The first Brazilian-manufactured MAN truck was due to roll off the production line just 18 months after VW Truck & Bus became MAN Latin America. It was never going to be easy: we had to manage with the same production space as for the previous VW model even though the truck had many more parts. We also had less preparation time at our disposal. Nevertheless, we knew that our first product had to be perfect – because we wanted to prove that Brazilian-made MAN trucks can offer the same premium quality as any other MAN product.

With this in mind, we’ve been working for several months on a new process optimisation system that is helping us to continuously improve.  I think it’s safe to predict that the first MAN truck manufactured in Brazil will be a resounding success. Only by making progress every day will we stay at the top. That’s why change should be the rule.

I started at MAN in 2006 as a doctoral candidate, researching big two-stroke diesel engines using visual test methods. We investigated new possibilities for improving energy efficiency. Our results then flowed into the development of new technologies. As a chemist, I was the exception amongst all the mechanical engineers. But my colleagues were very supportive: I had access to all areas, I was given all the necessary resources, and everyone at MAN was glad to help me. I was soon working independently on projects and combining them with my academic studies. Now, four years later, I have my doctorate and I'm a research engineer in an interdisciplinary team doing basic research on combustion engines. The fact that we all have different viewpoints multiplies our options.

An independent person who moves things forward will never be alone at MAN. With us, teamwork is actively practiced.

Every MAN marine engine is a one-off, manufactured to individual specifications. Handing the finished product over to the customer is always an exciting moment, because we in the testing department feel personally responsible for its quality. Simply meeting the customer’s expectations isn’t enough for us. We want to exceed them. And we give everything we’ve got to achieve the perfect outcome – even if that means clambering into the heart of an oily engine. The test bed is where we put the new engine through its paces to make sure it delivers the performance we expect. When the customer is delighted, we know we’ve done a good job – and that’s our reward.

People tell us time and time again that there’s no real alternative to a MAN engine. Only when we impose stringent quality standards on ourselves do we achieve outstanding results. We want people with the desire to reach their full potential.

I applied for a placement at MAN because I wanted to experience this huge organization and be part of a real project. The reality exceeded my expectations, as I was given the chance to take on responsibility from day one. When I became a permanent employee I found I had more autonomy than I had ever dreamed of. During installation and commissioning deployments in Central America, the Middle East and the Far East, I learned to tackle challenges and make my own decisions. These experiences encouraged my own personal growth.

Today I plan and manage installation deployments for plant construction projects around the world. For me, every day at MAN is a highlight, and no two days are alike. If you have motivation and the willingness to shoulder responsibility, you can expect to be given exciting new challenges. We want people who think in terms of solutions.