Dallas worker does his part

By Paul V. Arnold

Listening to Willie Anderson talk about his job at Coca-Cola Enterprises’ production plant in Dallas reminds you of the old Ray Jay Johnson Jr. (“You can call me Ray or you can call me Jay...”) comedy routine.

“You can call me the parts coordinator. Or, you can call me the parts planner,” says the 25-year CCE veteran. “I do several different functions at this plant. I order parts. I keep track of inventory. I ensure that all parts are available for the maintenance mechanic.”

But you don’t have to call him Mr. Anderson.

Anderson handles the parts, inventory and work-order planning needs for two shifts of maintenance workers at the Dallas location. The plant runs five days a week, with a 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. first shift (when Anderson is on site) and a 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. second shift.

“You’re talking to the lone parts coordinator,” he says with a laugh. “I love my job. It’s really a challenge keeping it all organized.”

Anderson says communication and experience are his keys to success.

“You have to listen in order to take care of everyone and meet the expectations,” he says. “If they need something, I have to make sure it’s on hand.”

That strategy helps the plant maintain up to a 95-percent availability for needed parts.

Experience comes from his 13 years as a parts coordinator and an additional 12 years as a maintenance mechanic at the plant.

“Because of my maintenance background, I have a real good feel for what they are going through,” he says. “I know exactly how to make a job easier for them. If they have to tear down something — for instance, a gearbox — I will know what it takes to do the job, how long it will take and the easiest way to get from Point A to Point B.”

While mechanics pull their own parts from the 5,000-SKU crib at the Dallas plant, Anderson provides extra assistance through the plant’s asset management software.

“When I issue the work order in our Maximo asset management system and print it out, it gives them the proper location for the item in the crib and the amount of the product they need to do the job,” he says. “That cuts down on them not being able to find items.”

Simply talking about such activities brings a smile to his face.

“The entire maintenance department is a source of pride for me,” he says. “Yes, I’m kind of the go-to guy when someone needs something. I don’t know it all, but I am willing to share the knowledge that I have.”

While Anderson is focused on his plant, he is also available to assist the company as a whole. To that end, he’s played an active role in CCE’s improved MRO procurement strategy.

“Many times, someone will call me from a commodity council and ask whom I’m using as a particular vendor for a particular item,” he says. “They will ask me to rate the vendor. I think my opinions help the commodity council make good supply decisions.”

CCE appreciates his input.

“Willie is a great example of how one person can make a difference,” says Gregg Waterman, a CCE corporate procurement manager.

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