From apprenticeship all the way to retirement
For 47 years, Arno Öttl has been making sure that everything runs smoothly at Getzner Textil – first as a fitter, and then in the fleet division and as a boiler operator. Now this versatile all-round employee is leaving the company to enjoy his well-earned retirement.
Arno Öttl’s long relationship with Getzner Textil began on 11 September 1978 when he started his apprenticeship as a fitter. At the time, the training workshop – the first in the whole of the Vorarlberg province – was located in what is now the Lünerseepark shopping centre in Bürs. “Welding, soldering, and repairing – our job was simply to make sure that everything was running smoothly, on whatever machine was needed,” remembers Arno. In 2001, he moved to the ‘Fleet and Yard’ division. Together with his team, this Motafon native ensures that forklifts, HGVs, tractors and company vehicles are always ready for use. “What we can repair ourselves, we do ourselves. And for the jobs we can’t do, we get a mechanic in,” he says with a wink.
Once Arno took his boiler operator exam, his re-sponsibilities increased yet again: “As a fireman, you are responsible for the smooth running of everything from boilers to the energy supply, the water and waste water systems and the sprinkler system,” he explains. To ensure that any issues can be responded to quickly, this role is staffed around the clock. Arno has also been an enthusiastic member of the company fire brigade for 21 years and helps to ensure safety in the company by delivering fire extinguisher training. When Arno lists the various jobs he does, it’s clear that he’s a real all-round em-ployee. Whether he’s sorting the post, working at reception, doing gardening work across the extensive grounds or transporting things by tractor or HGV, Arno is a familiar face around the site. “I’m sure I’ve forgotten to mention a few things,” he laughs. Was Getzner Textil the right choice of employer for him? “Absolutely,” he says with a contented smile. Now, Arno is looking forward to having more time to spend doing the things he enjoys with his wife: skiing, hiking, cycling – and of course spending time with his grandchildren.
