FNA Spotlight: Jorge Peraza

This week we are highlighting a very inspiring employee, who has a long and special history as a member of the Fuchs team. Our Assistant Manager of Production for Department 50, Jorge Peraza, joined Fuchs North America on January 12, 2006, and below, he shares his story of building his career here at Fuchs for his family. We know you’ll be as inspired by his story and determination as we are!

In 1992, my dad came to America from Honduras on a work visa for one year. Before he came back to Honduras, he asked my Aunt Mercedes, who was an American citizen, to help him and our family obtain a green card to have a better future. In 2005, 13 years later, immigration gave the approval to my dad and my family to get a green card. Before I left Honduras, I was playing for a major league soccer team and studying at a college to become a mechanical engineer. I thought the opportunity in America would be better than my future in Honduras. On December 18th, 2005, my parents, myself, and my two brothers came to America. We ended up in Maryland living with my Aunt Mercedes, who helped us with the legal process.

Before working for Fuchs, I cut grass, cleaned apartments and companies – any side job to make money for my family. My Uncle Carlos, Aunt Mercedes’ husband, worked at Baltimore Spice (now Fuchs). He talked to Ms. Candy, who worked in Human Resources, to see if the company was hiring people. The only position available was for bulk packaging on second shift. I took the job since I needed a way to help my family. My Uncle Carlos helped me with transportation for the first couple of months until we saved enough money to move to an apartment close to Baltimore Spice. I walked every day, about 20 minutes to get to work and then back home. I later got a bicycle which I used to get to work and then finally a car.

When I started, I worked on line 1, which is now line 6, 7, or 8. I worked in that position for a couple of years. I always wanted to learn more about mechanical things and how the machines worked. This helped me to learn a lot about running different equipment. I learned how to run every single machine in bulk packing. My supervisor at the time was Ken; he always supported me in learning new things. Working overtime gave me opportunities to learn about things I wasn’t doing in my normal position. After learning all the machines, I got curious how to drive a forklift. Then I wanted to learn how to run the machines in the blending department. I learned about mixer 0, mixer 1, mixer 3, mixer 4 and mixer 5. Don’t ask me why there wasn’t a mixer 2, but if there was, I would know that one too.

I had another supervisor named Jerald, who showed me everything on the blending side. When the position opened for a forklift driver, I applied and was hired for the job. After driving for a couple of months, I began to think about my future at Fuchs. I decided to move to another department, where I thought I have more opportunity to grow in the company. While in conversation one day at work, my supervisor Jerald had a heart attack. During the time that he was out, I filled in for his leadership role. When the supervisor position for 2nd shift opened for the blending department, I was selected to fill it. I worked there for several years before later adding the responsibility of supervisor for bulk packaging as well.

Another boss I had encouraged me to learn about Buhler. I was sent to the Hampstead location as it was being built to learn about the Buhler machines. The training took 8 months; I was told I needed to make a team for Buhler, and then later formed a second team as the company kept growing. I stayed as supervisor on second shift for Buhler for about three years.

My bosses were happy with my leadership skills, so when the opportunity came, I was promoted to my current position, assistant manager of production for department 50 (blending and formulation).

Last year when the company needed help, I felt my brother would be a good addition to the team, so I encouraged him to apply. He now works for bulk packaging on premier on first shift.

My favorite memories of working at Fuchs are when the employees all come together with their families at the company picnic and Christmas parties.

Fun facts about me:
I love to play soccer. I think I’m a funny guy when I’m not at work. And I have recently been taking dance classes.

Nothing is easy in this life. Work hard and focus on your goals and never lose sight of the course to your objectives. I will always be grateful for all the opportunities and support that Fuchs gave to me and my family. Thank you to Fuchs for making my American dream come true.