Michael Dupke

‘My job is to open people’s minds and encourage them!’

Michael Dupke always knew he would become a cabinetmaker. A cabinetmaker in his hometown of Oberbobritzsch made a lasting impression on him as a child; the man himself, the workshop, the smell of wood. In 1991, he began as an apprentice at Deutsche Werkstätten. In the years that followed he progressed through various positions and responsibilities: from cabinetmaker to design engineer, from project manager to head of operations. Michael has spent almost his entire professional career at Deutsche Werkstätten. In 2018 he was put in charge of operations where he is responsible for the entire value chain, from engineering through to production, logistics and installation. He has also been managing director since 2022. His tasks are complex, he is looking after all internal processes across all departments and business units. His focus lies on improving operations, re-organizing, or implementing change where necessary.

Michael Dupke sees himself not only as an operations manager but also as a ‘Motivator’, for in his mind people still need to take more personal responsibility for their work. Not everybody understands the need for change, nor do they like it, which is why he stresses the importance of motivating staff, to help them find the confidence to branch out, try something new, and have the courage to make mistakes. Michael Dupke looks to the future. Thinking about the way we will work, achieving a balance between generalists and specialists, “and most importantly: keeping an open mind and being receptive to new ideas!”