Women in ACR: Mirell Reissner - Bitzer

​I have been working for Bitzer since 1 January 2016, at the company’s headquarters in Sindelfingen, Germany. The Bitzer Group is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of refrigeration compressors. This long-standing company was founded in 1934 and is today represented at 44 locations around the world. Bitzer produces and distributes reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors as well as pressure vessels and condensing units. Approximately 3,400 employees work at Bitzer and in 2015 its turnover was about 686 million euros.

​I’ve always loved technically challenging jobs. It was my father who introduced me to the refrigeration industry – he works in refrigeration, too. What fascinates me about HVACR is the big picture: Not only do you learn a lot about thermodynamics, you have to have a solid understanding of other technical branches as well. Electrics, for example. How are they connected to each other? This is the real challenge for me and also the reason why my job never gets boring. There’s always a new assignment waiting round the corner and further exciting projects to get immersed in.

​I support Bitzer subsidiaries worldwide in technical questions about transport cooling and look after our OEM customers.  I also assist in the rollout of new products like the new SPEEDLITE scroll compressor. An important aspect of the job is to keep customers and our subsidiaries updated about changes they need to be aware of. All of this requires interfacing with different departments, such as manufacturing and dispatch, and organising and communicating with many people across the company and beyond.

​On the one hand, I’m fascinated by how refrigeration and air conditioning can develop and shape technology trends. On the other hand, I like to see the daily routine of my work: It is basically everywhere. I see foods in the supermarket and know that a compressor worked hard to keep these goods cool and fresh on the way. I see it in the train or bus, where people can enjoy pleasant temperatures. It’s still exciting for me to experience the direct influence my work has in the everyday life of all of us.

​HVACR is indeed an industry dominated by men. But in my opinion, this shouldn’t play a significant role when choosing your career path. If someone asked me, I would say: Go for it, if you like a challenge. It’s important not to lose the chance of succeeding in an area that interests you, especially as a woman. Of course, technical understanding plays a crucial role, but this applies for both men and women. It’s all a matter of interest and learning ability, not of gender.

​At Bitzer, I started as Customer Support Engineer. I got new responsibilities after nine months in this job and extended my role as Market Sector Expert. I’ve worked as a Service Sales Engineer before, so I am pretty much specialised in service issues already. I want to take on more responsibility and grow and develop. Especially regarding customer projects, where I can give personal on-site support.

​I support my team and company at trade fairs like the InnoTrans in Berlin, and of course Chillventa. I am very fortunate to work for a company which offers extensive training possibilities, so there’s always the chance to learn something new and to meet experienced industry insiders.