Stefan Fritschi, new site representavie in Basel, also introduces himself
Where did you grow up and what kind of training did you do?
I'm a classic 3B > born in Basel, grew up in Basel and still live in Basel (Binningen). After compulsory schooling, I completed an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer at Sulzer-Burckhardt. This company was located at Gundeldinger Feld, where today various cultural venues can be found (Restaurant Blinde Kuh, Kletterhalle K7, Bar Werk 8, Unser Bier brewery, etc.).
After my first jobs, I spent five years in Karlsruhe (for love), where I worked as an instrument fitter at HP (now Agilent) in the field of analytical measurement technology. Back in Switzerland, I graduated from engineering school and worked as a mechanical engineer before joining Pharma Site Engineering at Roche as a contractor.
How did your career at Roche continue?
After almost eight years as a contractor at Engineering, I was able to join Roche on a permanent contract at Galenic Research Solids. In this new role, I helped set up and commission Building 97. Since this move, I had to deal repeatedly with changes and adjustments: the merger of Galenic Research and Development, the implementation of LPS (Lean Production System) and the merger of Galenic Research and Development with Chemical Research and Development. During that time (2014), I was able to gain experience of becoming a supervisor, and took over and built up a team for the first time. This has been one of the most challenging changes for me so far. In the summer of 2018, I decided to return to PS (Pharma Site Services) and changed to the central workshop organisation as a team leader in maintenance planning and reliability engineering. In addition to leading the team, one of my first tasks was to design the interface and processes between "JAMES" and the SAP system (fault reporting point). I then worked with PS Transformation and PS, and my main role is now Chapter Lead (personnel management).
How long have you been on the AVR board?
Since the elections in November 2022.
Why did you decide to devote your time and energy to the AVR?
As I have been working on the Roche site in various positions for more than 20 years now, I have therefore seen and experienced quite a lot of things. I would like to use this wealth of experience to advise and assist my Roche colleagues as part of my AVR activities. I do care about my colleagues' concerns and hope that I can support them in a positive way. My 10 years of management experience will certainly help me in this.
What are your biggest concerns as an AVR site representative?
For me, continuing the work of the AVR is enormously important , and that the positive perception of the Roche staff continues. The AVR is also important for me as a counterpoint and mouthpiece to Group management, which is often overlooked and must continue to play a strong role. Furthermore, I see the AVR as a valid alternative contact group to People & Culture in the event of problems in the workplace.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Hmm...many things. First of all, there's my family. After a long handball career, I dedicated myself to endurance sports (mountain marathons, mountain biking, road cycling and occasional triathlons). Later, I added mountain sports (ski tours, climbing and mountaineering). Needless to say, I also enjoy hiking and travelling to far-flung places with his family. My latest baby is my allotment, where I grow all kinds of fruit and vegetables (to be honest that's actually my wife... I look after the infrastructure). My motto is "at home outdoors"...;-). Cooking (and preserving the produce from the garden) and my passion for furniture design round off my hobbies, not forgetting the annual LEGO Technik building event just before Christmas.
Interview conducted by Nico Stohler, Site Representative Basel