Accurate Compound Chemicals are Jose Rivera’s Expertise
AirBoss has come a long way since its rubber-tires-only roots. The company has expanded to offer everything from molded rubber products to custom rubber compounds over the last few decades, and it’s the custom rubber compounds that are one of AirBoss’ areas of expertise.
The additives, oils, and other ingredients that go into a compound are crucial to create a desired property such as higher heat resistance or vibration tolerances. Even more important than the ingredients are the measurements of each as the slightest discrepancy throws the whole batch off. Fortunately, people like José Rivera work hard to ensure that chemicals remain consistent within client specifications.
José sources a wide range of compound powder additives to a team of four mixing specialists on the manufacturing floor. “I weigh out the chemicals and relay them to the other team members,” he answers when asked to put his current role in context. José might put it lightly, but he attends to every detail required to keep AirBoss’s compound quality high.
More than a Decade at AirBoss Means José Knows the Processes Inside and Out
José’s journey through AirBoss echoes that of many others at the company in that he started “small” and worked his way up to a crucial role. That’s not to say his starting position was an unimportant one. Rather, it gave him plenty of room to learn the ropes on the manufacturing floor.
“I started in May of 2010. I’ve been here almost fourteen years,” José says when he thinks back to how he got started at AirBoss. “When I first started, I just cleaned up around the plant. After that, they put me in the powder area.”
The transition was quick and seamless for José, thanks in part to a supportive team and his ability to pick up on important rubber compound process specifics. He hasn’t looked back since, and he attributes his current proficiency and that of his team to his supervisor, Faheem Finney.
Over the years, José has perfected the art of how to weigh out individual chemicals with a precision that ensures the manufacturing machine keeps moving. He knows that even a small inaccuracy stops everything, and he makes sure the powders are right the first time, every time, in order to avoid downtime.
The Future is Bright for Custom Rubber Compounds and José at AirBoss
José doesn’t see himself going anywhere else. He’s grown fond of the materials, machinery, and the people he works with at AirBoss.
“I’m happy with where I work,” says José casually. Overall, his day-to-day is satisfying, and he’s able to contribute directly to the company’s success by maximizing compound quality where it starts: with the ingredients. He adds, “I want to stay here.”
José is all about quality both on the manufacturing floor and at home. He’s an avid soccer fan, and when he’s not at work, you can find him watching a good game. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family.
