Interview with Francisco Pino, production manager at the Tarragona plant

Francisco Pino started at SIASA in the 80s, and since then, has seen how the sector has changed daily. After almost 40 years, and having worked in all the departments, from administration to production, Pino is now production manager at the Tarragona business unit.

 

37 years in the naval sector. How have techniques evolved since the 80s?

Everything has changed. The sector is unrecognisable, above all in terms of health and safety at work, because safety now comes first.

Quality has also completely changed, as controls are now far stricter and more comprehensive.

Production has also greatly changed, and cutting-edge machinery is now used.

How did you enter the sector?

I joined in 1981, by preparing steel for some tanks (shipyard). Since then, I’ve worked in different departments until my current position, production manager at Tarragona.

You now have almost 4 decades of experience in the sector. Do you have any interesting stories after so many years of work?

I specifically remember repairing some cooling towers in Andorra, about 110 metres high. We had to go up and I didn’t want the people with me to get scared, so although I don’t like heights I bit the bullet and led the group. The project was ultimately a success.

 

What is the best part of your job?

I’m learning every day. Each new project is a challenge meaning you have to reinvent yourself. The sector has changed a lot and so have those working in it. After 37 years, I’m still learning and making constant progress.

What was the process of Siasa being acquired by Soluciones Reunidas like?

At the beginning there was great uncertainty, like with any change. We weren’t familiar with Soluciones Reunidas. We didn’t know how they worked and didn’t know what the adaptation process to another company from the industrial sector would be like. We had several hours of specific training, because they were large projects. It was an interesting and important learning curve, which helped us to continue here 16 years later.

What difference is there between the industrial and naval sectors?

In the naval sector, large projects are undertaken, involving many people and a lot of machinery. On the contrary, the industrial sector has lots of smaller projects, with different processes and clients.

Describe your personal adaptation process to this sector

My adaptation process involved changing management, new work processes, etc., so I had to read a lot of information, train, visit many work sites and review some things which, to that point, had been done. It was a complex change requiring a lot of work and effort, but in the end, we managed to get there together.