The inspiring story of Denis Klock, Hot End Manager – Chalon-sur-Saône, France

When I joined Verallia 40 years ago, I never imagined I’d get to where I am today.

In 1986, I was a young engineer, freshly graduated with a PhD in physical chemistry. After eight years of study, I thought I was done learning… But everything was just beginning.

My manager at the time, who was passionate about statistics, encouraged me to keep learning. He passed on to me a strong belief: learning never stops. Then, out in the field, in the plants, it was passionate men and women who generously shared their know-how with me.

I’ve had the chance to build furnaces and plants all over the world – in Europe, Russia, China, India, the United States, South America… Each assignment was a new challenge, and no year was ever the same. That’s also what it means to work in the glass industry. And above all, the Verallia spirit – driven by remarkable colleagues – has accompanied me throughout my entire journey.

Today, it’s my turn to pass it on. My role allows me to invest in training, talent incubator programs, and the development of my team. I try to create the right conditions so everyone can discover themselves, grow, and evolve. And I too continue to learn: Big Data, Artificial Intelligence… The world is changing, and so is my job – I stay curious.

What makes me the proudest? Seeing the young professionals I once mentored grow into talented and accomplished managers. That human connection, that transmission – it’s what makes my journey and my job truly unique.

Working in glass and at Verallia means living meaningful experiences. Few companies can offer such fulfilling careers.