Bob Steel is one of those rare workers you’ll meet who has worked for the same employer his entire career. But if you ask him about that, he’ll tell you that his entire experience at Tetra Pak has been a gratifying journey of growth, even taking him to Northern Europe and Taiwan to learn from his counterparts about the differences and similarities they share. “I’m very thankful for Tetra Pak,” said Steel, “where even if you have a limited education, if you’re willing to learn, you’re going to get acknowledged. It’s all about what you want to do.”
Name: Bob Steel.
Residence city: Brush Prairie.
Employer name: Tetra Pak.
Business address: 1616 W. 31st St., Vancouver; www.tetrapak.com.
Age: 58.
Educational/professional background: After graduating from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1976, I went to work for Crown Zellerbach in the printing room for three months before enlisting in the Marines. I was an open purchase clerk for brigade service support groups at Kaneohe Marine Corp Air/Ground in Hawaii. When I got out, I got a job at Weyerhaeuser, which was purchased by Tetra Pak in 1989. I’ve been there ever since.
How — and when — you got started in your business: I started as an entry-level production employee for Weyerhaeuser’s Vancouver milk carton division, then bid into the shipping department as a lift truck driver. When I was driving lift truck I knew I had to challenge myself to take the next step. The side sealing (where the sides of cartons are fused together) lead position became available and provided me with many challenges I needed. I eventually interviewed for production supervisor, then was promoted to my present position as side sealing manager.
In 2000 I decided to interview for a salaried position as a production supervisor. I have worked in Flexo printing and side sealing primarily, yet I have also helped support our offset printing processes as well. My main expertise is in side sealing, where the inked, creased and scored carton blanks get side-sealed. They are then a tube which will be delivered to the customers who fill them.
Personal/business philosophy: Prioritize a safe workforce and produce quality packaging on time and in full.
Most rewarding part of job: The notion of “Kaizen,” which is a continuous drive to identify opportunities for improvements in safety and/or efficiency. Kaizen is driven from the guys on the shop floor, brainstorming, coming up with ideas, and putting improvements into place. It drives engagement on the floor, not just top down. In 2013 our plant was recognized for excellence by the Japanese Institute of Plant Maintenance.
Most challenging part of job: Shifting from unplanned stops to planned stops through better inspections of machine components.
Something surprising about your work: Tetra Pak Vancouver consists of very intelligent, diverse multicultural team members.
Best feature of my Clark County community: Consistent mild climate with beautiful outdoor atmosphere.
What would make your community a better place: Improved transit systems in the rural and metro areas.
Your favorite travel destination and type: Northwest Coast, Columbia Gorge (Klickitat) by car. Mexico, Europe, Scandinavia, by air.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: Jake’s Famous Crawfish in Portland.
Hobbies: Barbecuing, working in the yard, fishing, spending time with family, music (rhythm and blues).
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: Book, “Liar Temptress Soldier Spy,” by Karen Abbott, about four women undercover during the Civil War.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Take my wife to Hawaii.
One word to describe yourself: Passionate.
Person you’d most like to meet: Anthony Bourdain.
