Can you introduce yourself and your role in the company?
My name is Francisco Aguilar Valderrama, and I’ve been with ME Elecmetal for eight years. Since the beginning, I’ve been part of the Technical Department—a team deeply engaged in one of the company’s most strategic areas: engineering new developments for our customers.
Our role extends far beyond design. We provide advanced technical support, lead on-site implementations, and ensure that every solution meets the highest standards. We’re also responsible for managing the technical documentation that supports the manufacturing of our globally distributed solutions. Today, I have the privilege of serving as Mill Casting Design Manager, leading a team committed to precision, innovation, and the added value that defines ME Elecmetal.
What attracted you to ME Elecmetal?
When I graduated from university in the Valparaiso region of Chile, I was looking for an opportunity to start my professional career. That’s when I came across a job opening for mechanical designers at ME Elecmetal. At the time, I didn’t know the company, but as I researched more, I was drawn to the type of industry and its strong technical focus.
After graduating in mechanical engineering in Chile’s Valparaíso region, I was searching for a place to launch my career. That’s when I discovered an opportunity at ME Elecmetal for mechanical designers. I wasn’t familiar with the company at the time, but its technical rigor and industrial scope quickly caught my attention.
I wanted more than just a job—I was looking for a place where I could apply my knowledge while continuing to learn. Today, I can confidently say that joining ME Elecmetal was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
My career has progressed through several stages—from Designer B to Senior Designer, then Crushing Design Lead, and now Manager of the Grinding team. Each step has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
In the beginning, the scale and complexity of our work were new to me. Over time, I began to understand the critical role we play in the mining industry. Today, I help develop large-scale cast components that require precision, technical expertise, and constant collaboration. That environment is what keeps me motivated and growing.
How would you describe the culture at ME Elecmetal?
ME Elecmetal has a deeply rooted culture of respect—and it’s lived out consistently across our global operations. I had the opportunity to experience this firsthand during an international training program that brought me to our U.S. and China locations.
Despite the cultural and language differences, I found a shared value that connects us all: genuine respect for individuals. It’s not just a company value—it’s something we practice daily. People listen, support one another, and truly care about both professional development and personal well-being.
After eight years, I can confidently say that this people-first mindset has shaped my experience and my decision to build my career here. We work in an environment where ideas flow freely, every voice is heard, and collaboration is at the core of everything we do.
What benefits do you value the most about working here?
One of the benefits I value most is the opportunity for continuous development through real-world challenges. Thanks to ME Elecmetal, I’ve had the chance to work in the United States and China—experiences that enriched my career and broadened my perspective.
Each country brought its own unique challenges. In Phoenix, I had to adapt to working entirely in English. Even though I had studied the language, using it daily in a technical context pushed me to grow. In China, the challenge shifted—I now had to communicate in English with colleagues who were also non-native speakers. It was a powerful exercise in empathy and adaptability.
These experiences helped me evolve—not just as an engineer, but as a person. They taught me resilience, cross-cultural communication, and how to thrive outside my comfort zone.
ME Elecmetal also promotes a healthy work-life balance, which I consider essential. Feeling supported both professionally and personally helps me stay focused, motivated, and ready to contribute at my best.
“Here, opportunities are tangible and our ideas are heard, which gives us the freedom to innovate and propose new solutions.”
— Francisco Aguilar, Mill Casting Design Manager at ME Elecmetal Chile
Can you share a personal story or memorable experience at ME Elecmetal?
One of the experiences I treasure most is the strong sense of team spirit within the Technical Department. Over the years, team members have come and gone, but our culture of collaboration has remained unchanged.
Every time a new colleague joins, they’re welcomed with open arms and a willingness to help. That mutual support fosters trust and reinforces our company values—respect, camaraderie, and commitment to results.
Being part of a team where help is always offered, feedback is constructive, and contributions are valued is truly inspiring. It’s the same feeling I had when I first joined eight years ago, and it’s what motivates me to show up every day with energy and purpose.
How does your team help solve challenges in the mining industry?
Solving mining challenges takes more than technical skills—it takes a team that’s passionate, collaborative, and fully committed to making an impact.
From our department, we contribute by designing and improving high-performance wear parts that help enhance the efficiency and reliability of mining equipment—not just in Chile, but around the world.
What sets us apart is our ability to work hand-in-hand with other departments and with customers. That close collaboration allows us to understand real operational challenges and develop solutions that deliver measurable results.
We take pride in being agile, adaptable, and always ready to challenge the status quo. Every innovation we bring forward strengthens the industry—and it starts with putting people and safety first.
We are a high-performance team, where excellence is built through daily collaboration, creative thinking, and a shared mission to deliver meaningful, real-world results.
What excites you the most about the future of ME Elecmetal?
What excites me most is the opportunity to continue growing—as a person, as a leader, and as a contributor to the company’s success.
There is still so much potential to bridge the gap between technical solutions and customer needs. That’s where I want to keep making a difference—by helping ME Elecmetal continue to evolve and provide innovative, relevant solutions that raise the bar for the mining industry.
I’m also inspired by the company’s momentum. ME Elecmetal is expanding its global reach and embracing bold new challenges. That growth pushes all of us to keep improving and seizing new opportunities.
At the same time, I truly appreciate that I can pursue these goals while maintaining a strong balance between my work and personal life. That harmony is what enables me to give my best every day.
Being part of ME Elecmetal means being part of something bigger—a team that is passionate about innovation, focused on growth, and dedicated to the well-being of its people. That’s what drives me forward.
