Kalmar Service Hero: Juan Fernandez

Many times, you have a script or plan worked out for the day, but then reality puts you in your place," laughs Juan Fernandez, surveying the busy maintenance work going on at Kalmar's service workshop in Algeciras, Spain. "Because our job is to serve customers in whatever emergencies they may have, we just need to see what is happening on the day and respond to it. But it's always very rewarding to get to the bottom of a difficult technical problem, whatever it is.

Juan is Service Manager for Spain and Portugal. Having joined the company in 2013, he currently leads and coordinates a team of 50 service technicians across Kalmar's numerous service workshops in the region.

"We take care of service contracts, warranty work, machinery assembly, pretty much everything related to the aftersales of Kalmar mobile equipment." Juan says. "We mostly deal with Kalmar mobile equipment from reachstackers and empty container handlers to terminal tractors and forklifts, but many of our customers also entrust us with the control of their entire fleets."

Being there for the customer

In maintenance work it is essential to keep a close relationship with customers . "We try to understand their business and their needs, and to adapt to the service they need. We deal with both preventive and corrective maintenance, and one of our key goals for the upcoming year is, in fact, to acquaint our customers further with the idea of predictive maintenance."

Juan notes that safety is a fundamental pillar at Kalmar. "We have safety procedures in place for all of our operations, and have designated department heads that are responsible for overseeing workplace safety at our locations. We also hold regular meetings to follow up on all incidents, even if they are not accidents as such. Safety is absolutely essential for our customers, for our long-term business and most of all, for the well-being of our workers."

As for the favourite part of the job?

Well, it really is a lot of fun work, and every day is totally different. Keeping customers happy is one of the most difficult tasks we face daily, but I think they really do appreciate the service we give them. We try to meet our standards, understanding them deeply and giving them the service that they need. Communication between customers and us is essential to that end.

Working for the industry leader

In his free time, Juan mostly enjoys spending time with his family and friends. A soccer fan and Real Madrid supporter, he loves sports and outdoor activities.

"I like nature and the countryside, going out to the beach or the mountains. And sometimes it's good just to disconnect and get away from everything for a while."

Juan recalls that when he considered looking for a new job at his previous workplace, Kalmar was the obvious direction in which to turn.

"I am very proud to work at Kalmar, because it has always been the reference brand in the sector. Having the opportunity to work for a world leader, with these colleagues, in this work environment with all its daily challenges, is very rewarding, really. We are also always on the lookout for skilled technicians to join our maintenance teams, so if working at Kalmar would be something that would interest you, I highly recommend getting in touch!"