Joe Perez - Union Tank Car Compay

May Member Spotlight - Joe Perez (Union Tank Company)

CI: Tell us a little about yourself, and what you do.

I am the Vice President of Fleet Engineering at Union Tank Car Company and I’m responsible for the qualification, maintenance and repair standards for the tank car and hopper fleet.  I am coming upon a career of 25 years with Union Tank Car, and I’ve worked in several areas, from new manufacturing, R&D, and fleet engineering. I am a member of the RSI technical committee of tank cars and I’m a representative of the AAR Mechanical Committee. Prior to Union Tank Car Company, I worked at Inland Steel Company for 10 years as a CoOp engineer and Maintenance Engineer for the coke plant, blast furnace and sinter plant. I’m a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

CI: When did you first become involved at CI? What activities have you been involved in at CI?

Union Tank Car Company has had a long-standing membership with The Chlorine Institute since the start-up. Since 2002, I have been involved with CI as an active participant on pamphlet development/reviews, annual meetings, member exchanges, the technical symposium and currently I serve on the Transportation Issue Team.

CI: What is something interesting about you that few would know or guess?

I am a member of “STING” fan club, the former lead singer of THE POLICE.

CI: Tell us about your favorite CI memory or success story.

My favorite CI memory is hearing from many of the inspirational speakers at the CI meetings, ranging from Rudy (Notre Dame), the Wounded Warrior Program and the direct point of view of a Louisiana representative speaker. The variety of speakers is captivating and inspiring.

CI: What do you value most from your CI membership?
What I value the most is the membership engagement with shippers, CI staff and other tank car owners. The exchange of technical resources, training and knowledge sharing is at the highest level.

 

CI: What advice do you have for early career professionals in the chlor-alkali industry?

Be a sponge and engage with CI members, make some long lasting relationships.

Do you know an actively engaged CI member who would make a great Member Spotlight? Send their name and company to Cindy Kuranchie at Cindy@CL2.com.