In just over three decades, a small Polish meat processing business has grown into a modern food company with more than 700 employees. Based in Wadowice Górne, the family-owned Dobrowolscy Sp. z o.o. combines traditional Polish recipes with state-of-the-art production technologies and has successfully established itself on the Polish and European markets with its sausage and meat products.
Dobrowolscy: Tradition with a modern twist
From a local business to a strong brand
The company’s history dates back to 1990, when Stanisław Dobrowolski and his son Adam founded a small local meat processing business. Over the years, the modest family business has grown into a modern food company. To this day, the secret to its success lies in combining time-honored recipes with a consistently evolving production operation.
Continuous development is not an end in itself for the company, but rather an expression of its commitment to its customers and respect for its long-standing tradition. Since 2015, the plant has been consistently investing in technologies that enable precise control at every stage of production. The collaboration with Schröter began with the introduction and thorough testing of the 6-trolley THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking system – a system configuration that is still in use today.
Just one year later, the machinery was expanded to include four additional THERMICjet® systems, significantly increasing production capacity. The next step was to expand the product line to include ARCTICjet® IK-6 intensive chilling systems. These chilling systems complete the optimal process chain, combining precise smoking and cooking with controlled, rapid cooling. It is precisely this sequence of processes that makes it possible to achieve a consistent taste and quality in every production batch. Today, a total of 24 Schröter systems are in use in production.
Key Technical Features in Use
Additional functions and equipment features expand the value of the systems in everyday production.
- All HR, IK, and AT systems designed as pass-through units in transit configuration with separate entry and exit doors
- Supports clearly defined material flows and a structured process organization
- Side-mounted chillers on the intensive chilling and cooking systems
- Systems equipped with internal drainage channel since 2015
- Monitoring and control of systems via INTOUCH Premium since 2024
- The THERMICjet® HR-6 systems installed in 2024 are designed for temperatures up to 135 °C (including for pâtés and au gratin sausages)
- Additional protection of the exterior door surface via a ceramic fleece at high temperatures (> 120 °C)
Greater capacity, stable processes
Automation does not mean turning away from tradition; quite the contrary. Thanks to precise process parameters, the plant can now guarantee that every sausage product tastes just as good, regardless of the production volume.
An additional four THERMICjet® HR-6 chambers are due to be assembled and commissioned in 2026, which this time will also be equipped with a baking function, in addition to four ARCTICjet® IK-6 chambers. This will allow the range of products to be expanded even further while maintaining the same high quality standards.
The existing ARCTICjet® systems have also been expanded in terms of functionality over the course of the partnership. In addition to controlled intensive chilling, they now take on additional tasks within the process chain, increasing flexibility in day-to-day production operations. This allows the product range to be extended even further without compromising on quality standards.
ARCTICjet® – More Than Intensive Chilling
Functions of the ARCTICjet® systems
- Controlled intensive chilling following smoking and cooking
- Program extended to include a “thawing” function since 2018
- Gentle thawing of deep-frozen pre-products using low-pressure steam and circulated air
- Temperature holding at approximately +4 °C over the weekend
- Reliable storage until further processing at the start of the week
- Additional thawing and buffer function within the process chain
- Greater flexibility and more efficient utilization of existing equipment
Wide range of products:
traditional taste,
produced in a modern way
Dobrowolscy focuses on the production of high-quality meat products. The company’s product range includes sausages and sausage products, ham, pâtés, and poultry products, as well as ready-made meals – every product is made according to time-tested, traditional Polish recipes using modern production methods.
The flagship product line is the premium “Bracia Dobrowolscy” brand. The products are designed for customers who appreciate authentic and traditional flavors. The key to quality lies in the careful selection of locally sourced raw materials.
The company works with local farms and uses only meat from traditional Polish livestock. Short supply chains support a reliable supply and close cooperation with regional partners.
The plant processes approximately 1,500 tons of meat and sausage products each month – a production volume that requires not only efficient logistics but, above all, unwavering commitment to quality.
To meet these requirements, the company operates in accordance with international food safety standards and holds BRC (British Retail Consortium) and IFS (International Featured Standards) certifications. These are among the strictest standards in the food industry and cover all areas of production: from product hygiene and safety to quality management systems and process controls at every stage of the production chain.
The introduction of additional software and service functions has also further increased process transparency in recent years:
Since 2024, the systems at Dobrowolscy have additionally been monitored and controlled via the INTOUCH process control software. A router in the control cabinet also enables remote access, allowing the Schröter customer service team to provide support for maintenance and technical issues regardless of location.
Process Monitoring and Remote Support
- INTOUCH process control software since 2024
- Centralized monitoring and control of all systems
- Data logging for greater transparency in production operations
- eWON router in the control cabinet for remote access
- Location-independent support from the Schröter customer service team
- Faster response times for maintenance and technical issues – an additional service layer complementing on-site support
Dobrowolscy products are available at over 6,000 retail locations throughout Poland, including both local grocery stores and nationwide retail chains. This strong market presence is the result of a consistently implemented sales strategy that enables the company to reach customers regardless of their location.
Close to the Customer in Poland
Close on-site support facilitates technical coordination and strengthens the partnership.
- On-site support provided together with Polish representative Tespo
- Technical support from concept to completion by Schröter project manager Dorian Grabowski, who is a native Polish speaker
- Building trust as the foundation for a lasting and strong customer relationship
The balance between tradition and scale, between local character and widespread availability, enables Dobrowolscy to successfully hold its own in one of the most demanding segments of the Polish food market.
Adam Dobrowolski puts it this way:
Our goal has always been to combine traditional flavor with reliable processes. Working with Schröter has helped us ensure consistent quality while continuing to grow.
Klaus Schröter’s assessment is equally positive: “Dobrowolscy impressively demonstrates how traditional product quality and modern process reliability can be successfully combined. We are pleased to have been part of this journey for many years and look forward to continuing to support the company’s future growth with our solutions.”
Customer Insights DOBROWOLSCY Sp. z o.o.
Facts & Figures
- Founded: 1990
- CEO: Adam Dobrowolski, Krzysztof Dobrowolski
- Production site: Wadowice Górne, Poland
Production space: 21,000 m²
Production volume: approx. 1,500 tons per month - Employees: 700+
- Product portfolio: smoked and cooked sausages, ham products, ready-made meals, traditional Polish meat products
Schröters Scope of delivery
2015
› 1x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking system
› 1x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generator
2016
› 4x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking systems
› 4x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generators
2018
› 2x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking systems
› 2x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generators
› 4x ARCTICjet® IK-6 intensive chilling systems
2019
› 4x ARCTICjet® IK-6 intensive chilling systems
› 1x ARCTICjet® AT-6 thawing system
2021
› 2x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking systems
› 2x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generators
› 4x ARCTICjet® IK-6 intensive chilling systems
2024
› 2x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking, cooking, and baking systems
› 2x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generators
› 1x INTOUCH Premium process control software
2026
› 4x THERMICjet® HR-6 smoking and cooking systems
› 4x SMOKjet® RH09 wood chip smoke generators
› 4x ARCTICjet® IK-6 intensive chilling systems