Nicole Floesser and Daniel Krawczyk explain the team’s approach to delivering cutting-edge electrification, automation and digital solutions tailored to the unique demands of the metals sector – while cultivating skills and embracing diversity to foster innovation and inclusion.
Tell us about your roles at ABB Metals. How long have you been with the company?
Nicole: I work as a local division human resources business partner, focusing on the process industries sector with an emphasis on metals. Additionally, I oversee human resources (HR) needs for colleagues in mining, pulp & paper, cement, food & beverage, data center automation, battery manufacturing and digital sectors sectors across Germany. I collaborate closely with two HR colleagues, one in Mannheim and the other in Cottbus to provide HR support primarily for locations in Cottbus, Mannheim, and Ratingen. I have been with ABB for 15 years, and my journey has been transformative. Initially, I worked in finance at Deutsche Bank, but I soon realized my passion lies in connecting with people rather than crunching numbers. This led me to make a significant career change by joining ABB.
ABB's purpose is to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The values of “courage”, “care”, “curiosity” and “collaboration” are the cornerstone of our culture. Personally, I connect most with "care." In Germany, we tend to be highly business-oriented, emphasizing performance and productivity. However, sometimes, the sense of community can be overlooked. As an HR professional, I often find myself at the intersection of employer and employee needs, making tough decisions. What is crucial to me is respecting and caring for people, striking a balance between the employer's goals and the well-being of our employees.
In Germany, we are striving to build both a workplace and a true A-Team, and that is where the ABB value of ‘care’ plays a vital role.
Daniel: I serve as an Account Manager, where I am responsible for selling a comprehensive range of ABB products and solutions, covering various aspects of process automation, including projects related to automation, distributed control systems, and drives. I have been with ABB for four years. Before this, I studied electrical engineering, obtained my MBA, and worked at Schneider Electric.
ABB’s value of "courage" resonates with me, as I am not afraid to speak up when needed within ABB's environment and also with customers.
ABB's metals team elecrify, automate and digitalize various facets of the metals industry, including steel plants, cold and hot rolling mills, and more, besides engaging in promoting green steel initiatives and sustainability. 
Nicole Floesser, Local Division Human Resources Business Partner, ABB Process Industries in Germany. 
Daniel Krawczyk, Account Manager Metals, ABB Process Industries in Germany 
Enhancing the workplace culture has also strengthened customer collaboration, as motivated employees deliver superior results, according to ABB's sales team in Germany.
Harnessing the power of collaboration
How do you collaborate with customers and partners to drive the future of the metals industry?
Daniel: We are all about being a solutions provider. We focus on projects that encompass automation, distributed control systems, drives and digital applications. These projects involve automating various facets of the metals industry, including steel plants, cold and hot rolling mills, and more. We are also engaged in promoting green steel initiatives and sustainability in our projects. Essentially, our core business is delivering these projects and ensuring our metals customers have state-of-the-art automation and digital solutions to reach their sustainability targets.
Nicole: That sums up our core objectives. We have a fantastic team of engineers, project managers and sales professionals, who collaborate closely to make these projects successful.
Daniel: One example is our collaboration with Aluminium Norf (Alunorf), the world’s largest aluminum smelting and rolling mill, which ABB has worked with for over two decades. Alunorf’s products are used in the manufacturing of cans, lithographic sheets, automotive sheets and aluminum foils. We are modernizing the aluminum producer’s KW5 cold rolling mill in Neuss, Germany, as part of a four-phase project by upgrading the existing process control system to ABB’s System 800xA, implementing an AC800 PEC controller, and virtualizing the client/server architecture to enhance performance. The project aims to increase efficiency, quality and system availability while minimizing interruptions in production of primary materials for downstream production plants.
Another project is with Dillinger Hüttenwerke, a leading steel manufacturer, which has built the world's largest two-strand vertical continuous casting system for steel slabs. ABB provided comprehensive automation and control technology for the project, including 75 operating stations, instrumentation and control cabinets. The system, known as CC6, produces extraordinarily thick steel slabs, with plans for 200 slabs a day, setting a Guinness World Record. The ABB control system is the central nervous system of the facility, ensuring efficient and precise steel casting.
Fostering a motivated and diverse workforce
ABB in Germany recently implemented several activities to boost engagement and inclusivity in the workplace, resulting in a record response in the 2022 employee Engagement Survey. What actions have you taken to cultivate a more positive work culture?
Nicole: We decided to revamp the employee Engagement Survey to make it more meaningful for our employees. We introduced a more interactive and inclusive process. We held workshops to gather input from our employees on what aspects of their work experience mattered most to them. One key aspect that emerged was the need for better communication and transparency. Our employees wanted to feel more connected to ABB's goals and understand how their individual contributions fit into the larger picture. In response, we implemented regular town hall meetings and increased the frequency of our internal communications to ensure everyone was informed and engaged.
Another important theme was the desire for opportunities for skill development and career growth. We initiated training programs and workshops that met our employees' needs, helping them acquire new skills and advance in their careers. Additionally, we recognized the importance of work-life balance. In a fast-paced industry like metals, it is crucial to support our employees' well-being. We introduced flexible working hours and remote work options where feasible, allowing employees to better balance their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, fostering a sense of community was also high on our agenda. We organized team-building events, both in-person and virtually, to strengthen bonds between team members, even during challenging times, such as the pandemic.
The results have been gratifying. We have seen a positive shift in the workplace culture and expect our engagement score to improve. Employees feel more valued, heard, and connected to ABB's mission. As for specific actions following the survey, we have implemented a development program, called the Backpacker Program, to facilitate knowledge sharing and career growth. It is an 18-month program that we built entirely at the local level, targeting our younger employees. Apart from this, we established a well-being committee responsible for organizing events promoting mental and physical health. Overall, the feedback from employees has been valuable in shaping our workplace culture.
Daniel: Enhancing our workplace culture has also strengthened customer collaboration, as motivated employees deliver superior results. The Backpacker Program, which I participate in, offers modules focused on teamwork, skill development, and knowledge acquisition. It includes guest speakers who share their expertise, fostering networking and learning opportunities. At ABB, we recognize the importance of bridging the gap between our experienced employees and younger talent. To facilitate knowledge transfer, we have introduced initiatives, such as the Backpacker Program and mentorships, where seasoned employees actively mentor successors to pass on their expertise.
Ultimately, the Backpacker Program is about showing appreciation for employees' work and investing in our future.
How do you pave the way to better diversity and inclusion in the industry for the purpose of driving business success?
Nicole: Attracting women to technical roles in the metals and engineering industry can be challenging. ABB recognizes this challenge. While we receive a healthy number of applications from women for roles in areas like controlling, communications and HR, the technical roles tend to have fewer female applicants. To tackle this issue, ABB has implemented several strategic initiatives.
Firstly, we have forged partnerships with universities, aiming to inspire and attract more women to technical careers. These collaborations include mentorship programs, workshops and outreach efforts designed to engage female students and showcase the rewarding possibilities in our field. One notable program we have introduced is the Dual Student Program. It allows students to gain hands-on, practical experience alongside their academic studies. This not only equips them with valuable skills but also offers a glimpse into the exciting and dynamic environment of technical roles at ABB Metals. Furthermore, we actively organize events and forums that provide insights into what ABB does and the career opportunities we offer. These events serve as platforms for us to interact with potential candidates, both male and female, and demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ultimately, fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture at ABB is not just about recruiting talent but also about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and can thrive
Working at ABB Metals is like being part of close-knit community within a multinational company.
Daniel: Together with colleagues across the world, we constantly develop and improve our way of working. We support each other to overcome challenges in a determined and efficient way to deliver superior customer value.
