Juan Javier Castellanos completes more than three decades of continuous work in Planta Manizales and is part of the same story of the company in the Caldas capital.
When you’re close to completing 31 years of work in a company, many are the stories that come to mind; you live in the present, and the future looks clear. If you don’t believe it, Juan Javier Castellanos, from Ternium Manizales, can testify to it, who started in April of 1991.
He started with the company in the Caldas capital since it was still projecting a production goal of a thousand tons a month, and it now produces 20 thousand.
“I started doing the electric installation of the electric furnace It was the only thing that was there at that time. Then I was in charge of doing the hot rolling assembly of Train 1, which was the first one. Then I stayed in charge of electronic maintenance,” remembers Castellanos about starting his work life in Planta Manizales.
His family and his great passions
In his family, love and union have been present at every moment. About his wife Margot, whom he has been married for 32 years, he never forgets the unconditional support she offered when he was just starting at the company and wanted to be a professional.
Thanks to her and the company, and his peers, too, he clarifies that he was able to finish his degree in electronic engineering. He didn’t want to stay with just the technologist degree in industrial automation.
Likewise, he’s now very proud that his wife was a nurse her whole life, and his two daughters, Gina and Jimena, who complete the family, are professionals too.
“We have a great life; we’re a loving family; we stand by each other. It’s enjoyable and warming having such a home-like mine; I’m very happy,” he states.
Additionally, Juan Javier is an unconditional fan of Once Caldas and doesn’t miss a game at the stadium.
His professional career in Ternium
“Once I graduated as a professional, the company promoted me to Electrical Maintenance Manager; later, I got to Service Manager, which I’m currently in charge of. I’m responsible for all utilities of the company: energy, water, gas, compressed air, big engines; additionally, I’m in charge of the Warehouse Area, Metrology, and Supplies,” he explains.
A local company with international support
Juan Javier mentions that the company’s internationalization, with the arrival of foreign staff and new knowledge, has been a wonderful experience. “It’s an invaluable technical enrichment; you learn a lot each time someone arrives here.”
He adds that “the interchange with foreign staff is learning to work better; with the required certainty, our purpose in Ternium. Because tasks can be performed safely, done well, and finished on time. But that’s achieved with the support of the whole team. In the matter of safety, we’re stronger every day.”
After 31 years of working at Ternium, Juan Javier Castellanos looks toward the future with the experience he’s garnered and his recognized leadership in his work environment: “We want to make the job even easier so that the company and we grow together,” he concludes.