VMA Committee Spotlight: Manufacturing Committee

Chair Walter Amaya, Global Supply Chain Manager, Baker Hughes, answers a few questions from VMA staff about his role with the Manufacturing Committee

Q: Tell us about VMA’s Manufacturing Committee.

The Manufacturing Committee is composed of Manufacturing and Supply Chain leaders and members of the VMA.  Our objective is to provide support and guidance to the manufacturing community in matters that are relevant and contemporary to the different aspects of the Supply Chain process. 

Q: What do you enjoy about being a part of the Manufacturing Committee?

I very much appreciate the exchange of ideas and manufacturing trends across our industries and product lines.  The extensive experience of our members is a great resource to continuously look for ways to improve the way we do things.

Q: How is the Manufacturing Committee helping VMA members? And you, personally and professionally?

During Manufacturing Committee meetings, we discuss relevant issues and technologies that can help our members to become safer and more competitive.  We take advantage of our scheduled events and publications to share those topics with our manufacturing community. For me professionally, being part of this committee has allowed me to learn from many experienced leaders in the industry and personally to meet great people with shared interests.

Q: What future changes, innovations, technologies, opportunities, etc., are you excited about for the valve industry?

Being on the manufacturing side of the industry, we are used to constant changes and the need to adjust and adapt quickly to meet our customer needs. Nonetheless, these past few years have brought an unprecedent number of challenges ranging from material and labor constrains and expanding logistic times and costs.  But this has also brought in opportunities to relook and challenged many of our operating practices and become more creative to find solutions that will help us to be successful going forward.

I am convinced that the valve industry will continue to play a critical role in the new energy generation technologies and many other fields that are being developed right now.

Q: How did you get into the valve industry?

I joined the valve industry as Supply Chain leader after 25 years of working in the manufacturing of construction and locomotive equipment. So far this has been a great experience to learn and contribute to a global industry so vital to our daily lives.

Q: What are some hobbies or activities that you enjoy outside of work?

I love to spend most of my free the time with my wife and four children. We enjoy traveling, fishing and I do most of my reading while traveling. On the other hand, I need to get back to a better jogging routine.

Q: If you could write a book, what would it be about?

I am very passionate about History, most likely will be a historic novel situated in Latin America

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

I was fortunate to live a few years in Western Pennsylvania, and that left me a strong following to the Pittsburgh Steelers, so I enjoy every season as part of Steeler nation.

If you're interested in joining a committee, click here to learn more about them, and to nominate yourself or someone else click here. All Board Members are instated with a full membership vote at the2022 VMA/VRC Annual Meeting, taking place September 7-9 in Santa Barbara, CA.