Quilting fabrics at Bartex. Interview with the Production Manager, Małgorzata Ryglewicz

Małgorzata Ryglewicz has been with us for almost 14 years. She is where the execution of our customers’ orders begins. We asked her about the production process and what distinguishes Bartex from other companies. Check out what she replied.

Małgosia, you are a production manager in one of our quilting departments. What exactly is made on this production line? What types of orders are processed here?

In my department, we sew all kinds of pillows, from 40×40 cm to 80×80 cm, although of course sometimes there are non-standard sizes, for example, a pillow 40×120 cm. It all depends on what the customer wants. In addition to pillows, the department also deals with hemming mattress covers. These are quilted covers and here we distinguish sizes depending on the thickness of the wadding. Quilted mattresses, therefore, start with a thickness of 50 cm to 300 cm, and have different dimensions – from 60×120 cm to 200×220 cm. In short, we offer a whole range of sizes. For all kinds of heights of the so-called corners, the corner determines the height of the mattress.

In the quilting department, there are also quilting machines that quilt covers for mattresses made of foam, sponge and memory foam, as well as covers. We also sew these elements. Again, everything from the smallest to the largest sizes. My department, apart from quilted mattresses, also hems non-quilted, typically knitted mattresses.

Is there cooperation between you and the other department or does each production line fulfil its tasks and there is no need to act together?

These are two different productions, but cooperation between us takes place at every step. If hall no. 1 has less occupancy, and there is too much work at my place, then the first hall automatically supports me in production, so that the whole process goes smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

How to briefly describe the quilting process for a person who only sees the effect? What elements and production processes are involved?

We have three types of material – wadding, canvas and fabric. They are inserted into the machine, and the machine, based on the selected and programmed pattern, applies the appropriate quilting pattern to connect these elements.

Apart from the visual effect, does quilting have any other advantages? Why is it such a popular type of finish?

Quilting certainly adds aesthetics, but also makes mattresses or pillows more durable. They are also more comfortable. We look at the quilting process mainly in terms of technology, so for us, it is a matter of appropriate adjustment of machines, and their configuration, but also planning production so that the products are delivered to the customer on time.

What does work on a customer’s order look like? What does the client have to provide and what does Bartex provide?

The client comes to us and tells us exactly what he or she needs. Selects the type of fabric, canvas, and wadding. I get information about the stitch, peak, number of needle strokes per centimetre, and stitch length. I get all this from the client who conducts talks and arrangements with our leaders beforehand. I do not participate in them, I receive the guidelines that were included in the contract.

From this moment, the execution of the order begins. Depending on the arrangements in the contract, either the client provides us with all the materials or we arrange them according to their wishes. We receive the quantities to be produced, plan the production line and start the implementation.

Bartex is a large company with a huge production department. Do you know what is going on in other halls at a given moment or do you only monitor the tasks in your district?

Our company is big, but we find ways to know what is happening in other halls. We have meetings during which we share information and write down production plans, which are posted in a given hall, in the appropriate department.

We also work together because of the need for mutual support when you need to join forces and complete a given order together. In addition, we also support each other with knowledge. If the head of a given department is unsure about something or misses something, he or she can safely ask one of the other managers. There is no problem with that.

Finally, an important question. From the point of view of a person who has been working in the company for almost 14 years, what distinguishes Bartex from other companies offering sewing and quilting services?

Our company is very open to all customers and likes challenges. This means that we carry out both standard and individual orders, both smaller and larger. When it comes to implementation, practically nothing is impossible for Bartex. And if something is impossible, why should we not try it?

Most importantly, Bartex has quality, reliability, speed and punctuality. Especially the last one is extremely important to us. This is our leitmotif and our clients appreciate it and talk about it.

Thank you for the interview.