Key Takeaways
- Provided comprehensive translation support for machine maintenance (qualification, troubleshooting, calibration).
- Assisted in critical safety training (SEP, Health & Safety) for German staff.
- Dedicated team building directly resulted in reduced communication barriers and downtime.
- Project success: Contract extension and measurable reduction in material waste (scrap).
Challenge: A Revolution in Maintenance
The Jawor plant producing EV batteries underwent a small revolution in 2025. Maintenance tasks, previously handled by an external provider, were taken over by a German subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Employees of the technical department at Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG assumed full responsibility for production line maintenance, repairs, and warehouse management. To carry out their tasks efficiently and without delays, an interpreter acting as a communication bridge between the German-speaking technicians and the Polish production staff was essential.
Recruitment Process and Competence Verification
In early May 2025, a meeting took place between those responsible for implementing the new maintenance team and myself. During the interview, the maintenance manager from Kamenz verified language skills, automotive industry knowledge, stress resistance, as well as motivation and teamwork readiness.
Following the technical part, which verified knowledge of procedures in large manufacturing plants and automotive expertise, we defined the duties, cooperation timeframe, and logistics.
Realization: Interpreter in the Center of Action
The scope of duties in such projects goes beyond mere verbal translation. German-speaking teams working in Poland require comprehensive support. In this case, my role included:
- Training & Qualifications: translating preparatory courses for SEP electrical qualifications (Operation and Supervision) and Health & Safety training.
- Shopfloor Management: supporting daily operational meetings with maintenance foremen.
- Troubleshooting: active support during every breakdown – diagnosing root causes directly at the machine, determining countermeasures with operators.
- Technical Logistics: organizing cooperation with the warehouse, ordering spare parts, and communicating with suppliers.
- Technical Documentation: translating LOTO procedures, EOL calibration instructions, and failure reports from the previous team.
- Interdisciplinary Communication: assisting in contacts with Logistics, Quality, HR, Legal, and the workshop.
Result: A Cohesive Team and Hard KPIs
During six months of working "shoulder to shoulder," we managed to create an efficient team that proves itself not only on the production floor but also on bike paths and off-road trails. Integration and joint trips around Lower Silesia built trust that pays off in stressful situations.
Business Effects:
- The plant gained a reliable maintenance department, which reduced downtime on battery assembly lines.
- Material waste (scrap rate) was minimized.
- Due to success, the contract was extended by another six months.
As an interpreter, I expanded my competencies in HV (High Voltage) areas, Neurocheck production monitoring systems, and learned how to calibrate Cleco tightening tools.
Verified references
