- The first time I saw the site where the plant was to be built, there were only a few contractors preparing the ground, he says. Then things started to move quickly. Construction progressed, machines arrived, and testing began. Raul had joined as a key operator and became part of the team preparing the new operation for production. One moment from that time still stands out.
- Seeing the first finished coil was perhaps the most satisfying moment. It was a great team effort, supported by other plants such as China, South Bend and Garphyttan.”
Bringing knowledge from Garphyttan to Mexico
As part of the preparations, Raul spent around two months in Garphyttan, Sweden, learning about EC Testing before helping to start the line in Mexico.
- The support I received from the Garphyttan team was amazing. Mika, Ronny and Kenneth taught me a lot about the EC process, including how the Circograph and Defectomat work. That really helped me with the startup of the EC line in Mexico, Raul says. For Raul, the opportunity to learn from colleagues in other countries has been an important part of his journey with Suzuki Garphyttan.
- Another great thing about working at Suzuki is the opportunity to get to know people from other countries, share work experiences and make good friends. Almost ten years later, those first experiences are part of a much longer journey – both for Raul and for the Mexico site.
Growing together with the site
Since joining in 2016, Raul has moved from key operator to planner and Production Manager. Today, he is responsible for Supply Chain in Mexico.
- I believe the company gives you the opportunity to learn and grow. I am not the only example here in Mexico. For me, it has been a great adventure so far, he says. At the same time, he has watched the site around him grow. What started as an empty plant has developed into an operation with significant production capacity.
- The main change has been the increase in production. We have grown to the point where we even had to relocate the production offices to make room for more machines. The journey has not always been easy. During the COVID pandemic, production in Mexico had to stop for several weeks. When the plant restarted, the team faced the challenge of quickly increasing production to meet customer orders.
- Thanks to teamwork, we succeeded. That is something I am especially proud of. Teamwork is a recurring theme when Raul talks about his years with Suzuki Garphyttan. It is also one of the reasons he has chosen to stay and continue developing within the company.
- The internal culture fosters teamwork and a genuine concern for employees. It is a company where you have the opportunity to grow and develop,” Raul says.
Part of a 120-year journey
This year, as Suzuki Garphyttan celebrates 120 years, Raul has been part of that history for almost a decade – including the start and development of a completely new production site.
- Working for a company with a 120-year history means being part of a stable and highly prestigious organization. Contributing to that journey gives me great satisfaction and a sense of belonging. And just as the Mexico site has continued to grow since that first finished coil, Raul’s own journey with Suzuki Garphyttan continues too.