Why Water: A Journey with István Rufli

In a conversation with István Rufli, Quality Manager at Ovivo Hungary, he takes us through his experience in a field shaping our planet’s future: water treatment. Across his career spanning over four decades, he has seen the evolution of industries, technologies, and global challenges.

His Journey:

Born and raised in the small village of Nagykónyi in Hungary’s Tolna county, István began his studies in metal structure manufacturing at Dunaújváros University. His early career focused on chemical plants and oil industry equipment, where he held roles in both production management and sales. This dual perspective gave him a strong foundation in the technical and commercial aspects of industrial processes.

The Significance of Water:

István’s connection to water began long before his professional journey with Ovivo. As a lifelong fisherman, he’s spent countless hours by local lakes and has witnessed the damage caused by pollution firsthand. “I’ve experienced the consequences of toxic substances released in the lakes,” he explains. “That’s when you realize how fragile water ecosystems are, and how essential clean water is.”

His work at Ovivo has only deepened that awareness. From inspecting components to documenting manufacturing processes, he ensures that every piece of equipment contributes to cleaner, safer water being returned to the environment.

Why Water with Ovivo?

He joined the company in 1994, bringing his experience to ensure that the water treatment equipment manufactured meets the highest standards. “I haven’t always worked in water,” he says, “but I know that my work makes the world a better place.”

For István, Ovivo represents more than a workplace: “Ovivo supports an environment where innovation is encouraged and ambition is supported, so together we can be even more successful,” he shares.

He believes that the company’s openness to new ideas and continuous improvement not only strengthens Ovivo as a whole but empowers employees to grow their careers while making meaningful contributions to the world.

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

István sees both urgency and promise in the future of water treatment. He notes the growing challenges of water scarcity and the rise of new pollutants, and he’s confident that Ovivo is moving in the right direction to address them. “These problems require quick and effective solutions,” he says. “They push us to innovate and develop better, more efficient technologies.”

With his 40 years of experience, István remains hopeful and committed. For him, working in water isn’t just about manufacturing equipment; it’s about being part of a global solution.