I have particularly fond memories of the celebrations marking the refinery’s 105th anniversary, as well as the many Chemist’s Day events, which brought employees and the local community together. At that time, the Czechowice refinery was one of the most important industrial plants in the country and the third-largest refinery in Poland. It had its own network of wholesalers and petrol stations, and it held a very strong position in the market.

My own family was also closely connected with the refinery. My father worked there for 41 years, my sister was employed in the HR department, and my younger brother served in the company fire brigade. Many more distant relatives also worked at the plant. There were many stories like this in Czechowice-Dziedzice – entire families, and even several generations, had linked their working lives to the refinery. That was part of what gave the place its unique character.

A time of great change
 

The most difficult experience was the period of restructuring and privatisation. For people who had spent years building this community, it was a time of uncertainty and profound change. The company, which for decades had operated almost like one large family, began to divide into separate companies and new organisational structures. Many employees were retiring, while others were searching for a new direction in their lives. It was a moment that permanently altered the character of the refinery.

At the same time, I also remember that period as one of prosperity. The refinery was an important partner for the town and the wider region, supporting culture, sport and many local initiatives. Outstanding athletes and rally drivers competed under the “Racer” banner, and the company was present in the lives of local residents in many different ways.

People you never forget
 

It is the people, however, whom I remember most fondly. For several years, I had the pleasure of dressing up as Father Christmas and handing out presents to employees’ children. Even today, I still meet people who remember those moments. I also have warm memories of the close-knit marketing team: a group of people full of energy, creativity and mutual support. Together, we organised trade fairs and promotional events, and prepared advertising materials, often under considerable time pressure, but always with the feeling that we were creating something important.

Throughout my career, I met people who had a lasting influence on me. Mr Franciszek Netter taught me responsibility and respect for work in a demanding and hazardous manufacturing environment. My long-standing line manager, Jerzy Franek, was a demanding man, but also kind and supportive. The team of graphic designers and visual designers, in turn, showed me how important aesthetics and attention to detail are in building a company’s image.

Today, looking back over the years, I think of the refinery above all as a place that gave people work, security and opportunities to develop. It was a patron of culture and sport, supported employee training, and helped bring the local community together. For many people, it became a second home: a place of friendships, shared celebrations, company trips and everyday encounters.

The Czechowice refinery was never just an industrial plant. It was part of the town’s history, and part of the lives of the thousands of people who built their futures there. I feel that it was a special time, and I am grateful to have been part of it. Today, I live with memories of the people I met and with the conviction that, together, we created something far greater than a workplace: a genuine community.