People at ALPLA - Interview with Johannes Diem

Hello Johannes, thank you for taking the time. How would you explain your job at ALPLA to a child?

I make sure we get the machines and equipment we need to produce bottles — like a builder who checks in advance what we need, who we get it from, and how to put it all together in the best way. I also negotiate with the people who supply us, so that in the end everything works well, arrives on time, and is affordable.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Most days, I start with a quick look at the most important topics: Are there bottlenecks, open decisions, or critical projects? After that, there are many meetings — with my team, with engineering, project managers, or suppliers. I also consciously plan time to push strategic topics forward, for example new supplier evaluations, process improvements, or negotiations for upcoming projects.

What do you find most interesting about your work at ALPLA?

That’s a tough question. On one hand, I’m right in the middle when an idea becomes reality — a new machine, a new plant, or a new project. I enjoy it when technology, economic efficiency, and teamwork all come together. I also value the responsibility you’re given at ALPLA — if you take the opportunity, you can really make a difference. On the other hand, I like that you can actively shape things here. I find it especially exciting when we develop improvements together, whether internally as a team or on technical topics like energy efficiency. When an idea turns into a concrete solution that really pays off — that’s what motivates me.

Can you describe a moment when your entrepreneurial mindset had a significant impact on a project?

In one project, it was clear that the planned procurement route would be expensive and time-consuming. Together with the team and engineering, I looked for — and found — an alternative solution. This saved us both costs and time, without compromising on quality. To me, thinking entrepreneurially means not automatically following the standard path, but finding the most sensible one.

How do you identify improvements? Do you follow a structured process, or do good ideas just come to you from time to time?

I’d say both. We have structured approaches, for example project analyses or feedback rounds. But often, the best ideas come up in everyday work — in conversations or simply by paying close attention. The important thing is to stay on it and not settle for "that’s how it has always been."

How would your employees describe you as a leader?

Probably as someone who stays calm, listens, and speaks plainly when necessary. Honest, direct communication is normal in my team — and that’s a good thing. I trust my team, stay out of the micromanagement, but I’m there when it matters. So far, there have been no complaints about my leadership style — and I’m sure they would tell me if it were otherwise.

Let’s talk a bit about your personal life. What do you enjoy doing most in your free time?

I like to stay active — preferably outdoors. Hiking is my way to recharge and find balance. And I can really push myself playing tennis. It helps me clear my head.

If you were given an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Probably doing something that has nothing to do with efficiency — maybe reading a good book, listening to music, or just going for a walk with no particular destination. Sometimes, time without a specific purpose has the greatest value.

What do you listen to on the way to work?

Sometimes the news, sometimes music — depending on how the day starts. And sometimes just silence, so I can already focus on the topics ahead.

Back to ALPLA. What advice would you give to someone who is new to the company?

Don’t wait — get actively involved. Ask questions, listen, understand — but also have the courage to challenge things. And: build networks — at ALPLA, collaboration is key.

Please describe ALPLA in three words.

Hands-on – international – reliable

Is there a question we should have asked you? 

Maybe: "What do you appreciate most about your team?"

Great one, so what do you appreciate most about your team?

That we can speak openly with each other, support each other, and stick together even in stressful situations.

Thanks for this interesting interview.