When Lothar Tzscheetzsch began working for what would become the Smurfit Westrock Solidboard and Wellpappe plant, he was still a teenager in the small mountain town of Herzberger am Harz in 1960’s Germany. The Berlin Wall was erected a couple years before he started working, and West Germany was living in the tension of an industrial growth spurt amid the Cold War. He began as an apprentice to electricians, and now serving as a safety inspector over 63 years later, he’s our longest-working and most formative employee.

There from the beginning

Like many in this mountain town at the base of Germany’s highest range, Lothar’s early life was spent in the forest or on the football field. His childhood days started early, and before breakfast, he would walk to the nearby Sieber river. When the water level was overflowing, he could catch fish with his bare hands, trying not to get caught by the local fishing club.

He would also make regular trips into the forest with his family to chop wood and haul it back home to build up a store for winter. Getting a meat salad roll from the local butcher for 40 phennigs (around €.20 or $.24) was a rare and enjoyable treat.

Since the family home was so close, he remembers watching the construction of the corrugated plant where he now works toward the end of the 1950s. He used to play among the old military barracks, which had to be removed to make room for building the new plant. After school, he’d go directly to the construction site.

“I would climb between the turbines to get closer so I could watch the progress. Large trucks rolled in to pour the foundations. I saw the steel girders being erected. It was impressive!”

Since this building would later become his longtime workplace, he holds onto this as a special memory.

 

Work through the years

The solid board plant existed in Herzberg am Harz since 1854, and like many in the town,  Lothar’s father worked there starting in the pulp processing area and later working in control engineering. Starting in the newly constructed corrugated plant, Lothar worked as a high-voltage electrician, seeing and experiencing the plant’s technical development over the decades. Today, he ensures all safety devices and emergency stop functions are working reliably.

“Safety begins with my attitude. I work with order, cleanliness and a total awareness of how I am using each of my tools. My father used to say, ‘Like the tool, so the craft.’”

After three years of working at the plant, he met his wife Anita in 1966. He says after countless missed chances, he finally married her in 1970, and she’s the anchor for his life. His work became the center of life and new family, as it was never “just a job” to him. His goal was to always be reliable, set a good example and make a solid contribution.

Officially retired ... Didn’t take

Lothar still remembers his 50th anniversary celebration in 2013—one he’ll never forget. He was picked up from home in an Opel GT – his absolute favorite car. After a drive, he arrived at the plant, where family and coworkers were waiting to celebrate. They literally rolled out the red carpet for him and presented him with a special gift – Bruce Springsteen concert tickets.

He officially retired after his 50th anniversary, but he later decided to continue working part time.

“I appreciated having more time with my wife, but I wanted to remain active. It’s important to have a meaningful task and feel needed.”

While being home for most of his day wasn’t his desire, finances and continuing to maintain a certain level of living were also a consideration. Lothar and Anita love to travel.

“Being able to travel means a lot to me, because today I can afford to do it. Travel was a rare luxury when I was a child, so I appreciate it now.”

Advice to those in manufacturing today

With a wealth of experience and decades of knowledge about the corrugated industry, surely Lothar has advice for those just starting or approaching careers in manufacturing. Much like him, it’s practical and straightforward.

“Take your work seriously, but at the same time, don't lose your sense of fun. Be open, ask questions, treat each other with respect, and don't be quick to judge.”

Cheers to Lothar and his 63 years! We look forward to having him at Smurfit Westrock for years to come.