#HeraeusPeople Story
Four people. One night shift. One family.
David Alberto Quirós Marín, Operator, Guidewire Production, Heraeus Medevio
"When people ask me what Heraeus Medevio means to me, the first thing I think of is my team. There are four of us on the PT2 night shift: Brian, David, Juan Gabriel and me. I am the longest-serving member of the group. We have worked together for years. At some point, colleagues become more than just a team. We feel like a family. Each of us has a specific role. But when someone falls behind or has a problem, the others step in immediately. We support each other to keep the entire process running.
Our daily work: the heart of the company
Even our breaks are a team effort. Since production cannot stop, only two of us go to eat at a time while the other two stay behind to monitor the equipment. Over the years, I have taken on more responsibility and eventually became a PT2 Grade III Operator, the highest competency level for an operator. Today, I train my colleagues, share my knowledge, and continue learning.
I work in the Grinding area. When someone asks me what Grinding is, I always say: “It’s the heart of the company.” This is where the production of our guidewires begins – high-precision medical guidewires that help physicians safely guide catheters through blood vessels to the heart and other treatment areas in the body. The materials arrive here first. We inspect them under a microscope and verify that they meet our quality standards. Only then do we pass them on to the next teams. From beginning to end, it is a team effort. We work closely with the Quality Control department. As a technical operator, I ensure that the machines run properly. I adjust settings, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot when something is not working well. Ten years ago, I could never have imagined working with such advanced machines. Many of them were unlike anything I had seen before. It was a completely new world. New processes. New technologies. New technical concepts. In short: pure innovation. At first, it was a challenge. Today, I know these processes inside and out. Even so, one idea continues to motivate me: “There is always something new to learn – and always someone who needs help.”
An opportunity that changed everything
When Heraeus Medevio opened its new site in Cartago, I knew I wanted to be part of it. My job interview was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. I arrived at 4:00 a.m. and stood in a long line waiting my turn. Today, I smile when I think about it. Back then, I only knew one thing: I wanted to be there. Later, I secured an internal position in the Grinding department, which marked the beginning of a new chapter. With a Heraeus scholarship, I completed my training in Electromechanical Engineering at the Technological Institute of Costa Rica. That education opened many doors for me."