Henryk Owsiejew is the owner of Malow and Litpol companies in the metal furniture industry. He employs about 800 workers and exports products to more than 30 countries around the world for almost 50 million euros a year. He has received numerous awards, including the "Golden Statuette of Polish Business Leader" awarded by the Business Center Club, the title of Honorary Patron of Podlasie and Suwałki Sport and the title of "Meritorious for the City of Suwałki" in 2014. He is a member of the Economic Council to the President of the City of Suwalki, a member of the Business Centre Club Convention, the Podlasie Entrepreneurship Council to the Marshal of the Podlasie Region and a member of the Programme Council of the Poland-East Science and Technology Park in Suwalki. He is an enthusiast and patron of sport, and his passions include: books, history, philanthropy.
What did you study at TUL and when?
I studied at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Lodz University of Technology from 1963 to 1969. My major was mechanical engineering, and my specialization was paper machines and equipment.
What skills gained during your studies do you use in your professional work?
The most valuable asset gained at Lodz University of Technology is a very good preparation for professional and social life and the ability to work in a team.
The knowledge and experience I gained during my studies enabled me to work as: constructor, construction section manager, technical director and manager of metal factories.
From the period of my work I have several patents and a number of innovative technical and organizational implementations.
Could you share a unique memory from your student days?
My special memories from the period of my studies at Lodz University of Technology are connected with running in AZS Lodz on 800 and 1 500 m (I was an academic vice-champion of Poland). I distinctly remember 1968 (March and April), when there were protests and marches of students from Lodz University of Technology to the University of Lodz, the sit-in strike at Lodz University of Technology, during which we discussed the situation in the country and at the university. But I also remember seeing off some of my colleagues to the Fabryczna Station and their departure to their military units.
As for an amusing event, I recall an exam with Professor Bucholz. We entered the exam five at a time, and the professor ordered us to push the wall as a task. Then he asked - have you worked hard? We answered that of course, Professor, we have, and he replied – that’s a fail. Work is defined as force times distance, and the wall did not move, right?
Why choose Lodz University of Technology as a place of education?
Lodz University of Technology prepared me well for professional, social and family life. I pride myself on being its graduate. Even though more than 50 years have passed since I studied, we still meet in a group of 30-50 former fellow students every year or two.
The university is open to cooperation with industry – something I personally deal with. Recently, together with scientists from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, we have been preparing a project for NCBR for an automated center for the assembly of multi-purpose metal furniture.