Exploring the mysteries of paper begins in a family. The family made up of lecturers and students of Centre of Papermaking and Printing Centre at Lodz University of Technology. Dawid Dobrzelewski, an employee of the manufacturing department, talks about his work at VelvetCare.
VelvetCare is one of the leading manufacturers of hygienic products in Poland. How did your cooperation with a company with such a high market position begin?
My adventure with VelvetCare developed rapidly. A colleague who graduated from papermaking and printing started working there, and he highly encouraged me to join the team. It was a great decision. The company focuses on the development of its employees, so I learned a lot of new things in a very short time. Everything I learnt from professors at TUL, I saw in practice, and on a much larger scale.
What exactly do you do?
I work in the production of tissue paper, which is intended for the production of toilet paper, kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, and napkins both plain and for printing. The process of making such tissue paper is very complex and is supervised by many people. I also had the pleasure of training at all the stages of this process - from overseeing the preparation of the pulp to controlling the paper machine.
The production of a specialized paper product would not be possible without a degree in this field. How do you remember your studies at Paper Making and Printing Centre?
First of all, I must say that the major of papermaking and printing is unique. And not only because of the unique knowledge that no other major at TUL offers. Professors approach each student individually and know us by first name, which creates a tremendously warm atmosphere. The demand for specialists in this industry is growing every year, so anyone who has graduated from this major and wants to work in the profession will easily find a job for themselves. My studies have given me a lot of perspectives, opportunities, and valuable knowledge, which I use at work.
Paper Making and Printing Centre at TUL is the largest unit of its kind in central Poland. What do you value most about Lodz University of Technology?
What I value most is the reputation of TUL as a university that educates specialists in many industries. The opportunities provided by the university are vast. In addition to the major itself, you can also develop your passions outside the classes. If only we have the energy and enthusiasm to do something, the university always supports us, letting us catch the wind in our sails.
We remember you as a student with a passion for fishing. But during your studies, you also developed a passion for papermaking....
True, I have participated in float fishing competitions many times, winning podium places. I also had the pleasure of belonging to the Circle of Paper Makers, and even became its President. In the circle, among friends, you can create anything you can think of from paper. Belonging to the circle also allowed me to make many new contacts with paper and printing companies. Papermaking and printing is not just a field of study. This is a family that is fascinated by the world of paper and printing. Here we are called by first name, not by register number.
Interviewer: Dr Aleksandra Pawlik
Graphics: Filip Podgórski
Photos: VelvetCare and private archive
Velvet CARE sp. z o.o. is one of the leading producers of cellulose hygiene products in Central and Eastern Europe. Currently, the plant in Klucze has 14 processing lines and 2 paper machines. Velvet CARE manufactures and supplies Velvet brand products to the market, as well as produces house labels for Polish and foreign customers.