks connected with controlling complicated machines, but also understand printing and paper processing as trades. Your results are extraordinary. I’m also aware of how much work must be behind this.

Medium enterprises, just like our printing company, can’t rely on the Czech market alone, and so production for international markets is essential for them. But forging bonds with foreign companies is a long-term affair. Do you see any way how foreign diplomacy could help out Czech companies in the future?

Diplomats’ task is to develop trust and build bridges. In this respect support for companies’ cooperation is a diplomat’s most important agenda. But I know from personal experience that without a culture or good political relationships or cooperation among town halls in different countries, this kind of cooperation cannot even begin. That’s one reason why, if necessary, I’m prepared to personally accompany POINT CZ onto foreign markets. I know what’s needed.

Thank you for your visit and the interview.

Text: Markéta Švábová, Pavel Fischer