With our “People Behind Our Products” series, we want to introduce the people who make our success possible. We provide insights into their roles, career journeys, and the stories that connect them to the PREIS Group. Because our success is built not only on products and processes, but above all on the people behind them.
Taking Responsibility. Delivery Quality. Working as One Team.
Meet René Vigneron, Shift Supervisor at Gipro.
As part of the PREIS Group, GIPRO develops and manufactures high-quality cast resin insulators and medium-voltage bushings at its Peggau facility for customers in the international energy and electrical industries. Behind every product are not only advanced technologies and well-established processes, but above all the people who take responsibility every day and make a real difference through their commitment. One of them is René Vigneron, better known to many of his colleagues by his nickname, “Jimmy.”
From the Shop Floor to the Shift Supervisor
Jimmy has been part of the company since August 2003. Starting his career in production, he learned the business from the ground up and gained valuable experience across various manufacturing areas over more than two decades. His dedication, hands-on knowledge, and commitment to the team led to his appointment as one of the site’s three Shift Supervisors on October 1, 2025.
Leading the Team through every Shift
Every shift begins with a handover. Production status updates are reviewed, open issues are addressed, and priorities for the coming hours are defined to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.
As Shift Supervisor, Jimmy is responsible for ensuring that production, quality, and safety go hand in hand. Together with his team, he makes sure that all processes run smoothly and that agreed delivery schedules are met reliably.
His Daily Responsibilities Include:
- Fostering a strong spirit of teamwork and cooperation within the team:
- Coordinating and supporting the shift team
- Ensuring efficient and uninterrupted production operations
- Maintaining high quality standards
- Collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless processes
- Assisting with technical and organizational challenges
Close to the Team, close to the Production Floor
A large part of Jimmy’s day is spent directly on the production floor. Rather than managing operations solely from an office, he stays close to where the work happens. He supports his team, answers questions, coordinates workflows, and responds quickly to unexpected situations. His hands-on approach and close connection to both the team and the production process help ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently every day.
In a manufacturing environment, no two days are ever the same. Flexibility, experience, and the ability to make quick decisions are therefore essential for ensuring smooth operations and maintaining high standards of quality.
“What I enjoy most about my job is being there for my team as a point of contact and working together to achieve our goals.” – René “Jimmy” Vigneron
Quality is Built into Every Step of the Process
GIPRO’s products are used in demanding applications across the global energy and electrical industries. To meet these high standards, quality is a top priority at every stage of the production process. Together with his team, Jimmy ensures that processes are followed, materials are handled with care, and products are continuously monitored and inspected. Every single step contributes to delivering the reliability and performance that customers around the world depend on.
It`s the People Who Make the Difference
Beyond machines and technology, it is above all the people who shape a company’s success. As a Shift Supervisor, Jimmy serves as a point of contact for experienced team members as well as new colleagues. Mutual support, respectful collaboration, and a strong commitment to safety are especially important to him. These values define the way his team works together and make a significant contribution to the success of the Peggau site.
Success through Teamwork
As part of the PREIS Group, GIPRO is now embedded in a strong network of specialized production sites. The Peggau location brings decades of experience in manufacturing high-quality cast resin insulators and, at the same time, benefits from the shared expertise and synergies across the Group.
Modern manufacturing is driven by innovation, experience, and dedicated people. Together with their teams, Shift Supervisors like Jimmy ensure that the highest quality standards are met day after day. Their commitment is a powerful reminder that behind every successful product are people who take responsibility, work together, and apply their expertise with passion.
“What motivates me most about working as a Shift Supervisor is that no two days are the same and that we work together every day to produce high-quality products,” says René “Jimmy” Vigneron.
Thank You for Your Daily Commitment
We would like to thank René “Jimmy” Vigneron and his team for their daily commitment and valuable contribution to the success of GIPRO. Behind every product are dedicated people who, through their expertise, teamwork, and passion, help create the quality our customers rely on every day.
