Interview with José Martín, Depisa site manager in Barcelona

José Martín is 40 years old and is from L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Trained as a draughtsman, he joined Depisa when he was 21. He was hired to oversee quality and safety and is now the head of production for works in Barcelona.

When did you start working for Depisa?

I joined in November 2001 as quality and safety technician at the Barcelona office alongside Rafael Cañizares, who passed away 10 years ago. He was production of works manager in Barcelona, had been with the company for several years and taught me the basis of everything I know today. I’ll always be very grateful to him.

How has your career evolved over the years?

I joined when I was 21 as a draughtsman, and now I oversee a part of the projects done in the Barcelona area. The evolution has been huge. When I joined, I knew how to draw but not a lot else. Now, alongside the whole team, I’m in charge of projects, and this means budgeting, ensuring proper performance of the works, organizing the work teams for each project, coordinating the different projects done in the same period, and being demanding in terms of the performance of occupational risk prevention and security plans.

What changes have taken place at the business unit in the Barcelona area from when you joined to the present day?

There have been loads of changes. We used to be in the ground floor at Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona), and now we’re in a plant at the Abrera industrial estate, home to both the warehouse and the offices. Training has also really changed for the whole specialists’ team, and the documentation required for each project. We used to only send a fax and the specialist’s ID card (DNI) and that was all. Now it’s more complex and there are more documentary requirements.

Which aspects would you highlight about the Barcelona area when working?

The projects we manage from Barcelona are characterised for being short-term, works taking weeks or a few months, and we have an extensive portfolio of customers of every kind and in several sectors, such as energy and the car industry.

Which projects have given you the greatest satisfaction?

They have all been really rewarding, but I’d like to highlight the two we did in Normandy (France) and the Netherlands. These were the protective coating works on combined-cycle installations, and we had to move lots of people there for a year. I’d also highlight the repair works on the structure of the Hotel Arts, due to their complexity and because it’s an iconic building in the city of Barcelona.

Any stories you’d like to share?

 When I’d only been at the company for a few years, we had the maintenance contract at the Collserola Tower, and we had to visit every week. The sensation of being in the tower, 230 metres high on the highest mountain in Barcelona is one of the most special experiences I’ve had working for the company.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

What I like the most is being able to demonstrate how well we work. It’s a combination of taking pride in a job well done and personal satisfaction.

Why would you recommend companies work with Depisa?

Due to the high level of professionalism and the good results we offer. Every day we think about how we can improve what we do.

How do you see the company in the near future?

I would like to see the same level of professionalism and excellent attitude from the whole Depisa team continue over time.