ORANGE, Calif.—After nearly five decades of service, West American Rubber Co. will say goodbye to Francisco Martinez, vice president of manufacturing.
Martinez officially retired May 4 after 48 years with Warco.
"As a key member of our Warco family, his unwavering efforts aided in propelling Warco's growth during the past five decades," the company said in a June 7 news release. "We cannot fully convey our tremendous gratitude for Francisco's contributions, dedication and mentorship."
According to Warco, Martinez began his career as a tuber helper in the extrusion department at the company in May 1976.
He soon transferred to becoming a millman, then was promoted to calender operator within a year.
"His work ethic and expertise were easily recognized as he was promoted to leadman in 1977 and then foreman of the calender department in 1979," Warco stated. "Francisco had already achieved much in his career ... in three short years."
In 1985, Martinez rose to general foreman, then to business team leader in 2001.
Ultimately, he became plant superintendent, with oversight of the calender, extrusion, molded and custom mixing departments. He became manufacturing manager in 2013.
In 2019, Martinez became an executive officer of the company when he was promoted to vice president, manufacturing, charged with leadership of the Orange, Calif., and Ripley, Miss., manufacturing operations.
"Throughout his tenure, Francisco has played an integral role in building our company, shaping its culture and nurturing its growth," Warco said. "His exceptional work ethic, expertise, care, devotion and deep love for Warco and its people have made an indelible impact on each of us and our company's legacy."
The 170-person Warco touches all the bases along the design for manufacturing progression, with the exception of tooling.
Warco maintains its own lab with technicians and chemists and all the mixing is done on-site. The company typically processes compounds in sheet rubber, extruded rubber and custom-molded products.
