People at ALPLA – Interview with Mauricio Ojopi

Hi Mauricio, thanks for taking the time. Can you tell us what you are working on at ALPLA?

I’m Head of the Quality Department at Suminco in Moncada, Spain. I started in this position in August 2025, after almost four years as Assistant to the Head of Quality.

My journey at ALPLA actually began during the COVID pandemic. Back then, I had lost my job in the hospitality sector, and through a temp agency I got a position as a cleaner at Suminco. I just needed work to support my family—but I quickly realized this company offered much more than a job.

Wow, what a journey. Now we’d really like to know how you became a part of ALPLA/Suminco.

A friend of my mother’s knew someone at a temp agency. I told her I’d take any position, and they called me about a cleaning job at a recycling plant. I accepted immediately.

When I started, I knew I didn’t want to stay in cleaning forever. I was curious about how everything worked. Later I joined the quality team as an operator and began learning about polymers on my own- watching videos from ALPLA plants in Mexico, Thailand and Romania, and asking lots of questions.

Step by step, I grew into my role. I’m very grateful to the colleagues who believed in me and gave me opportunities to learn and take on more responsibility.

And during your time at ALPLA/Suminco, what do you find most interesting about your job? You mentioned you started studying plastics on your own.

When I first arrived, all bottles looked the same to me. Now I can tell the difference between materials, polymers, and processes. That transformation is what I love—the fact that you never stop learning here.

ALPLA gives you the tools and the environment to grow if you show initiative. I really appreciate that.

What do you find most interesting about your job now?

For me, it’s being able to discuss ideas with people who have years of experience and still have my opinion valued. Even though there are hundreds of ALPLA plants worldwide, your voice counts.

We analyze issues together, share perspectives and learn from one another. That exchange of ideas is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Can you describe a typical day for you?

In the morning, I check the machines to make sure everything meets Suminco’s internal and client standards. Then we hold a short team meeting—there are four of us in the department—to assign tasks and priorities.

After that, I join the daily operations meeting to stay aligned with production and maintenance. The rest of the day is focused on analyses, reports and continuous improvement projects. I also spend time learning more about my role. I feel very supported by my colleagues, especially by the quality manager of our Suminco Venta de Baños plant.

What would you say is your biggest achievement—both at work and personally?

At work, definitely progressing from cleaner to Head of Department. Three engineers held this position before me, and I learned from each of them. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and thankful for the trust the company has placed in me.

Personally, I’m very happy too. When I talk with my wife and my son about where we were years ago and where we are now - it’s a huge difference. I’m proud and grateful.

That’s great. What advice would you give to someone new at Suminco?

Be curious. Ask questions, learn from everyone, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Curiosity helps you grow every day.

If you had to describe ALPLA in three words, what would they be?

Efficiency, commitment and investment.

During your time here, have you ever had to make a difficult decision? What helped you through it?

Yes, several times. In quality, you always want to deliver 100%, but sometimes you have to tell another department that something isn’t perfect. That’s not easy.

What helps is teamwork. We discuss openly and make decisions together. I’m very thankful for leaders, who encourage collaboration and shared responsibility.

What would you say has been your biggest mistake—at work or personally—and what did you learn from it?

My temper. I used to take things too personally and react too quickly. But through communication and management training- and even personal psychological support - I’ve learned to stay calm and focus on solutions. That change has helped me not only at work but also at home, especially as a father.

Do you have any saying or phrase—from Spain or Bolivia—that you like or identify with?

Yes: “¡Venga, va, que nosotros podemos con esto!”

It means “Come on, we can do this!” It’s about motivation and teamwork. I truly believe there’s nothing we can’t achieve if we stay positive and move forward together.

Thanks for taking your time!