5 questions for Oscar Roth, CEO Rotzinger Group | General Manager Rotzinger AG 

Frozen pizza, packaged bread, chocolate, chewing gum, cookies... Every day we buy food and products that come in packaging. Have you ever wondered how this packaging is made? Behind these everyday products lies a complex world of technology, innovation and sustainability research. Our interviewee of the month is the General Manager of one of the leading Swiss companies in the packaging industry and has 25 years of experience in this sector.

Oscar Roth has been with the Rotzinger AG in Kaiseraugst as General Manager. For over three years, he has also been CEO of Rotzinger Groupwhich currently comprises eight companies with their own products: Demaurex, Hansella, MF-Hamburg, Packfeeder, Rotzinger, Rotzinger PharmaPack , Transver and a minority of the company Autexis. The group employs over 500 people worldwide at locations in Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the USA.

The headquarters of Rotzinger Group is located in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland. Here, the internationally active Rotzinger AG produces and sells complete storage systems and conveyor systems, primarily for the constantly growing requirements of the food industry, but also for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other industries. With its six sister companies in Switzerland and Germany, the product range complements each other perfectly.

Work in the packaging industry is characterized by a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Rotzinger AG's focus on high quality standards, reliability, precision and Swiss virtues is highly valued internationally. The Swiss SME has successfully transformed itself over time and has become one of the "hidden champions" in the competitive arena.

Ecological issues are also becoming increasingly important in this sector: Rotzinger AG not only ensures that its packaging presents products attractively, but also offers sustainable solutions. Whether it is that no waste should be produced during the manufacture of packaging or that the packaging materials used should be recyclable. This challenge makes working in the industry extremely exciting and innovative.

The balance between complex product development and the fast pace of the business environment is a constant challenge that companies in the packaging industry have to face. Technicians and engineers who play a key role in the development of packaging solutions, for example, need quiet working environments in which they can work creatively and efficiently. This is a challenge in the industry, as customer requirements often demand high speed and flexibility.

Oscar Roth is proud of Switzerland's ability to produce companies that are characterized by strong entrepreneurs and leaders. They often go the "extra mile" to develop innovative solutions and run their organizations successfully. In contrast, large European corporations are sometimes sluggish and tend to rely on their past. "The bar is always set on the last project, and survival in this industry requires a constant willingness to innovate," he says.

Find out more about Oscar Roth, his career influences, his daily reflections and professional views in our interview.

Mr. Roth, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?

"My father was a self-employed entrepreneur and ran his own company in the packaging industry. I was already closely familiar with this industry when I was young and discovered my fascination for it. The idea of being self-employed and continuously investing in a company was always worth considering. Being self-employed means taking on responsibility yourself and on an ongoing basis, which had a certain appeal to me.

On the other hand, my grandfather was a carpenter. I admired what he could create with his own hands and found the idea of working in a creative profession extremely fascinating. The world of carpentry and architecture could have been an alternative path for me to explore my design skills. Overall, I think my career in the packaging industry has been shaped by my family influences and interests. In my current job, I take on overall responsibility, also in a design sense."

What is your favorite way to start your day?
"I live in Aargau and am lucky enough to have a great view of the majestic Alps. Every morning when I look out of the window, I am fascinated by this view. The Alps often seem so far away, but in reality they are very close. It reminds me that what seems distant at first glance can actually be within reach if you really want it to be.

Although the temptation to drive to the Alps and enjoy the beauty of this region is great, I still make my way to work, which is more to the north. But I always remember that the Alps are only a short drive away, and that motivates me to tackle the day's tasks with renewed vigor. It's a little moment of inspiration in the morning that helps me start the day on a positive note."

What does success mean to you personally?
"For me personally, success is primarily characterized by the human side. It means supporting my stakeholders in an environment in which they can develop their talents and abilities. It's about motivating them to share in success and enjoy it. Success means celebrating together, shining and expressing the individual talents of each person.

Interestingly, I find that my own successes don't always have to be celebrated as intensely as other people's successes. It often brings me personally more joy to celebrate the successes and moments of happiness of my partners, friends or colleagues. There is something special about watching others achieve their goals and realize their dreams."

What would you work for free for a week?
"In my current position, I already invest a considerable amount of time and energy in my professional commitments. The demands of my job are challenging and I work more than is expected in my normal working hours. I already go the "extra mile" to ensure that my professional responsibilities are met. The opportunity to do unpaid work is limited in my current context. It's important to respect your own boundaries and find the best possible balance between work, family life and personal commitment."

What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"The best professional advice I have ever received is: "Focus on what you can influence." This advice emphasizes the importance of focusing on the things that are within our control and accepting that in any professional situation there will be factors that are beyond our control.

The idea behind this is not to get frustrated by the things we cannot change. Otherwise we only feel powerless and unable to act. Instead, we should focus our energy and resources on what we can actively shape and improve. This enables us to be more productive, find more effective solutions and deal with challenges in a constructive way.

Another part of this advice is not to dwell too much on the mistakes or failures of others, but to focus on your own actions and responsibilities. This helps to focus on your own goals and the path to professional success, rather than getting stuck in negative thoughts or blame.

I like this tip because it emphasizes a positive and proactive attitude towards professional challenges. Even if I don't always succeed, I keep this advice in mind."

We would like to thank Mr. Roth for his contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted by telephone.