BETWEEN PAINT CANS AND COUNTRY LIFE. INTERVIEW WITH FRANCESC CODINA

If there's one thing Francesc has, it's stories to tell. He's been part of the MTN team for 22 years and has witnessed first-hand how the factory, the way of working, and the people around him have evolved over time. Between paint cans, mountain trails, horses, and farming stories that sound like they belong in a movie, we sat down with one of MTN's longest-serving team members.

Let's take a look back at your journey at MTN...

I've been here for 22 years. I joined in 2004 when I was 24 years old, and now I'm 44. Just imagine how much time has passed... and how much everything has changed.

Over the years, have you worked in different positions or have you always been in production?

I've always worked in production. During my first years, I was moved to the warehouse, but I didn't adapt particularly well, so I returned to production.

For those who don't know your role, what does your day-to-day job involve?

I'm a machine operator: I prepare drums, get the cans ready, fill them with paint... Back then, all of this was done manually, much like it still is in Bunker 6. Labelling was done by hand. I filled the cans while my colleague fitted the valve and cap.

After all these years, what has changed the most: the facilities, the way of working, or the people?

The veterans are still the same!

With all the automated production lines available today, why is Bunker 6 still necessary?

Partly because some products are more delicate and are better made by hand. It's also used for other types of production and different paint formulations, but generally speaking Bunker 6 handles the most complex products to manufacture.

After 22 years, what keeps you motivated to come to work every day?

First, I live nearby. I'm from the town.
Second, I've spent most of my life here. Sure, there are days when you'd feel like throwing it all away, but this place is part of my life.

What do you value most about working at MTN?

The people. Your colleagues make a huge difference. When you have people around you who support you, that's what really matters.

When the workday is over and you take off the uniform, who is Francesc?

I ride my bike, and I have a horse...

A horse?

I come from a farming background. We've always had livestock at home. I'm a farmer at heart. I studied agriculture, livestock farming and fisheries, but the working conditions in that field weren't ideal. Here, though, I'm happy.

Country life seems peaceful from the outside. What's the most unbelievable thing that's ever happened to you?

One day lightning struck and set the entire hay barn on fire, the horse bolted, and I ended up falling into the river... Well, if I told you all the stories...

Life in the countryside isn't easy...

If you tell me to go to the beach, I won't. Well, maybe out of commitment if I have to, but given the choice, I'll always pick the mountains.

Since we're talking about the countryside, give us three traditional dishes everyone should try at least once.

• Cap i pota


• Beef stew with mushrooms


• Bread with tomato, sausage and beans

If someone was visiting MTN and asked you where to have lunch nearby, where would you send them?

• Cal Jaume


• La Taverna de Castellgalí


• Cal Pitu

After more than two decades at MTN, how would you describe the company's evolution?

The company has evolved positively in many ways, including for the people who work here. But at the end of the day, everything is built on the workforce and on maintaining a good working environment.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting at MTN today, what would it be?

I think it's important to remember that nobody is perfect, and I mean that in a positive way. Those of us who have been here a long time aren't perfect and should always be willing to question how we do things. New employees don't arrive knowing everything either, so we need to be patient. I believe that's the foundation of good teamwork.

And finally, now that you've got the microphone, would you like to send a shout-out to anyone?

Off the top of my head, I'd say Nuri, Marta, Lili, Lourdes, Gemma…