Looking to team world-class packaging machinery and equipment with world-class talent to keep it operational and productive, Somic America has added two highly experienced associates to the Service Department. Alfredo Avila and Michael Kurtz are both seasoned road warriors with extensive and impressive electrical and mechanical skills.

Avila has 20 years of printing and packaging experience. Most recently he was a field service engineer for FP International, a manufacturer of protective packaging solutions. After beginning his career as a printing equipment operator for the communications department at New Mexico State University in 1996, he became a field service engineer and worked at Heidelberg USA for over a decade. Known for his ability to solve tough issues with his troubleshooting abilities, Avila speaks fluent English and Spanish.

“Alfredo is a professional technician and well-liked. He’s the guy who handles the call when a project runs into an obstacle,” said Peter Fox, vice president of sales for Somic America. “For example, he created a solution for a customer that allowed a stationary piece of equipment to become mobile with a portable power supply. It not only increased production but also saved considerable cost. That kind of analytical problem solving will be very beneficial to our customers.”

Kurtz brings a slightly different set of skills to the table. Following a stint with the U.S. Navy, he worked at Delta Airlines for almost two decades as a line maintenance lead technician and in other positions. In 2009, he made the switch to the packaging industry and has spent the last seven years installing and servicing a variety of vacuum packaging equipment for MULTIVAC.

“Michael has a different type of skill set that our customers will appreciate. He was looking for a new challenge and wants to continue learning new technologies, machinery and efficiencies,” remarked Fox. “He has very strong electrical and mechanical skills, and his experience with Beckhoff programmable logic controllers for servo drive systems and Allen Bradley touchscreen controls will bode well for our customers.”