Alberto Castañeda, Operations Manager at Ecrimesa Group, joined the team motivated by his desire to return to Cantabria. Since his arrival, he has focused on understanding the microfusion and MIM processes in depth, building trust with the team, and aligning all areas with quality, service, and cost objectives. He approaches this new stage with commitment, professionalism, and a focus on continuous improvement.

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1. What attracted you to join the Ecrimesa Group project?
After many years working in the Basque Country, I had the desire to return to Cantabria. I made a list of companies I’d love to work for – and Ecrimesa was one of the first. As soon as the opportunity arose, I didn’t think twice… and here I am!

We create high-value products for a wide range of sectors. We have deep knowledge of manufacturing processes and recently opened a plant in the US… reality has exceeded my expectations. I’m proud to be part of such a high-potential team.

2. How have your first weeks at the company been?
Very intense. I’ve focused on learning the microfusion and MIM production processes – they’re more complex than I imagined – and spending time getting to know the team and earning their trust.

3. What has surprised you most about the work environment?
The team, without a doubt. Very well-trained, highly committed, and generally very open to change. We’re going to achieve a lot together.

4. How would you explain what you do to someone outside the industry?
I manage the planning, production, and maintenance departments for investment casting, MIM, and machining.
In short: my job is to ensure everyone is aligned to meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives – always with a mindset of continuous improvement.

5. What do you hope to contribute to your team in this new stage?
Professionalism, experience, and values such as commitment, honesty, and humility. I aim to lead by example and drive the changes we need to be more competitive.

6. If not Ecrimesa… what company or sector would you have liked to work in, even just out of curiosity?
I’ve had the privilege to work for two major companies in Cantabria – Hitachi (back then Bosch Buelna) and SEG Automotive (Bosch Treto) – both were a great learning experience.
Right now, I find Vitrinor very interesting due to its growth and commitment to innovation.

7. What tool (physical or digital) is essential for your job?
Beyond the laptop and essential data tools, communication is key: sharing, informing, proposing, explaining, aligning… and above all, listening. I put great value in effective meetings – with the right people, and well-managed timing and agendas.

8. One item that must be on your desk (and why)?
Not on my desk, but in my locker: safety shoes. What I enjoy most is being in the factory – where things happen. Understanding the processes and talking with the team is what really makes a difference. PPE is non-negotiable.

9. Recommend us a movie, series, song, and book to get to know you better.
Hard to choose only one, so I’ll pick a classic and something recent:

– Movie: The African Queen (true classic) and Pulp Fiction (modern classic).
– Series: The Sopranos – all-time favorite. Recently enjoyed Succession.
– Song: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (not very original) and La Salvación by Árde Bogotá – we saw them live last year and loved it.
– Book: The best, One Hundred Years of Solitude. My latest and recommended read is The Sky Over Lima by Juan Gómez Bárcena – a brilliant author from Cantabria.

10. A country or city you’re eager to visit.
Latvia – especially Riga and a small village called Mālpils, where my son just spent a week on an Erasmus exchange. It was his first solo trip abroad, and he came back thrilled. I can’t wait to visit the country and meet the lovely host family that took such good care of him.