40 Years. 40 Faces. | Oscar, Setup Technician

"When I arrived here, I didn't speak a word of French."

When Oscar joined Plastiques GPR nearly four years ago, he was leaving behind much more than a job. Originally from Mexico, he left behind his familiar surroundings, his language, his culture, and his family to take on a new challenge in a place he barely knew.

"When I applied, I didn't even know where Quebec was."

At the time, he had already been working in the plastics industry for several years. After discovering a job opportunity related to his area of expertise, he decided to take a chance. Following a lengthy selection process that lasted nearly two years and several interviews, he was eventually chosen from among hundreds of applicants to come work at GPR.

Today, Oscar works as a Setup Technician on the evening shift. His role is to ensure that machines, molds, and processes are functioning properly so production can start under the best possible conditions.

"I'm responsible for making sure all the machines are running properly."

Whenever a new mold arrives at the plant, a product needs to be tested, or an issue arises in production, Oscar steps in to analyze the situation, make the necessary adjustments, and find solutions.

He also participates in new product trials and ensures that production parameters allow parts to meet quality requirements.

With nearly forty machines, numerous production changeovers, and a wide variety of products, his workdays are anything but routine.

"Every day is different."

That is actually one of the reasons he enjoys his job so much. Each new situation gives him an opportunity to learn something new.

"Personally, I really enjoy challenges."

For him, challenges are an opportunity to expand his knowledge and improve his skills. When a problem arises, his first instinct is not to look for a quick fix. Instead, he prefers to take the time to fully understand what is happening.

"To find the right solution, you first need to understand the problem."

This methodical approach, "understand before acting," guides the way he works every day. According to Oscar, being a good Setup Technician requires technical knowledge, of course, but also patience, observation, and a great deal of curiosity.

"You should always try to understand how molding problems were solved and share your own solutions with your colleagues. That's how we learn from one another."

Asking questions, seeking understanding, and learning from others are, in his opinion, essential habits for growth.

A former trainer in his home country, he firmly believes in the importance of sharing knowledge. For him, a team becomes stronger when everyone helps others grow.

That philosophy proved especially valuable when he arrived at GPR. Because in addition to joining a new company, he also had to learn an entirely new language.

"I didn't speak a word of French."

The first few months were filled with challenges. French classes gave him a foundation, but reality on the shop floor was very different. Between Quebec expressions, technical vocabulary, and the speed at which people speak every day, he had to work twice as hard to adapt. Nevertheless, he persevered.

Today, he communicates daily with his colleagues, supports operators, and actively participates in company projects in a language he did not know at all just a few years ago.

When asked what makes him proud to work at GPR, his answer comes immediately.

"For me, it's like a family."

He still remembers the welcome he received when he arrived. Whether it was managers, setup technicians, operators, or other team members, many people took the time to help him integrate and adapt to his new reality.

"They helped us a lot."

That sense of solidarity remains one of the reasons he is motivated to this day.

Outside of work, Oscar describes himself as a rather reserved person.

"I'm a serious person. I don't talk much."

He enjoys cycling, reading, and simple activities, but much of his energy is currently dedicated to one very specific goal: building a future for his family.

His wife and three sons still live in Mexico, and he works every day with the dream of eventually bringing them together in Quebec. When he arrived in Canada, his youngest son was only seven months old. Today, despite the distance, that motivation remains at the heart of everything he does.

"My goal now is to work for my family."

When asked what he would like people to remember about him, it quickly becomes clear that the answer is already reflected in his journey. A hardworking person. A curious person. A person who has never stopped learning.

After nearly four years at GPR, Oscar continues to take on challenges one by one, with the same determination that led him to leave his country and build something new.

And if his story proves one thing, it is that learning, perseverance, and the willingness to push beyond your limits can take you much further than you ever imagined.