Spotlight On: Claude Ollivier – Driving excellence at Sulzer Pumps Mexico

As we continue our look at the exceptional people behind the scenes of Sulzer, we are excited to shine the spotlight on Claude Ollivier . With his extensive experience and impressive track record of accomplishments, Claude has played a crucial role in driving our operations forward at Sulzer. In this spotlight, join us as we explore Claude’s remarkable career, highlighting the challenges he has overcome and the invaluable contributions he has made to our organization.

“I’m Claude Ollivier, Managing Director at Sulzer Pumps Mexico. It is my role to oversee critical projects, optimize operations and strategize innovative approaches to ensure Sulzer’s commitment to excellence. I am responsible for managing the overall performance of our site here in Mexico, which includes production, planning, purchasing and team development. This helps us to maintain a strong, customer-centric approach.

I began my engineering journey at HEI – Hautes Etudes d'Ingénieur when I took a Master of Science degree in Electricity and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Specialization. These academic achievements led me to work at a major pump manufacturer, which is where I laid the foundations for my career in the water industry.

I honed my project management, engineering, business development and factory management skills over two decades in diverse roles and diverse countries, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business operations.

Recognizing my knowledge and expertise, Sulzer recruited me as Deputy Factory Manager in charge of processes at Sulzer Pumps Ltd in India. I oversaw initiatives using a blend of my operational and market management skills to ensure smooth operations. My proficiency in Lean Manufacturing practices and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems have also helped streamline our processes and boost efficiency.

One of the most rewarding aspects during this part of my career at Sulzer was the opportunity to set up a factory from scratch. This knowledge, which I had already gained through 5 years of experience in India and 3 years in Brazil, was further reinforced during my time as the Factory Manager (of Ambernath-Maharashtra) at Sulzer Pumps India Ltd. Despite facing unprecedented challenges amidst the peak of the pandemic, I approached this project with unwavering determination. Navigating through strict lockdowns and shortages, we successfully managed the establishment of a new factory, overcoming many obstacles along the way. This experience has further strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to driving success in challenging circumstances.

In my current role as the Managing Director at Sulzer Pumps Mexico, I've recently faced the challenge of ensuring that the right individuals are placed in the correct positions. Matching skill sets and providing necessary training are crucial for each team member to excel in their roles. I strongly believe in fostering inclusiveness and unlocking the potential of our team members.

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to meet impressive individuals in diverse locales such as China, Burkina Faso, and Turkey. Sulzer's promotion of international mobility has also allowed me to take on roles in India and Mexico. Over the years, I've managed multicultural teams that continuously strive for improvement, delivering exceptional results. This approach also fosters an environment where issues are communicated promptly, leaving ample time to devise and implement effective mitigation plans.

Going forward, my goals include upgrading the purchasing and planning teams, as these roles play a critical part in driving the company's success and supporting the PM interaction with the customers. Additionally, we will focus on modifying contracts with workers to include a productivity bonus, encouraging a sense of ownership and fostering a new level of motivation among the workforce.

Throughout my journey at Sulzer and thanks to this engaged management with willingness to invest in the future, strategic thinking, process driven mind set, quick decision-making, and long-term vision have been essential in driving tangible results, and I take pride in the work that we are doing all together.”

We’d like to thank Claude for sharing his valuable insights into the world of Sulzer and the talented individuals who drive our success. We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the inner workings of Sulzer Energy, where innovation and collaboration thrive.