Where did the inspiration to establish Stevia Automation come from?
The inspiration behind establishing the company was our passion for industrial automation. After completing our studies and gaining practical experience in Ireland and Poland, an opportunity arose to undertake a project independently in Northern Ireland. Our motivation was driven by the desire for personal and professional growth and the chance to venture into the business world. Eleven years ago, when our company was founded, there was a surge in new investments in the industry, incorporating modern technologies and comprehensive automation of industrial processes, following the global crisis of 2007-2009.
The fastest-growing industry, both then and now, has been intralogistics, which focuses on internal transport within warehouses. That’s why we decided to concentrate on offering and delivering automation services specifically for this industry. Was it easy at the beginning? Definitely not. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Which moments in the company’s history do you consider to be breakthroughs for its development?
In 2013, after completing several projects, the question arose – what’s next? Which direction should we take the company in? We decided to reach out to several potential clients. The responses didn’t come immediately, but our patients was rewarded. We managed to establish a collaboration with a key client who invited us to participate in the implementation of a transportation control system at one of Amazon’s logistics centers. This was a breakthrough moment for us.
You have had the opportunity to collaborate with many well-known companies, such as Amazon, Continental, and Audi. What have these projects taught you?
Thanks to these projects, we know that our team is highly skilled. Each project provides us with opportunities for growth. Over the course of these 11 years, we have learned about the importance of taking care of every employee going on commissioning trips, as well as the fact that our individual approach to the client brings very positive results for both parties.
Why did the mentioned brands choose to use the services of Stevia Automation?
From the very beginning, our company has been distinguished by a very high standard and level of programming. We are flexible and responsive to the needs of our clients. We often provide them with advice based on our experience on which solution should be applied in a given situation. We carry out our work with the utmost care and focus on the results, which ultimately leads to customer satisfaction. As a result, our clients entrust us with further projects and recommend us to other businesses, which in turn increases our visibility in the market and generates more interest in our services.
What values do you uphold in your company?
In our company, the key values we uphold are:
- teamwork – the belief that we all work towards a common goal,
- development – the commitment to continuous improvement and growth of our team,
- excellence – the focus on delivering services of the highest quality.
It is important to us that every employee feels valued and has the opportunity to make decisions that impact their work. We recognize that an effective team is made up of individuals, and we strive to treat each person with an individualized approach.
What positions do you most frequently seek employees for?
Our main focus is on recruiting PLC programmers. Due to our continuous growth and the establishment of new departments in both offices, we are also seeking candidates for other positions. We encourage you to keep an eye on the “Careers” section of our website and leading job portals, where we post our job openings.
What should distinguish a person who dreams of working in your company?
Such a person should be eager to take on new challenges, enjoy working in a team, and demonstrate accuracy in task execution. Resilience to stress is also important, as it enables coping with on-site commissioning trips. We also value a readiness to take responsibility for one’s work, which in turn ensures receiving a fair compensation.
What employment conditions can one expect in your company?
The majority of our employees work under an employment contract. There is also the possibility of working on a B2B basis or a specific task contract, depending on the agreed terms of cooperation. It is important for both parties to be satisfied.
Regarding working hours, we allow for flexibility. Our main focus is on employees fulfilling their assigned tasks. If tasks are completed according to agreed expectations, a good monetary bonus can be expected.
At Stevia, employment begins with a probationary period lasting from one to three months. If both parties are committed to continuing the collaboration after this period, we sign a one-year contract. Subsequent contracts are then issued for an indefinite period of time.
What tools are provided to employees for work?
Each employee receives a computer and a comfortable workspace at the start. Depending on the position, tailored tools can be provided to meet specific needs.
When it comes to project assignments that require travel, we make every effort to ensure maximum comfort for our employees. For longer trips, we aim to arrange weekend returns home to minimize prolonged separations. We also prioritize providing a comfortable environment for rest after work, often allowing employees to have a say in choosing their accommodation. Of course, we provide meals and cover travel expenses.
Do employees in your company have any organized team-building meetings, outings, or company Christmas parties?
Due to the nature of the job that involves travel for most employees, we do not organize dedicated team-building outings. However, we ensure that during project assignments, there is time and space for team integration and leisure activities.
In addition to that, we organize team integration activities within the offices, such as bowling outings or company dinners.
Do you hire interns and trainees for any positions? If so, how often does it lead to a permanent collaboration?
Currently, we mainly seek employees who already have some professional experience. However, we are considering establishing partnerships with higher education institutions in the future or opening other channels for individuals without experience. This would provide young people with opportunities for growth and development in future-oriented professions such as Automation Programmer or Automation Designer.
What are your plans for the near future for Stevia Automation?
Currently, we are focusing on the development of our office in Katowice, so that we can undertake larger projects that encompass various elements of automation. This includes electrical design, prefabrication of electrical cabinets, PLC programming, SCADA/HMI visualization systems development, as well as on-site electrical installation.
