Dutch technology group Philips appointed Romanian Minel Ciurea as general manager of its factory in Orastie, in central Romania. Ciurea previously worked as a manager for several automotive companies that operate in Romania.

The factory, which became operational in 2009, produces espresso coffee machines under the Philips Saeco brand, which sell in all major European markets. The plant also produces oral hygiene devices under the Sonicare brand.

In 2014, Philips Orastie had a turnover of EUR 116 million, an increase of over 14% compared to 2013, the company announced. It has over 800 employees.

Minel Ciurea’s main objectives are to develop and strengthen the factory’s position as a production unit with a strategic importance for Consumer Lifestyle in Eastern Europe. He is responsible for the operational management, team management and cost control. He has begun to develop and implement the strategy of Philips Orastie in order to optimize the production process.

Ciurea has over 17 years of experience in operational management and is specialized in Defects Quality and Lean Manufacturing, and also in multidisciplinary teams and complex projects management in highly competitive industries. He was formerly Plant Manager of Inventa Products, a supplier of products for the automotive industry.

During his career, Minel Ciurea has also held senior management positions with BOS Automotive Products, Zumtobel and Takata Petri Romania, including Operations Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Manager and Design Engineer.

He graduated the Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the Timisoara Polytechnic University and has a master’s degree in Mechanics from the same university. Also, he has a degree in Management at the Open University Business School UK.

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editor@romania-insider.com