Thank you, Navistar San Antonio Assembly Plant
Friday, April 13th, was my last official working day with the Navistar Inc San Antonio Assembly Plant. What a ride and a fantastic experience. Here is a recap, some shout-outs, and a lot of “thank you.”
Pre-Plant Launch:
Folding tables, parts bins, and equipment installations.
Most of us in Product Engineering had yet to learn what the future had in store. We were considered experts as we translated the information and drawings on our screens to the real-life assembly of heavy-duty trucks. The fast-paced “Learn, Do, Teach” was our daily contribution. Adam Gora , Jared Gardea , Craig McCann , David Tiss, Brendan Kuehl , and Gabriel Ramirez
Plant Launch and First Truck:
First 50!:
The outrageous goal was presented to the San Antonio Assembly Plant to produce 50 trucks in one day! While 50 trucks is the standard production goal for a shift, we at that time had been squeaking out 10-15 trucks a day!
The scene at the end of the line, where I was stationed, was a mixture of excitement and chaos. Alberto Rios Willars , Steven Kung , Albert Lozano , GEOFFREY ONGUBO , and Amie Beach were in the heat of that storm. They led, followed, and encouraged us as we strove toward our goal. Teamwork makes the dream work, and 50 trucks were produced!
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The real wizards of Oz:
Any manufacturing environment series of daily fires and firefighting. Information, resourcefulness, and experience are means by which we overcome and keep moving forward. Andrew Mccombs , Satheesh Gopinathan , Chad Berryhill , Brad Mynatt , and Ruben D. are the unsung heroes working quietly behind the sense, improving processes, quality, and programming.
Where the buck stops:
I had the distinct privilege of working with the Offline Repair team. The final stop and verification before our trucks were released to the customers. This is the team that resolved all issues, big, or small. It doesn’t matter where or how they happened; this is the team that took ownership and resolved. David Willey , Jimmy Mason , David Scodellaro , Derik Cruz , Hector Silva , and the Offline Electrical Repair Team Members. I profoundly respect this team, the leadership, and the team members.
Mentors:
Thank you for your personal contribution to my development. Korey King , Mitchell Kenoyer , Steve Pontius , Luis Leon, and Pedro González , your advice, guidance, and support is a model of leadership and community that I will carry with me and emulate wherever I go.
Last but certainly not least, Michael Wagner , my manager for my time at Navistar Inc . Mike, thank you for your support, encouragement, and guidance. Most of all, thank you for turning me loose to implement, innovate, and improve.
All the best,
Ruben M. Herrera
Production Planner - INTERNATIONAL- Final Assembly
1yThank you Ruben for all your help, I certainly appreciated your expertise. Best of luck.
Wright State University Alumni with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
1yIt was great working with you, Ruben. I'll always appreciate your hospitality while I was down in STX. Feel free to reach out if you're ever near SAP, and best of luck with your next venture!
Head Global Manufacturing Operations | VP | MBA | Servant Leader
1yRuben, all the best in the new adventure and I am sure you will knock it out of the park.
Servant leader committed to advancing sustainable mobility
1yRuben, it was unfortunate we never coincided back in Iowa a few years ago but happy we did so in Texas thanks to Jubencio Linares. I truly value our conversations and appreciate all of your contributions to commission concept vehicles. All the best in your new adventure and hope to see you soon to catch up!