Juan Eliseo Cruz Ortega is always helping the heat treat industry with new projects and process development. He has gained knowledge from his hard work, and he has a spirit to share with his colleagues. Juan has an extensive work history including APRISA, GE EDESA, ALD Thermal Treatment, Inc., and ECM USA, Inc.

Juan entered the heat treating industry over 15 years ago and embodies all the qualities of a heat treat professional through technical ambition, excellent problem-solving skills, and precise attention to detail. With a master’s degree in Business Manufacturing (with specialization in plant operations and project management), Juan is currently the manager of Operations for Mexico & South America at ECM USA, Inc. He is the main contact for client support on current equipment and provides guidance on maintenance operations (e.g., schedules, retrofits, new equipment installations).

Juan is known to be a professional, friend, and someone to trust in all areas. He is results-driven and has a high standard of leadership, in fact his strong negotiation skills won many projects for ALD, such as the LPC treatment lines at Ford MoCo in Irapuato, Guanjuato, Mexico. In another position at a company, he improved the way the position of the quenching chamber was measured: Measuring the position of the quenching chamber with a draw wire encoder was accurate, but dirt on the wire gave bad readings. Juan’s idea was to move to a laser system. This change eliminated many maintenance problems, and the accuracy of the system increased. The wire system was replaced in all the equipment at that company.

As a versatile professional heat treater, he has demonstrated his ability to adapt to new responsibilities and roles, having worked with a team to improve and execute preventive maintenance plans. In another instance, while working on one important and difficult heat treatment furnace commissioning project, Juan demonstrated his initiative and ability to find solutions to every problem by making good proposals, coordinating his team effectively, and even finding external resources to solve problems quickly.

What sets Juan apart is his team spirit and his interpersonal qualities that inspire his colleagues to outdo themselves. These qualities make him an excellent trainer in different areas, such as maintenance and furnace operations. People follow him naturally, and he supports the people that work under his command. His sense of humanity allows him to understand the needs of the team in professional and personal life. Juan’s character is very strong and solid because he solves problems by focusing on the problem at hand, facts, and solutions, rather than by losing control under pressure.

A good example of his leadership was when he was the coordinator for a large project that needed the build, delivery, installation, and commissioning of two large FNC furnaces, which was a project coordinated between several nations (France, Germany, U.S., and Mexico). There were challenges that Juan met with dedication and always maintained excellent communication between all parties.

At ECM Group, Juan started as a project manager, quickly becoming an expert in project development and equipment installations which elevated him into a management role. His support-focused, can-do attitude delivers a unique level of client service that not only improves up-time and productivity but upholds a trustworthy business relationship. Juan is a reliable source of knowledge within the ECM Group and surpasses expectations to provide the best support necessary.

Beyond his support and service accomplishments above, Juan also excels in business development within his territory — all while continuing to be a pillar of support to the Mexican and South American client base. There is no limit to the growth of Juan in the future, and ECM is proud to have him on their team.

Nominated by: ECM USA, Inc., APRISA, Cleveland Hardware and Forging, BMI Fours Industriels, Tetia Heat Treatment, General Motors, TecNM Campus Tepeaca, Clarios, BIC, Commercial Sewing