Fernando Corrales

Fernando Corrales is full of ideas. Really good ideas. And through Western Window Systems’ continuous improvement process (CIP), a method for identifying ways to streamline work and reduce waste, Corrales, who started with the company in 2012, is shining.

“He’s by far one of the most prolific CIP suggestion submitters,” says Tim Hurd of safety, quality, and continuous improvement, “and he has one of the highest adoption and implementation percentages of everyone on the floor.”

Hurd goes on to say that many of Corrales’ ideas involve improving the handling of materials, such as additional banders for loading trailers, a dedicated glass skate for the shipping department, and lamps for loading trailers at night. These suggestions cut time and cost without sacrificing quality standards.

“One of his best suggestions was adding simple white plastic strips to our racks to better protect our glass,” says Hurd. “It’s one of his best ideas and a huge return on investment for Western Window Systems.”

Congratulations to Fernando Corrales, Western Window Systems’ lean problem solver for March.

Learn more about Fernando Corrales by reading his Q&A below:

Where are you from?
Mesa, Arizona.

What song best sums you up?
“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.

What is your favorite sport to watch/play?
I like football and basketball.

What are your hobbies?
Bowling, collecting sports cards, going to the gym, and spending time with my family.

Who do you admire?
My mother and father.

Where do you most want to travel?
Sicily, Italy.

If money was no object…
I’d be at Turf Paradise betting on horse races with my dad.

What’s your favorite family recipe?
My wife’s green enchiladas.

What’s your favorite movie?
Eddie and the Cruisers.

What’s your biggest success up until now?
Returning to school.

What’s your favorite part of working at Western Window Systems?
The company picnic, the pace, and my coworkers.

What’s one fact about you that almost no one else knows?
When I was 14 years old, I was listed in the local newspaper as the “Bowler of the Week” with a high game of 263 and a three-game series of 636.