Meritor Inc. a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, recently named Jason Grasman the company’s 2012 Manufacturing Engineer of the Year.
Grasman earned the award for his distinguished and cost competitive contributions to the design and launch efforts of the brake spider machining and assembly process for on-highway truck air cam brakes at Meritor’s York, SC facility. Meritor used this solution to in-source brake spider machining, resulting in significantly lower machine times that drove productivity improvements as well as cost savings.
The 2012 Manufacturing Engineer of the Year is selected by a committee composed of members from the company’s Manufacturing, Industrialization, Supply Chain and Engineering groups. The award recognizes achievements during the company’s 2012 fiscal year. Nominations were submitted in early 2013.
“Jason’s ability to conceptualize, design, build and install the brake spider machining is tribute to his amazing contributions and engineer skill,” says Chris Villavarayan, Vice President, Global Operations and Supply Chain.
Grasman lives in Rock Hill, SC, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, and will complete his MBA from Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC in August 2013.
In addition, Meritor recently honored João Roberto Alboledo with its 2012 Lifetime Engineering Achievement Award for Manufacturing Engineering.
Alboledo, Manufacturing Specialist, Meritor Brazil, earned the award for his distinguished contributions to the development and implementation of Meritor’s precision forging process.
Alboledo developed and implemented precision forging at Meritor’s Osasco, Brazil facility, where he led all precision forging process modernization projects, which resulted in multiple efficiency and productivity improvements. In addition to mentoring colleagues on various manufacturing techniques, Alboledo also led the 5S improvement methodology in Osasco.
“João has worked in operations for more than 50 years and has had a keen focus on process quality,” says Villavarayan. “He executes his job responsibilities using these principles and serves as a role model for others.”
The recipient of the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Manufacturing Engineering is selected by a committee composed of members from the company’s Manufacturing, Industrialization, Supply Chain and Engineering groups. Nominations were submitted in early 2013 for the 2012 fiscal year.
Alboledo began his career at Meritor in 1963 as a technical student in Meritor’s forging department in Osasco. In 1985, he developed and implemented precision forging at the facility.
Alboledo, who lives in Osasco, holds a degree in mechanical engineering from University Paulista in São Paulo, Brazil.
Adam Sadlik was recently awarded with Meritor's 2012 Product Engineer of the Year Award.
Sadlik is Meritor’s lead project engineer for the ProTec High Mobility Independent Suspension, which is integrated into the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. Through his innovative engineering expertise, Sadlik helped design the suspension to exceed customer targets for weight. Meeting a tight deadline, Sadlik also played a lead role in designing and developing a new steering system for the JLTV program.
To support Meritor’s involvement in the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) program, Sadlik led vehicle integration of the ProTec suspension on the first HMMWV, more commonly known as Humvee, driven at the 2012 Nevada Automotive Test Center Rodeo. Another major accomplishment was assisting in analyzing data used to revise load cases for military vehicles.
“Adam drives innovation to meet and exceed expectations for both Meritor and our customers,” says Joe Elbehairy, Vice President, Engineering and Quality, Meritor. “He is an instrumental contributor to two critical defense programs for the company and has a unique ability to bring innovation to his design skills.”
Sadlik, a member of the specialty and military suspensions team in Troy, MI, for nearly three years, holds a master’s degree in engineering from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
The company also recently honored George Choike with its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Product Engineering.
Choike, Senior Product Specialist at the Troy, MI, headquarters, received the award for his consistent dedication and contributions to axle engineering. Choike’s major accomplishments since joining Meritor nearly 48 years ago include:
- Assisting in the development of communication and word drawing systems
- Developing rear-drive and non-drive front axle application guidelines, allowing customers to safely apply products on their own
- Serving as a customer contact for several key original equipment manufacturers for axle and driveline activities
“George has contributed to countless major product engineering achievements since he started at Meritor as a draftsman nearly five decades ago,” says Elbehairy. “He has earned unparalleled trust as an axle and driveline expert and continues to hold the highest regard from our customers due to his extensive product knowledge.”
Choike’s previous roles with the company include drafter, chief draftsman, drafting manager, plant liaison and application and customer support product specialist. Choike received his associate’s degree in engineering from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, MI.
