Some sustainability stories begin with bold targets; others start with everyday choices that keep a factory running, switches, routines, and small decisions repeated thousands of times. For Magdalena Sadowska, General Manager of VMI Poland, that’s where sustainability becomes real.
Close to operations, she sees how leadership decisions show up in safety, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction. What energizes her most is people: building teams, developing leaders, and seeing colleagues take ownership to improve processes. As she puts it: “I enjoy working for the people and with the people.”
That people-first mindset shapes her approach to sustainability. VMI Poland’s Sustainability Program launched in April 2026 with two pillars that fit the local footprint: Operations and Employment. From the start, Magdalena insisted sustainability be integrated into the management system, not treated as a side project. In Leszno, it’s linked to Kaizen and continuous improvement, supported by measurable CO₂-reduction efforts and operational discipline: less scrap, less rework, less transport, and less wasted energy.
The early challenge wasn’t technology, it was clarity and culture. The hardest part was aligning on what VMI wanted to achieve and explaining it simply. Engagement grew when teams understood the “why”, saw visible examples, and experienced small wins they helped create.
“For me sustainability isn’t a project with an end date. It is the way we work and live every day.”
One tangible example was a lighting upgrade at the Leszno plant. New halls already used LED with intelligent controls, and the same approach was extended to older halls. The system can switch lights off during breaks and adjust output based on daylight.
Magdalena also highlights the importance of the “Employment” pillar which combines awareness with practical initiatives employees can own. VMI Poland organized a forest cleanup and a sports challenge where participation raised funds. The proceeds supported a charitable cause and an environmental one, planting a dedicated VMI forest of 1,000 trees, creating a measurable, lasting impact while strengthening engagement.
She’s proud of growing local awareness and VMI Group’s EcoVadis Platinum recognition, while stressing that progress is ongoing. At home, she keeps it practical too: planning shopping to reduce food waste, sorting waste, and monitoring energy and water consumption, the same discipline she strengthens across VMI Poland.
