Engineering a better milking experience: Pawel Kondro’s journey at DeLaval

People of DeLaval is back, and this time we're featuring Pawel Kondro, Project Manager in the Project Management Office, Poland. Pawel shares his journey, from his unique childhood living in a hotel to his career at DeLaval.

"…For the first two years of my life, my parents and I lived in a hotel for employees of my father’s company. My parents’ joke that the reason I’m such an open person ...."

For many, the idea of living in a hotel may seem like an unusual start to life. But for DeLaval’s Pawel Kondro, it became the foundation for a personality shaped by openness, curiosity, and a deep appreciation of community: “I was born in Wroclaw, and for the first two years, my parents and I lived in a hotel for employees of my father's company. Raised in a hotel surrounded by diverse neighbours, in a city renowned for its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and thriving academic scene. My parents joke that being born in a hotel is why I'm so open to meeting new people. Whenever my parents went to work, our neighbours looked after me, so I was never alone.”

His career journey

With both his parents and uncles working as engineers in different technological fields, and hands-on experience in his uncle’s mechanical workshop from a young age, it was clear that engineering was his true calling.

“Engineering was always the main topic at family gatherings. My brother and I started helping in my uncle’s mechanical workshop from the age of 12. Like many children, I once dreamed of becoming a doctor or a fireman, but my path always led to engineering,” he says.

After earning a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Pawel knew exactly what he wanted in an internship. "I always enjoyed direct contact with people. The dairy industry is fascinating because of its cultural diversity, which means farm owners often focus on very different priorities."

Pawel was drawn to DeLaval because it offered financial incentives to students and real service opportunities. "At the time, it was one of the few companies in Wroclaw providing financial allowances for internships. That was rare, so I applied. When I started, I met so many amazing people and knew I had made the right decision.”

It wasn’t just the community and financial support that excited him. When Pawel joined DeLaval in 1999 as an intern in the Technology Department, the company was transitioning from analogue engineering archives to digital systems. This meant he worked closely with the production team to ensure high-quality technical documentation.

After completing his internship, he decided to stay at DeLaval. “It was the people! I always had challenging but supportive managers, which created a great environment for development. That balance made it easy to keep growing at DeLaval.” Today, he is a project manager in the Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring projects succeed within time and budget.

Describing his daily routine, Pawel says: "I start my day at 7:30 am by reviewing key project focus points in silence before the busy workday begins. From 8:30 onwards, I have daily calls and meetings, often extending into the evening when working with colleagues in the US. To unwind, I enjoy playing squash or table tennis with a colleague."

However, he says that no two days are ever truly alike—some bring unique challenges. Pawel recalls one particularly memorable event from his 24 years at DeLaval: “In 2005, we had to completely replace a milking installation for sheep in France. We had to work through the night to finish before the morning milking. Fueled by sandwiches and coffee, we completed everything just in time. At 6:30 am, a herd of 500 sheep was bleating at us like a sports crowd! But seeing the first successful milking made it all worth it.”

Why did he join DeLaval?

When asked why others should join DeLaval, Pawel highlights the unique opportunities the company offers.

"Few companies let you be involved in the entire product lifecycle. At DeLaval, you can start with an idea on paper and see it through to final validation on a farm. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing you played a role in improving the world. Participating in product testing directly with clients is something that sets us apart."

He also values DeLaval’s unique culture: "The openness of people, the personal culture, and the development opportunities make this company special. Plus, DeLaval stands out because we adapt the product to the specific market. The work culture on farms varies so much between countries that meeting the exact needs of a given region is a huge challenge, but at the same time, it brings great satisfaction.”

Looking ahead, Pawel remains eager to develop further in his role. "I want to keep growing as a project manager. I’ve been in this role for seven years, and every day I learn something new. Each project is different, and each team is unique. That’s what makes it exciting."

Outside of work, Pawel is passionate about running. In March 2011, he joined the Wrocław Programme ‘You Too Can Become a Marathon Runner’ and completed his first 42-kilometre marathon that September.

"Thirteen years on, running never gets boring. In June 2024, at almost 47 years old, I achieved my best time for 21 kilometres – 1 hour and 46 minutes!"

Besides running, he enjoys relaxing in his garden and working on wood projects. His latest creation is a glass-enclosed wooden veranda, a project he is currently bringing to life.

With an ever-curious mind and a passion for connection, Pawel continues to find fulfilment in both his professional and personal life, embracing each challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.

Are you interested in a career at DeLaval? Visit our Careers Page to see our available openings: Careers - DeLaval