Volts & Jolts VOLUME 67 | ISSUE 4
OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY Discover how doing good for the planet is good for S&C. See page 4.
S&C ELECTRIC MEXICANA Read how this facility is achieving 99% landfill-free. See page 8.
LEADER PROFILE Meet our new Chief Human Resources Officer, Nicole Colen. See page 10.
CONTENTS
03 A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Our commitment to responsible stewardship. 04 OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY Doing good for the planet and S&C. 08 S&C ELECTRIC MEXICANA Path to 99% landfill-free. 10 LEADER PROFILE Meet our Chief Human Resources Officer.
11 AROUND S&C
News and events from around the company.
13 QUARTER CENTURY CLUB Team members celebrating 25 years at S&C. 20 SHORTS & CIRCUITS U.S. QCC dinner Photos, Retirements, On the Move, Seniority, and In Memoriam. 32 CREDIT WHEN DUE Team member recognition: A pat on the back. Saying thank you and giving credit where it is due.
Environmental & Sustainabtility Team (pictured left to right): Lauren Parrilli, Josh Asiedu, Nancy McClanahan, Valantis Karmantzis, Dana Greene, Bonnie Bibian. Not pictured: Ursula Moss.
OUR MISSION: Build upon our legacy of caring for team members, excellence in customer service and operations, and technology leadership to deliver innovative solutions for a safer, reliable, and resilient electrical grid.
EDITORIAL STAFF Jeff Green Maleiya Porter-Jones Pam Wedgeworth
COPYWRITING TEAM Tracey Elder Maleiya Porter-Jones Joan Ruppert Pam Wedgeworth
CORPORATE OFFICES 6601 N. Ridge Blvd. Chicago, IL 60626 (773) 338-1000 www.sandc.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Sundeé Koffarnus
PHOTOGRAPHY Bryce Kiesel
© 2024 S&C Electric Company. All rights reserved.
Do you have a picture for Volts & Jolts? Send itto VoltsandJolts@sandc.com . Please include a note with “the facts.” Volts& Jolts is now a quarterly team member publication. Go green! Switch to receive V&J digitally at sac.sandc.com/VJSubscribe
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Greetings everyone, There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the electrical industry. The transition to clean electricity and impacts of climate change are driving increased demand and investment in a resilient, reliable electrical grid. Starting with our team members, we advance S&C’s technologies, safety and quality culture, and sustainable practices to help customers solve some of our planet’s biggest challenges. At S&C, sustainability is anchored in our Values and Guiding Principles – specifically Responsible Stewardship – to help us advance our Purpose, “Empowering people to transform the grid,” while protecting the environment and delivering innovative solutions to our customers. Every team member plays a role in advancing sustainability; you’ll see from this issue of Volts and Jolts , we are making meaningful progress. In 2023, we formalized our decarbonization goals with a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and interim reduction targets by 2030. In fact, for the second year in a row, S&C received the Sustainable Supply Chain Alliance case study award for our new decarbonization strategy and corporate targets. Sustainability is also key in safely delivering quality products and a significant consideration in our facilities’ construction. For example, our A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
new Palatine facility is set to achieve LEED certification; sustainability is also integrated into our Canadian expansion plans. Our efforts extend to our communities, as well; the S&C Fund donated over $1 million to over 50 organizations in 2023, and our Annual Giving Campaign continues to drive team member engagement, essential to retaining talent. If you’d like to learn more about our many efforts, visit our sustainability report on sandc.com. As we continue to live our Values and Guiding principles, sustainability will be essential to our success. Thanks to our team members for their commitment to safety, quality, our customers, and our planet. Working together, we are helping build a clean-energy world for generations to come! n
Anders Sjoelin President & CEO
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LEAD ARTICLE
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OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY Doing good for the planet and for S&C
S ustainability at S&C is good for the success of our company, good for our customers, and good for the planet. We’re leaders in an industry that can make a real difference in reducing the impacts of climate change and protecting the world we share. “The foundation of our sustainability efforts is our guiding principle of responsible stewardship,” says Ursula Moss, Senior Manager, Environmental & Sustainability. Our commitment to sustainability is firmly embedded in all operational areas. We’ve achieved impressive results, and our focus on sustainability through energy efficiency, product quality, customer service, and waste management is stronger than ever.
THIS YEAR, S&C FORMALIZED ITS DECARBONIZATION GOALS WITH A COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2050, WITH INTERIM REDUCTION TARGETS BY 2030, BY ADDRESSING
SCOPE 1, 2, AND 3 EMISSIONS.” —URSULA MOSS, SENIOR MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY
EFFICIENCY REDUCES EMISSIONS Operational excellence at S&C focuses on improving efficiency to eliminate waste and greenhouse gas emissions in our products and operations. “This year, S&C formalized its decarbonization goals with a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, with interim reduction targets by 2030, by addressing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions,” says Ursula. Scope categorizations help define and guide the various ways companies such as S&C can reduce emissions and mitigate the impact of their operations on the environment.
Ursula Moss , Senior Manager, Environmental & Sustainability
SCOPES OF EMISSIONS
SCOPE 1 DIRECT Emissions from sources controlled by S&C.
SCOPE 2 INDIRECT Emissions from the purchase and use of electricity.
SCOPE 3 INDIRECT
Emissions from outside of the organization’s control, such as supply-chain providers.
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“We’ve already reduced Scope 1 emissions by 75% since 2014. Scope 2 emissions have dropped by 37%. And since 2018, we’ve maintained a goal of being 99% landfill-free,” says Ursula. “Our landfill-free status means we divert nearly all waste from landfills by focusing on recycling and repurposing.” REWORK REDUCTION COMBATS GREENHOUSE GAS One factor in meeting our net zero targets is reducing emissions caused by production rework. For example, if defects in Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear are identified during end-stage quality checks, the required rework may cause the release of small amounts of a greenhouse gas called sulfur hexafluoride, or SF 6 . To reduce these potential emissions, we focus on improving our quality in the Vista assembly process by further standardizing workflows and increasing inspections to reduce the need for rework.
IF WE FOLLOW QUALITY PROCEDURES, WE WILL DELIVER QUALITY PRODUCTS TO CUSTOMERS AND BE MORE SUSTAINABLE.” —TODD DENNIS, SENIOR MANAGER, PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
Todd Dennis and David Dempsey inspect Vista Switchgear
“If we follow quality procedures, we will deliver quality products to customers and be more sustainable,” says Todd Dennis, Senior Manager, Production Operations. “Also, it positively impacts our financial performance by lowering operating costs. That is why we focus on getting our products right the first time for the customer, our business, and our planet.” LOCAL CUSTOMER SUPPORT LOWERS EMISSIONS To help reduce Scope 3 emissions, our Power Systems Solutions (PSS) team opened the Melbourne Service Center in Australia to handle testing and repairs for our IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter product. Previously, repairs required shipping the product back to the U.S., which added to fossil fuel use and increased emissions. “Local service centers like the one in Melbourne reduce logistics-related emissions and shorten repair timelines,” Ursula explains. “This approach improves customer service while also minimizing our carbon footprint.”
“These changes boost product quality and minimize potential gas emissions,” says David Dempsey, Manager of Quality Assurance. “We expect these efforts will reduce Scope 1 emissions by 5%-10% by 2030.”
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Waste management is essential to S&C’s sustainability strategy, focusing on reuse, recycling, and repurposing. In 2023, we launched initiatives to support our 99% landfill- free goal across our U.S. and Mexico facilities.
Helping our team members understand the value of proper waste separation is crucial to our sustainability efforts. Team member education starts on day one. “We also engage and educate our communities with events like public recycling days,” says Dana. OUR SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS: A JOB WELL DONE Our long-term sustainability strategy continues to evolve through employee engagement, operational improvements, and company investments.
GLOBAL WASTE DIVERTED FROM LANDFILLS
Target
Global
99%
98.71%
98.42%
96.38%
93.70%
2018 BASELINE
2021
2022
2023
“We’ve done so much great work, and we will continue to strive to meet our sustainability goals,” says Dana. “Everyone at S&C should feel proud that we are improving our sustainability as a company and at the same time doing good for our planet.” To learn more about our Dana Greene - Assistant Manager, Sustainability, Safety & Environmental Services; Todd Dennis - Senior Manager, Production Operations; Charles Williams - Supervisor, Inspection; David Dempsey - Manager, Quality Assurance, and Valerie Rodriguez – Manager, Assembly
“We’re in the process of developing standardized waste bins and signage at U.S. sites to make waste separation easier for team members,” says Dana Greene, Assistant Manager of Sustainability. “Proper waste separation ensures we meet recycling targets and minimize landfill contributions.” Globally, we focus on increasing team member engagement in recycling, composting, and waste- related procedures and initiatives. Throughout the year, we host events to discuss our landfill- free and decarbonization goals and encourage team members to practice sustainability.
sustainability progress, scan the QR code to read our 2023 sustainability report. n
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (right) joins our public recycling day event
2024 S&C Community Event: The Chicago Lakefront Beach Clean-up
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S&C ELECTRIC MEXICANA: PATH TO 99% LANDFILL-FREE Composting & recycling efforts improve waste management
R esponsibly disposing of waste is how S&C Electric Mexicana is nearing our 99% landfill-free goal. “Our waste-management program focuses on recycling and composting waste to divert as much as possible from landfills,” says Mayra Macias, Assistant Manager, Safety & Environmental. Currently, our Mexico facility is 98% landfill-free. Three waste-management initiatives are helping meet our landfill-free goal: making recycling part of the culture, responsibly and safely disposing of fiberglass, and having the local community join our sustainability efforts.
PASOS PARA CREAR POPOSTA:
¿QUÉ SÍ PODEMOS DEPOSITAR EN NUESTRA CUBETA DE POPOSTA? 1.Realiza tu inscripción en HSE. 2.Te entregaremos 1 cubeta para juntar los residuos. 3.Separa tus residuos en la cubeta. Cuando tu cubeta este LLENA DE residuos, traerlos a S&C para su recolección. 4. Trabajarán los residuos y los transformarán en POposta. 5.
Cynthia Huitzil (SMD-20) participates in S&C Mexicana recycling program.
Team members bring home organic waste to S&C for composting.
COMPOSTING AT HOME LEADS TO RECYCLING AT WORK As part of our efforts to improve waste
OUR WASTE-MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOCUSES ON RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING WASTE TO DIVERT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE FROM LANDFILL.” —MAYRA MACIAS, ASSISTANT MANAGER, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL
management at our facility, we encourage team members to compost waste at home. “Our goal is to make recycling part of our culture,” says Mayra. In May, S&C Electric Mexicana started a home composting waste program. Team members voluntarily began separating and bringing compostables from home, such as organic food scraps and yard trimmings, to the facility for composting. Centro Ecológico El Huizache, an ecological center in Mexico, collects the compost waste weekly. Participating team members receive compost soil to plant trees and vegetables at home as a sustainable gift. So far, 26% of team members have participated in the program, composting approximately 50 cans of waste and saving 1,000 kilograms of waste per month. Since we started the program, we noticed an improvement in waste separation in our recycling bins, which improves our landfill-free status,” says Mayra.
Cecilia Gonzalez (Quality Assurance) on the left, collects compost from home with her mom and daughter.
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SUSTAINABLY DISPOSING FIBERGLASS In September, S&C Electric Mexicana began partnering with Asistencia Ambiental to responsibly and safely dispose of fiberglass. “A few years ago, suppliers did not accept fiberglass, and local authorities stopped accepting it in landfills,” says Mayra. “We use fiberglass to make our fuse products, and this process generates fiberglass waste that is harmful and hazardous to the planet.” This partnership enables us to recycle fiberglass sustainably and decrease the amount of hazardous waste that goes into landfills. We have avoided sending more than 86,000 kilograms of fiberglass to landfills. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT “S&C’s waste-management practices also mean having strong and supportive relationships with our community and welcoming them to join us in our sustainability journey to eliminate waste,” says Mayra.
In 2023, S&C introduced large separation bins outside our facilities to allow community members to segregate their waste. Our waste-management practices and sustainability partnerships are critical to S&C Electric Mexicana’s efforts to be 99% landfill- free. Although we are just one percentage point short of the goal, the company will continue collaborating with team members, the community, and partners to eliminate as much waste as possible from landfills. n WE HAVE AVOIDED SENDING MORE THAN 86,000 KILOGRAMS OF FIBERGLASS WASTE TO LANDFILLS.” —MAYRA MACIAS, ASSISTANT MANAGER, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE - S&C ELECTRIC MEXICANA YEAR-TO-DATE (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2024)
Target of 99%
Waste-Management Effort Net Results: • 26% team member participation in composting program • 50 cans of waste composted per month • Saved 1000 kgs. of waste per month • 86,000+ kgs. of fiberglass waste saved from landfills
98.28%
97.78%
97.71%
97.42%
97.44%
97.06%
95.76%
95.57%
94.74%
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
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MEET NICOLE COLEN Our new Chief Human Resources Officer
N icole Colen brings a deep understanding and passion for all things people-related to her role as S&C’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). As CHRO, she will build upon our existing culture, ensuring all team members feel valued and know they have a career path at S&C.
VOLTS & JOLTS: WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO S&C? NICOLE COLEN (NC): As I learned more about S&C, its initiatives around team member engagement, DE&I, and community involvement, I realized S&C isn’t just a company that says it cares about people; the company demonstrates this care every day. I knew I could add value by further strengthening the team member experience as the company expands. V&J: WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE HR FUNCTION? NC: My vision for HR is to build on our reputation of being a trusted partner for leaders and a resource for team members in each area of the company. Success in HR is
linked to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. This will be essential for S&C as we grow. With that growth comes a need for additional talent and for current team members to develop their skills for new roles. HR will be instrumental to our success in both areas. In addition, HR will continue to create an environment where team members have internal opportunities to grow, rather than having to look externally for new opportunities. I want our team members to want to remain and develop their careers here at S&C. V&J: HOW WILL YOU REALIZE THAT VISION? NC: We will realize our vision by strengthening relationships and ensuring HR provides the highest level of support to team members and leaders. I want to empower team members to take charge of their careers, further build our affinity groups, and provide increased opportunities for development. There should be something here for everyone. I want to ensure we have the right team members in the right roles and S&C is a place where you can spend your entire career. This starts with robust centers of excellence within HR, having a shared services model, and HR business partners that are not only a key partner, but a “one stop shop” for team members and leaders. Our team members are our greatest asset. Our annual engagement survey tells us team members feel supported and heard. Employee longevity also speaks volumes. I’m continually impressed by the quality and knowledge of our team members. V&J: WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING AT S&C? NC: I am excited about continuing the HR team’s great work and enhancing our service levels and offerings as we grow to meet customer demand for our products. It’s also exciting to know our team members’ work contributes to delivering safer, reliable, and resilient electricity to people and businesses everywhere. n
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AROUND S&C
S&C PALATINE OFFICIALLY OPEN! On September 10, 2024, we officially opened our manufacturing facility in Palatine, Illinois. Current production in Palatine includes circuit-switchers, devices that protect transmission substation transformers, and other grid-hardening equipment. S&C senior leaders cut the ribbon at the grand opening event. Pictured left to right: Anders Hutlberg - President-S&C Electric Canada Ltd, Nicole Colen - Chief Human Resources Officer; Jim Johnson Jr - Chief Operating Officer; Anders Sjoelin - President & CEO; Trisha Knych - Chief Marketing & Communication Officer; Joe Matamoros, Chief Product Development Officer, and Ernst Scholtz, Chief Technology Officer. n
TEAM S&C JOINS THE J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE CHALLENGE
In May, nearly 150 team members walked, jogged, and ran together through the streets of downtown Chicago in this year’s J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. Our fastest team members completed the 3.5-mile race in less than 24 minutes! n
Thank you S&Cers for your participation!
For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Inclusion, Diversity, Engagement, and Awareness (I.D.E.A) affinity group hosted an in-person and virtual panel discussion about inclusion in the workplace. The affinity group also introduced a new Hispanic Heritage Spotlight Award. Eighty-one Hispanic American and Canadian team members were recognized for their innovative spirit, resilience, and unity. n CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Hispanic Heritage Award Spotlight Winners CHICAGO Alfonso Aguilar Arroyo Isaac Aguilar Ricardo Alba Munoz Antelmo Arteaga Sabino Ayala Vannesa Lemasson Norma Leon Gustavo Lopez Jose Martinez Rosa McKinley TORONTO Hernan Alvarez
Jesus Rascon Leticia Rebolledo Maria Reyes Danielle Rodriguez Carlos Rodriguez Mendez Hector Roman Nestor Sagastume Reymundo Salgado Francisca Saunders Jessi Torres Cruz Claudia Valdez Alfonso Valdovinos Silvana Valdovinos Sal Ventura
Sergio Diaz Maria Diaz De Leon Milton Diaz De Leon Guadalupe (Jose) Dominguez Pedro Fernandez Joe Garcia
FRANKLIN Michael Angeles Mendez Cruz Cerda-Rios Keishla(Kay) Cruz Luis Hernandez Gustavo Rojas Jimenez Jose Vazquez Lopez Isidro Mendoza Apolonio Perez Martha Acosta Ramirez Jenny Rosa Janet Walton
Saul De Lira Roger Flores Ale Freire Daniel Gonzalez Salcedo Victor Ramirez Jonny Veliz
Noel Medina Ana Miranda Kitzia Morquecho-Luna Jose Munoz Edward Nazario Nadia Noriega Mario Oliva Maria Orocio Palma
Diana Bandera Jose Barbosa Lucina Bautista Fausto Bobadilla Fidel Bravo Ignacio Campos Maribel Ceron Silva Saul De La Cruz Jennifer Delgado Jesus Delgado
Gil Garcia Ceja Daniel Gomez Jose Gonzales Ruvalcaba Jr. Elsa Guadalupe Gonzalez Alonso Guzman Perfecto Islas Jessica Jaimes
PALATINE Francisco Garcia Robert Gomez Carlos Nunez Mario Yebra
Nadia Pantaleon Daniel Quezada Denise Ramirez
OTHER Frank Rodriguez
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AROUND S&C
S&C HONORED AS A HIRE OUR HEROS CERTIFIED EMPLOYER
In July, S&C was honored as a Hire Our Heroes Certified Employer for the first time. In the words of Hire Our Heros President, Dave Pishioneri, “Your commitment proves veterans continue to play an essential role in building a competent and successful workforce.” n
SAFE + SOUND WEEK At S&C, safety is everyone’s responsibility; it’s how we work as one safe team. More than 800 Chicago, Palatine, and Mexico team members participated in Safe + Sound Week activities to enhance their safety skills this year. n
Chicago Event
Palatine Event
S&C Mexicana Event
2024 ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN Through the Annual Giving Campaign, team members in the U.S. and Canada amplified our impact on our communities. We raised funds to create healthy communities, feed needy families, and support our friends with disabilities. In the U.S., team members raised $320,667.50, and team members in Canada raised $12,742. The totals include the company match. n
In October, the Women’s Empowerment Group (WEG), Chicago Health Services, and HSE S&C Electric Mexicana teamed up to help our team members learn more about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and how to support loved ones affected by it. During October 2 and 3 in Chicago and on October 18 at S&C Electric Mexicana, team members wore pink to support those affected by breast cancer. n BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT S&C
Minh, who moved to Chicago 31 years ago, started degreasing machines and is now a machinist in the metal cutting and turning department. “I love my work,” says Minh, who graduated from Dawson Technical Institute in Chicago. He wants to thank S&C for the financial stability his job has provided to his family, including his wife and two daughters. “I would like to thank all Americans,” Minh says. “This is a land of opportunities that has helped me to improve my life.”
Minh loves to tend to his garden, watch the news, and listen to music when he is not working. To newcomers considering a career at S&C, he stresses the importance of working for a stable company that takes care of its team members. “S&C is a good company to work for,” Minh says. “You will have good benefits. Your life will be stable until retirement.” n
Minh Le Machinist Metal Cutting & Turning Operations When Minh Le was looking for a job, the local Vietnamese association pointed him to S&C.
“I honestly said that I’m not looking right now, but I will come and talk to you,” says David. After his interview, David was hired as a senior test engineer for EnergyLine. When S&C bought EnergyLine, he remained with S&C in the same department as an electronic engineer. “I like that we are developing new products and designs, which fuels my creative side,” he says. Recently, David’s team developed the control board for S&C’s EdgeRestore® Underground Distribution Restoration System. Born in the Philippines, David moved to San Diego, California, as a baby when his father joined the U.S. Navy. He returned to the Philippines
when he was six and attended school there. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering, he moved back to California. He and his wife of 39 years, Reina, love to travel. He’s also a contemporary jazz music aficionado. David is grateful for the longevity of S&C, and for the stability it has offered his family over the years. “How many companies can you name that have a club for people who have stayed with the company for 25 years?” David says. n
David Munoz Staff Engineer Electronics Hardware David Munoz’s friend, who worked at EnergyLine Systems in Alameda, California, encouraged him to apply for a job there, so David followed his advice. Then, he waited. And waited. It was nearly two years before the company called and asked him to come in for an interview.
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Peter lives with his wife, Marcia, in Skokie, Illinois, in his childhood home, which he bought from his parents. When he is not working, Peter enjoys woodworking and woodturning. His creations include bowls, pens, jewelry boxes, and tables. Peter is grateful for the opportunities at S&C. He learned about company loyalty from his father, who worked for the same company for 30 years. “My Dad always said, ‘If you find a company you like, and they’re doing things good for you, stay with them,” Peter says. “And basically, it’s been true.” n
He followed Bill’s suggestion to apply at S&C and was hired as a wire operator in the tool room. After a year, Peter moved to the model shop. Coming from a small machine shop, he knew he was in for a change when he saw all the CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) equipment. “It was a big culture shock,” Peter says. “I knew I’d grow and learn in this job.” Throughout his career, he has learned how to operate more machines. “I feel there’s always something to learn,” Peter says. He also serves as a mentor for newer team members.
Peter Paul Tool & Model Maker-Advanced Prototyping & Tooling Peter Paul has the Boys Scouts to thank for getting an interview with S&C; he heard about S&C from Bill Duryea (retired), whose sons were in his Boy Scout troop.
Over his career, Kaiser held various logistics roles and honed his expertise in selecting products, shipping, and loading. The nature of the work also makes him an expert on workplace safety because these jobs require a mix of quick thinking, moving heavy cartons, and driving forklifts. Kaiser also regularly trains new team members on workplace safety, teaching them to work together to lift cartons properly and avoid injury. “If they don’t know, we teach them,” he says. “For example, before you start the forklift, put your safety belt on and make sure the forks are down. “I’ve been here 25 years and haven’t had any safety incidents.”
Today, Kaiser works as a Material Handler-Intermediate and reports to Job Constant (Global Transportation & Logistics) and Scott Buckley (Global Transportation & Logistics). He offers the following advice to younger team members: “Show up and do your job. Don’t be late. Don’t miss days. Work hard, and you’ll have no problems.” Kaiser is an Assyrian from Iraq, and he came to the U.S. in 1979. He and his wife, Mayswon, have three sons, ages 16 to 34. n
Kaiser Dawood Material Handler-Intermediate Global Transportation & Logistics Kaiser Dawood first heard about S&C from friends who worked here in the early 1980s, but it took almost 20 years and a cross-country move before he applied. He was hired temporarily and became a full-time Global Transportation & Logistics team member on June 20, 1999.
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Victor initially applied to S&C after his brother-in-law Lorenzo Hernandez, who was then head of Food Services, told him about the company. “I love to cook,” he says. “But at the time, I was the only one working to support my family and needed to do what was best for them.” With a curious mindset and desire to keep learning, Victor transferred to Operations and started working as Operator D–Finishing System in Metal-Enclosed Gear Finishing. Victor’s supervisor at the time took him under his wing and taught him skills that allowed him to advance to Operator C and then B. Presently, Victor is a Finisher-Complex in Metal Finishing and reports to Jose Silva (Metal Finishing). Zeljko completed his courses, he applied at S&C and was hired as Assembler G on June 20, 1999. During his 25 years at S&C, Zeljko has had the opportunity to grow his career and learn about different departments. “If I was interested in something, I took classes or training that allowed me to grow my career,” he says. As the company grew over the years, Zeljko’s career also advanced from Assembler positions to Lead Electrical Quality Technologist. “When I look back, it seems quick. So much has changed,” he says. “When I started, half of these buildings were just parking lots.”
With his 25 years of experience, Victor is eager to give back to other team members. “I like to help people who ask questions about my experience. I tell them that S&C is a good company with great benefits and great people and that there are so many opportunities to grow,” he says. In his free time, Victor enjoys soccer and, of course, cooking. He and his wife also like to travel. They often visit their hometown outside Mexico City. n
Victor Lopez Velazquez Finisher-Complex Metal Finishing Team members often cite
opportunities for growth as a reason for staying with S&C. Victor Lopez Velazquez, who began his career on June 21, 1999, as Cook B in Food Services, is a great example of how team members can change and grow in their career here.
With 25 years of experience at S&C, Zeljko tells new team members, “If you like what you do and want to build a career, S&C is the place to be. If you work hard, you can work your way up and choose your path. There are so many opportunities.” Zeljko reports to Angel Guma (Inspection). He and his wife, Nermina, met in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They now live in Chicago and have two adult daughters. In their free time, Zeljko and Nermina love to travel, with Florida being their favorite place to visit. n
Zeljko Pavelic Lead Electrical Quality Technologist Inspection
When Zeljko Pavelic came to the U.S., he was eager to strengthen his employment options. He began an electronics training course at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois in Chicago to help take his skills to the next level. When
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At the beginning of his career, Hugo remembers having little responsibility. However, he worked hard and learned from his team members and managers, and over time his responsibilities grew. Hugo considered leaving S&C at one time but decided to stay because there were opportunities for him to grow within the company. Hugo also felt supported as he transitioned through different departments, including working with our Mark V Circuit-Switcher, TripSaver® II Cutout-Mounted Recloser, Scada-Mate® Switching System, Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear, the IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter team, and Vista & Vista SD Assembly. Greg, following in the footsteps of his brother Don Spahn (Electroplating), began his S&C career as an Operator - Lift Truck in Fabrication Planning on June 7, 1999. Throughout his tenure, he’s held several positions, from Operator to Material Handler, always with safety as his number one priority. In fact, Greg has been part of S&C’s Safety Action Team for about 20 years. In this role, he helps train and ensure team members work by the highest safety standards. Sometimes known as “Mr. Safety” by his team members, when he sees something unsafe or gets a report, he quickly corrects the problem. Greg is also supportive when team members make
Within his 25 years at S&C, Hugo has also had the opportunity to collaborate and be a mentor to younger team members. “I see my younger self in them. I always encourage them to speak up because people listen here,” he says. “I also tell them to work hard and try new things so they can work their way up.” Hugo is presently an Assembler on Vista Underground Switchgear, reporting to Mario Oliva (Vista Operations). He shares a passion for boxing with his 16-year-old son, Angel. n mistakes. “I help them learn to work safer, so they stay safe now and in the future,” he explains. Greg’s safety-first approach also shows up in how he works at home. “I always think about safety. I need to analyze the situation rather than just jump on it,” he says. Presently, Greg is a Material Handler who reports to Edwin Regules (Global Transportation & Logistics) and Nahrin Ishak (Global Transportation & Logistics). Greg has three adult children. He’s an avid fisherman and grows various vegetables in his garden. He also loves to cook, especially if it’s fish he just caught. n
Greg Spahn Material Handler Global Transportation & Logistics Safety is a team sport at S&C. It’s our shared responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. Greg Spahn is one example of a team member who approaches life with a safety-first mindset.
Hugo Torres Assembler Vista & Vista SD Assembly Hugo Torres was just shy of his 21st birthday when a friend at S&C encouraged him to apply to the company. He was hired as Assembler E in Building 12 Assembly, starting June 1, 1999.
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“It was a love at first sight kind of thing,” he says. “I loved that it was privately owned,” adding he found changes to the company’s structure later on enticing as well. “There is more flexibility and freedom at an employee-owned business compared to publicly traded companies.” Dave began on June 1, 1999, as a Senior Financial Analyst. He spent his first years handling just about everything related to tax compliance. In recent years, he shifted his focus to risk management and insurance. Presently, Dave is a Risk & Financial Compliance Manager, reporting to Greg Messing (Global Finance & Accounting). Dave’s also an administrator for the 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In the role, he After growing his career in Building 12 for nearly 10 years, he transitioned to Internal Logistics as a Lift Truck Operator. This transition is when Zuher genuinely understood and appreciated S&C’s safety-first culture. “Safety is important to me; I always encourage safety among my team members. I remind them to pay attention and go slow when walking and driving down the aisles,” he says. “In my 25 years here, I have not had any (safety) problems or accidents.” For the last 15 years, Zuher enhanced his career as a Material Handler in departments that include Internal Logistics, Buildings 12A & 17, and Vista & Vista SD Assembly,
works with trustees, ensuring compliance on all aspects of the KSOP benefit. He encourages team members to take full advantage of the plan, including getting the company match. It’s this benefit – employee ownership – that’s kept Dave working here for 25 years. “We [team members] benefit financially because it’s on us to improve S&C’s business versus doing what is needed to impress Wall Street. This sense of pride and ownership has kept me here. And of course, I really like the culture.” n
Dave Wheeland Risk & Financial Compliance Manager Global Finance & Accounting Fresh out of law school, David Wheeland was seeking a job in a corporate tax department when a recruiter contacted him about S&C. Immediately impressed, his excitement only grew throughout the interview process.
ensuring the highest product quality. “The right parts must be in the right places,” he says. Today, Zuher reports to Victor Castillo (Global Transportation & Logistics). Syrian-born Zuher was the first in his family to move to the U.S., followed by his brother Anwar and sister Shamiran Ishak, who also works at S&C (Building 12A & 17 Assembly). Zuher likes to travel in his spare time, especially to Europe, but he counts Chicago as his favorite destination. n
Zuher Lazar Material Handler
Global Transportation & Logistics Zuher Lazar applied to S&C thanks to the kind words of his brother Anwar Lazar (Vista & Vista SD), who was already an S&C team member. This launched his career as an Assembler E in Building 12 Assembly on July 12, 1999.
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In the U.S., he started a new life and job at S&C. A career that began the “old-fashioned way” by walking in the door and asking if the company was hiring. In 1998, Peter was hired as a temporary Assembler. While working at S&C, Peter began to explore different roles. During one of his lunch breaks, he took time to learn about the Galvanizing team. A conversation with a former leader led to a full-time role as an Attendant- Galvanizing on July 25, 1999. After 10 years on the Galvanizing team, Peter moved to Internal Logistics, handling and moving materials around the Chicago graduating, he took a full-time role as Machine Operator B in Building 1 on August 22, 1999. For more than two decades, Oscar worked in machinist roles with different departments, including CNC Machining, Fabrication, and Metal Cutting & Turning Operations. “I can pretty much do anything in machining—operate them, set them up, and troubleshoot,” he says. Oscar participated in a training course to continue enhancing his career and understand more about how the machining process works. Years later, this training paid
campus. Today, Peter is a Material Handler and reports to Silam Yousif (Global Transportation & Logistics). Peter’s advice to new team members: “Work hard and take initiative. They are the keys to success. Focus on your job, follow the rules, and don’t be late.” Peter and his wife, Adejoke, are involved in the Nigerian community in Chicago. He also enjoys playing soccer, attending church, and swimming. n
Peter Obor Material Handler Global Transportation & Logistics Peter Obor was raised to be independent and self-sufficient, giving him the courage to strike out on his own and head to the U.S. from Nigeria in 1992.
off because he transitioned to a CNC Programmer-Intermediate role in 2021. Now, he is a CNC Programmer - Advanced, reporting to Sabina Ayala (U.S. Fabrication). Oscar’s family moved to Chicago from Mexico when he was 10. He has four kids, ages 9 to 20. Oscar enjoys horseback riding, owns two horses and a baby foal, and occasionally participates in rodeos. n
Oscar Correa CNC Programmer-Advanced U.S. Fabrication Oscar Correa was a student at Senn High School in Chicago when he learned about S&C’s student employee program. After
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The co-op program provided Mike with various career experiences, which led him to the Information Technology team, specifically working with engineering systems. He was hired permanently as a Mechanical Engineer in IT on August 16, 1999. At that time, the department was small but growing. Mike’s supervisor, Alec Gil (Information Technology), explained that new technology on the horizon would bring many changes, and he wanted Mike to be a part of this growth. “I felt really valued,” Mike shares. “And I was inspired by Alec’s vision for the department and what my role could become. S&C has always provided an environment to learn and grow which is one of the many reasons for my longevity at S&C.” Matt heard great things about S&C and contacted a friend who introduced him to Sil Donat (retired). Sil interviewed and offered Matt the Assembler E position in Pad-Mounted Gear Assembly, which launched his S&C career on August 2, 1999. Over the next few years, Matt began working with IT professionals, including Cathy Anderson (retired) and Mike Schaefer (retired), who encouraged him to apply for an opening in the IT department. “I wasn’t sure I was qualified,” Matt says, recalling his transition from Assembly. Just like in his first position at S&C, he learned on the spot, with the guidance of his supervisors and peers.
Mike has continued to move up the IT ranks and is currently a Senior Manager, reporting to Alec Gil (Information Technology). Over the years, Mike has been involved in launching the IntelliRupter® PulseCloser® Fault Interrupter, among other products, and works with customers to resolve issues and create new, custom technologies. He is also the vice chair for the Inclusion, Diversity, Engagement, and Awareness (I.D.E.A.) affinity group. Mike and his wife, Anastasia, have three children. Outside of work, he is heavily involved with theater and is on the board of the Playmakers Laboratory, an arts education program for Chicago children. n Matt has worked in various IT roles, supporting all S&C team members’ IT needs. The highlight of his job is meeting people all over the company. This is one of the many reasons he takes the customer service aspect of his job seriously. “I always try to get team members the help they need. And if I can’t help them, I find someone who can.” Today, Matt is a Lead IT Service Specialist. He reports to Alec Gil (Information Technology). Though his career dream changed, Matt remains a huge fan of live music and often attends concerts. He’s also a trivia buff. n
Mike Lubin Senior Manager Information Technology Mike Lubin was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago when he learned about S&C’s student co-op program. Eager to get hands-on work experience, he joined the company as a co-op student and completed four terms while in school.
Matt Power Lead IT Service Specialist Information Technology
After graduating with a degree in broadcast radio, Matt Power did not consider working at a manufacturing company. However, when his career at the radio station and second job at Dominick’s grocery store came to an end, he knew he needed to make a career change.
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ADDITIONAL QCC INDUCTEES
Steven Gibson Machinist- Intermediate Joined S&C as a Machine Operator on June 28, 1999. n Kim Lay Supervisor- Assembly Joined S&C as a Machine Operator B on June 27, 1999. n Jose (Chepe) Avila Finisher Joined S&C as an Operator D - Finishing System on July 6, 1999. n
Savin Khim Inspection Joined S&C as an Assembler G on July 25, 1999. n Eddie Flores Assembler Joined S&C as an Assembler D on Aug. 2, 1999. n
Sobhi Harb Distribution Relations Manager Joined S&C as a Regional Manager - Middle East on August 16, 1999 n Daniel Seow Senior Cyber Security Operations Analyst Joined S&C as a Technical Support Specialist on August 23, 1999. n
SHORTS & CIRCUITS PICTURE THIS
S&C CHICAGO ANNUAL QUARTER CENTURY CLUB DINNER
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U.S. QCC PHOTOS AVAILABLE Photos from the Chicago Quarter Century Club dinner can be viewed and downloaded until January 31, 2025 . Use this link https://bit.ly/3YbzGpW or scan the QR code. Once you enter your name and
email address, you will be taken to the page showing all the photos. The informa- tion you provide will not be kept on file.
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RETIREMENTS
Christopher Goodney | 19 years Northeast Sales Region Sharon Klinger | 7 years Safety & Environmental Services Jose Laguna | 27 years Global Production Planning Ted Lapke | 33 years Vista & Vista SD Assembly Minh Le | 25 years Metal Cutting & Turning Operations Jaime Lopez | 19 years Metal Forming Operations- Buildings 5 & 18 Izzet Nalbant | 18 years Metal Cutting & Turning Operations Nidhal Odisho | 25 years Metal Cutting & Turning Operations Ruben Quezada | 16 years Global Transportation & Logistics Michael Radcliffe | 47 years
Juliet Banyamin | 18 years Polymer Products Elena Bogden | 17 years Metal Cutting & Turning Operations Carolyn Brunner | 20 years Project Management Thanh Bui | 28 years Metal Cutting & Turning Operations Douglass Buier | 10 years Information Technology Jerrilyn Clark | 40 years Production Operation Michael Coffell | 22 years Metal Forming Operations- Buildings 5 & 18 Teofilo Cunanan | 28 years Information Technology John Desmond | 45 years Facilities Richard Giza | 15 years Vista & Vista SD Assembly Jose Gonzalez | 35 years Global Transportation & Logistics
Fabian Rosillo | 13 years Global Transportation & Logistics Michael Schaefer | 42 years Information Technology Dung Than | 25 years Global Transportation & Logistics Darren Van Jacobs | 40 years Information Technology Joseph Van Santen | 30 years U.S. Fabrication Ranulfo Velasco | 18 years Vista & Vista SD Assembly Gary Wetzel | 25 years Business Support Khochaba Younan | 3 years Metal Forming Operations- Buildings 5 & 18
Information Technology Maria Reyes | 18 years Building 2A Assembly
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Ana De Oliveira Marcon to Manager-Value Stream Engineering Archris Douglas Jr. to Team Leader (Logistics) Cesar Flores to Assistant Manager-Fabrication Saeedahmed Gantiwala to Mechanical Quality Technologist Chris Goodney to Senior Automation Systems Application Director Chris Hartman to Associate Project Application Engineer-Sales Support Nathan Howell to Manager- Process Engineering ON THE MOVE
MAY
Mario Marquez to Associate Project Application Engineer-Sales Support Suham Meekho to Supervisor-Assembly Steve Oliver to Technician-Complex Felicia Parker to Welder-Intermediate
Mike Balster to Senior Automation Systems Application Director Martha Acosta Ramirez to Team Leader (Operations Franklin) Akram Antar to Finisher-Advanced Bill Awisha to Material Handler-Advanced John Badillo to Manager-
Lee Piecoro to Associate Talent Programs Specialist Olguta Racolta to Senior Quality Engineer
Dadullah Rahimi to Finisher-Intermediate Ricardo Ramirez to Design Engineer Basrah Sadah to Supervisor- Administration Wayne Thomas to Manager-Fabrication Diego Torrez to Assistant Manager-Polymers
Production Equipment Sidy Bah to Mechanical Quality Technologist Omar Bell to Mold Technician-Intermediate Jeni Bermudez to Senior Manager-Human Resources (Corporate Functions)
Gerald Ibeagha to Mold Technician-Intermediate Kerry Kirland to Senior Proposal Analyst
Sohail Lashkariya to Manager-Assembly Eric Lehmann to Assistant Manager-Process Engineering Claudia Lopez to Lead Proposal Analyst
Caleb Bernard to Assistant Manager-Supplier Quality Mike Chavez to Technician-Complex
Danny Zaragoza to Senior Assembly Test Technologist
Alex Cruz Silva Jr. to Welder-Intermediate
JUNE Fausto Bonilla to Assembler AA Ben Darling to Product Specialist Ryan Evans to Design Engineer Jose Garcia to Project Engineer Jose Gonzalez to Team Leader (Polymer) Tsedeke Handero to Manager-Food Service
Christopher Kleis to Technician-Complex Dana Law to Assistant Manager- Technical Sales Support Dave Munoz to Staff Engineer Billy Rasho to Team Leader (Assembly & Test Chicago) Alejandra Reyes Allende to Team Leader (Operations Franklin) Sarah Robles to Manager- Customer Inventory Jose Rodriguez to Machinist-Advanced Richard Rybicki to Welder- Intermediate
Albert Shenault to Technician-Intermediate Mark Smith to Technician- Intermediate Amaris Timbol-Hua to HR Business Partner Mike Tobin to Manager- Value Stream Engineering Bryce Washebeck to Regional Director-Sales Jennifer Woodson to Supply Chain Analyst Jiahao Xie to Senior Engineer
Vedin Horozovic to Toolmaker-Advanced Marcus Hussey to Senior Chemical Technologist
Christopher Young to Regional Director-Sales
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JULY
Keenan Jones to Welder- Intermediate Brad Kloman to Assembler- Advanced Georgia Kokosoulis to Senior Manager-International Accounting Alex Kulp to Cost Accountant Larry Lieu to Mold Technician-Advanced Brandon Mack to Industrial Design Engineer Joseph McGovern to Team Leader (Logistics) Joshua Newton to Welder-Intermediate Dona Nguyen to Assembler-Advanced Peter Nguyen to Supervisor-Stockroom RJ Nunez to Mold Technician- Intermediate Berenice Patino to Mold Technician-Advanced Karan Patwa to Electrical Designer Omar Moreno to Mold Technician-Intermediate Dana Greene to Assistant Manager-Sustainability Betemariam Gutema to Finisher-Advanced Mike Hibicke to Senior Manager- Technical Sales Support Matt Kowalik to Welder-Intermediate Denzell Lewis to Team Leader (Assembly & Test Chicago) Carlos Merino to Technician-Complex Manuel Mondragon Guevara to Team Leader (Finishing) Leonel Paz to Lead QMS Coordinator Phalkun Rath to Senior Electrical Quality Technologist Brandon Reyes to
Hector Pena to Senior Maintenance Technologist Liviu Prodan to Team Leader (Facilities) Joe Samme to Machinist- Intermediate Chris Samuel Jr. to Material Handler-Advanced Candy Sanchez to Mold Technician-Advanced Jesus Santos Arroyo to Welder-Advanced Shep Shepherd to Team Leader (Facilities) Parmjot Singh to Senior Electrical Designer Bankim Suthar to Senior
Gem Abdullah to Manager- Information Technology Sasan Abedkhah to Mechanical Designer Emmanuel Amijan to Assembler-Advanced Santiago Arevalo to Welder-Advanced Ann Bailey to UX Analyst Jeff Bart to Senior Engineer Jesus Betancourt to Senior Mechanical Designer
Tayler Buresh to Project Engineer Kit Calvez to Finisher-Intermediate Antonio Davis to Assistant Manager-Supplier Quality Francis Gotanco to Senior Engineer Junior Hernandez to Team Leader (Logistics)
Electrical Designer Jessi Torres Cruz to Supervisor-Assembly Susan Wice to Assembler-Advanced Tsehay Wolde to Senior Manager-Project Management
Justin Jackson to Assistant Manager-Supplier Quality Sumesh Jaggi to Mechanical Designer
AUGUST
Carlos Rodriguez to Design Engineer Savanna Ruiz to Process Engineer Sam Safiran to Production Operations Support Specialist Maicol Sanz Martinez to
Ahmadullah Arifi to Machinist-Intermediate
Jose Barbosa Jr to Finisher-Advanced Tanner Buel to Project Engineer Neoma Bussell to Team Leader (Logistics) Juan Carlos Ramírez to Assistant Manager-Production Bruno Castañón to Manager- Lean Performance System Simeon Deebom to Team Leader (Assembly & Test Chicago) Angel Floriano to Messenger Josh Gonzalez to Machinist- Intermediate
Finisher-Intermediate Niecey Scott to Senior Security Officer
Lawrence Semel to Senior Engineer Simon Seriki to Finisher-Intermediate Prashasti Sharma to Manager-HR Programs & Projects Arshdeep Singh to Senior ServiceNow Developer Sam Siragusa to Project Engineer Damian Tirado to Assembly Test Technologist Charlotte Zapata to Chemical Technologist
Mechanical Engineer Everett Robinson to Process Engineer
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