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President Barbara opened with O Canada, Toasts to King and Country, and RI, 4Way Test. Malcolm introduced our speaker Marco Valdez. Our speaker today was Marco Valdez, husband of member Adriana Balderas. Marco is a Process Engineer overseeing the production of frames for the Silverado Sierra Truck at Formet Industries. He devotes his time to improving the efficiency of production, and changes requested by the Customer (for example GM, Chrysler, and Ford). During his 20 years at Formet, Marco has 1- quoted, negotiated, and awarded new automotive part manufacturing business contracts. 2- Lead a multidisciplinary team tasked with successfully launching new programs. 3- Led a group of 30 engineering managers consisting of CAD designers, Product Engineers, and Business Development Staff. see a picture of Cindy thanking him for his awe-inspiring presentation: Marco has the following degrees: - Bachelor Systems Engineering, Culiacan Mexico
- Masters of International Business, Sinaloa's Western U, Mexico
- Masters of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, U of Toronto May 2002
He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Mexico, and Ontario, Canada. He taught a programming course. Further studies include “Choices for Extraordinary Productivity” and “Masters of Negotiation, Time Management and Problem Resolution” courses. Before coming to Canada, Marco worked as Assistant Plant Manager for a road construction material processing facility. Magna International, parent company to Formet (based in Aurora Ont) is divided into 9 groups that each define a different part of car manufacturing. It operates on 5 continents, in 28 countries, and in 345 manufacturing plants. Magna has one complete vehicle manufacturing plant in Austria. Magna does not make car tires. The Presstran plant in St Thomas is also a Magna facility but is part of the Magna group that moulds car body parts. See Magna’s website below: Marco Valdez oversees the assembly line at Formet Industries, St Thomas. Formet is part of the Cosma group. See the link to the Cosma group of Magna. About Formet: up to 5000 truck frames leave the plant per day. They operate 6 days a week with 3 shifts per day. Processes begin with tubes bent to shape or compressed and injected with water to conform to a specific outline. Other components are “Hot Stamped” at a red hot temperature of 1000 degrees. Role forming is another process. Recently, Formet has been manufacturing battery trays for electric vehicles. Skilled workers are in short supply. Announcements: Cindy drew the winning Briar playoff raffle ticket for the actual Briar tickets valued at $500; the winner is Harry Joosten. 225 Tickets were sold and the club raised $1700. See pic of Cindy drawing the ticket below: Next week we do not meet at the regular time or at the Senior’s Centre, but rather at the Bistro on Talbot St at 5:30 for a social celebration of Valentine’s day. Bring your love with you. News from the Environmental coordinator: Adrianna gave Kettle Creek Conservation Authority a cheque to help pay for removing woody invasive species and garlic mustard from Lake Margaret. Stay tuned for a date that we can help with this project and plant trees. In response to the earthquake in Turkey/Syria, our club (Cindy: International Director) will contribute $1000 toward the Rotary Shelter Box program. Mark won the 50/50 draw Happy Finns Trish- thanks for Marco’s presentation Adrianna- thanks for her husband Marco’s presentation, being there for the whole meeting Mark- thanks for Marco’s presentation Cindy- thanks for Marco’s presentation Stew- thanks for Marco’s presentation Barb- thanks for Marco’s presentation, future son in Law birthday Nancy- thanks for Marco’s presentation, upcoming vacation in Portugal Malcolm- thanks for Marco’s presentation |
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