FEATURE SPONSOR
LUBRICANTS
PROFILE...
NAME: Gerry Mazzone
COMPANY: The Lubricant Company
OCCUPATION: Field Engineer
HABITAT: South Lanarkshire
NO ORDINARY FIELD ENGINEER The joys of life mean you never quite know what is around the corner, one such person whom can vouch for that is Gerry Mazzone, Field Engineer for The Lubricant Company, and what a varied career path it has been - he tells me more...
HALCYON DAYS
Starting out in the construction industry, when work was plentiful, he enjoyed the trappings of those halcyon days, however over time the work became hit and miss and with a family to support he pursued other more reliable avenues. In 1975 he was introduced by an uncle to Shell UK refinery at Stanlow, Ellesmere Port, after a two year spell, Gerry left Shell and joined Mobil Oil Company at their blending plant in Birkenhead, and from there it all happened.
BATCH BLENDING
Gerry’s initiation was within the blending plant for the manufacturing of lubricants. Since those days the process has become more technical, however the term used in the early days was known as batch blending.
His role was effectively to be the ‘chef’ adding the various components/ingredients as required to various base oils. Oil was heated ‘mixed’ within underground tanks.
This was then transferred to the finished tank, where the samples were tested within the in-house laboratories, then sent to packaging halls or sent to clients via tankers.
CAREER PROGRESS
After spending nine years in Birkenhead Gerry took up a new position in the company to Territory Manager for Industrial Lubricants, When ExxonMobil bought the company, he was offered the opportunity to study full time for an MBA in Manchester, fully sponsored by the company.
WIND ENERGY
A particularly trying time having to juggle a full time job and do his homework! He hastens to add he never had a detention and this opportunity opened up whole new vistas, culminating in becoming the European Key Accounts Manager for ExxonMobil.
RETIREMENT? – JUST A PASSING THOUGHT
In 2005 he had the opportunity to take early retirement, however this was short lived as a colleague enquired if he would like to manage the ‘front office’ for a construction business in Spain; so he moved, lock stock and (not oil) barrel.
BRAZIL
Here he stayed for 2 years before another opportunity arose. He was asked by a friend to assist with yet another construction company in Brazil, which he helped set up – a time he reflects upon fondly. however this did not work out exactly as he had hoped, but having fallen for Brazil it was obviously meant for him to stay there!
A chance meeting at a local bar, he struck up a conversation with another English man, who was looking for an English teacher. As it transpired, gerry is fluent in Portuguese – so begins his next chapter! Teaching at the Language College, it was a baptism of fire, and quite a learning curve – just don’t mention ‘past participles’ and ‘possessive pronouns!! He proudly announces that his class were the premium group in the college!
BACK TO THE UK
Returning to UK in 2011 his past was to catch up with him – he met up with his friend and colleague Chris Davies from The Lubricant Company, after a good Chinese buffet and one or two beers it transpired that TLC had a vacant position which Gerry applied for immediately!
Following a year of supporting the TLC metal process oil business – Gerry headed up north, as Field Engineer for the north and Scotland, and has never looked back! With this role he inherited the Wind Energy section of the business. As he stated wind turbines provide their own challenges re; lubricants, the very nature of the elements they have to endure, from offshore, to the tropics; deserts - all are unique and it is imperative they have effective lubrication in such challenging conditions.
MENTORS
Throughout his career Gerry has been privileged to meet many influential personalities within the industry, one such person was early on in his career, Tony Downing who taught him everything there is to know about gear/hydraulics oils. He also mentions Chris Davies, his partner when studying for an MBA and colleague at The Lubricant Company.
3 WORD DESCRIPTION? Optimistic, fun and integrity.
AIMS & ASPIRATIONS To be a successful member of The Lubricant Company team. And one day finally hang up his boots and retire to Brazil. When speaking with Gerry, his positive attitude and enthusiasm no doubt will take him on more interesting journeys.
Fliss Chaffer Interviewer Wind Energy Network
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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