The daily adventure of a BBM Field Service Technician

Interview with Dario Baldaccini: behind the scenes of a senior technician’s work

Dario Baldaccini has been working at BBM as a field service technician for over ten years. When we interviewed him, he was travelling to a new assignment in Tanzania and was eager to share with us part of his professional journey at BBM.

Dario began his path with a technical education as an electrotechnical expert, driven by a natural passion for hands-on and technical work. He later completed specialization courses to expand his mechanical and electrical skills, motivated by the desire to grow professionally. So when the opportunity to join BBM arose, he took the chance that allowed him to transform his passion into a career as a Field Service Technician.

Today, Dario works on bottling machines and lines in Italy and abroad, handling ordinary and extraordinary maintenance, installations, relocations, mechanical and electrical modifications, and the creation of new formats on shrink wrappers, cartoning machines and tray formers. An expert in troubleshooting and solving complex problems, he ensures production continuity and machine safety. He is also involved in spare parts preparation, inspection audits, electrical wiring and work coordination. He holds numerous professional certifications, including first aid, workplace safety, use of forklifts and aerial platforms, working at height and operations on live electrical panels.

Despite the intense pace, Dario always finds time to recharge and maintain a balance between work and private life. In his free days, he loves dedicating time to his passions, such playing the saxophone, which allow him to recharge and face the next challenges at his best.

Dario, how did you first get into the technician profession?

I got into this job almost by chance, even though I’ve always had a passion for technical and manual work. I attended a technical institute, convinced that it would allow me to find a job aligned with my inclinations. After my studies, I started working in a company that produced machinery for polymer testing, where I also began doing assignments abroad. However, I was looking for a more rewarding experience, so I joined BBM, initially without knowing the company’s activities in detail.

Dario, a technician’s life is completely different from that of an office employee. What does your daily routine look like in terms of workplace location and duration of assignments—if we can still talk about “routine” in your case?

In Europe, an assignment usually lasts around 5 to 12 days, followed by a free weekend. Outside Europe, the usual rhythm is 15–20 days. So yes, in a sense I have a daily routine, and at the same time no, because I never know for sure when and where I’ll be sent next. Currently, I spend most of my time at European customers’ sites, but theoretically I can be sent anywhere in the world. Assignments are allocated based on the technicians’ specialisation and practical experience. In my case, I am sent where my expertise on packaging machines, cartoning machines and shrink wrappers is needed. This has also taken me to very distant destinations, such as Mexico, Colombia, Angola, Mali and various parts of Europe.

Do you often travel alone or with other BBM technicians?

I often travel alone, especially at the beginning of an assignment. However, there are also cases in which I work with a team of colleagues, which is never fixed but varies depending on the type of intervention. Sometimes some technicians are already on site when I arrive, others join us during the project. Despite the variety of the group, we always create a great team atmosphere: there’s collaboration, constant exchange and a strong spirit of mutual support.

What excites you the most about your work?

The thing that motivates me the most is the opportunity to constantly learn. Not having a single role but working on multiple fronts makes every day different and very interesting. Moreover, being able to travel and discover new places and cultures adds unique value to my work. There’s always the opportunity to discover the country you’re working in, especially during longer assignments, such as during a line start-up. In these periods, it’s possible to explore interesting regions or take weekend trips. Of course, not all places offer attractions nearby, and some countries are not particularly tourist-oriented. But one thing is certain: thanks to this job, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many unusual places.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

Each intervention is a challenge, both technically and personally. Even seemingly simple tasks can become complex in particular contexts, for example in places where finding a spare part or component isn’t immediate. In ten years of experience, I have faced numerous demanding situations, each with its own peculiarities.

Which tools or skills are essential in your work?

I believe that curiosity and the desire to learn are fundamental. You also need a good amount of willpower, because the job involves some sacrifices in your private life. Being adaptable and having an open mindset are essential qualities, both for dealing with technical problems and managing human relationships with customers and colleagues.

Do you have a routine or ritual that you follow before leaving for a work assignment?

Before each assignment, I double-check that I have everything I need, both personally and work-wise. It’s an important moment of preparation, which helps me face the journey and the job in the best possible way… and reminds me to take the cat out of the suitcase!

How do you prepare before leaving for an international assignment?

Preparation depends on the destination. I generally look into the local climate and habits, so I can face the trip with greater awareness and respect for cultural differences.

What was your first impression when arriving in a distant place?

The first impression varies a lot from place to place. In some cases, it’s immediately positive; in others, it takes a moment to settle in. In every situation, however, there is always the curiosity to discover the new environment.

What emotions or feelings remain with you at the end of a work trip?

At the end of an assignment, positive feelings prevail: the satisfaction of completing the work, of learning something new and of meeting interesting people. There is always great joy in returning home, because, as we know, home is always home.

A BBM technician’s typical day is a mix of technical expertise, problem solving and discovery, where each intervention represents an opportunity for growth and learning. For Dario, as for all BBM technicians, the job is not only maintenance and installation, but a professional journey rich in experiences, encounters and daily adventures.