Positive People - Manuel Garcia

How long have you been with SPT Labtech?

I started at SPT Labtech on November 1, 2021, so I’ve been here for a little over four years. I was hired as the first manufacturing engineer at the Covina location—no pressure, right?

What are your main responsibilities, and a typical day look like for you?

I lead our manufacturing engineering team, there are three of us now. I make sure our production lines run smoothly, look for ways to improve processes, support the production team when needed, and jump in wherever there’s a challenge. No two days are ever the same. Some days I’m helping production troubleshoot an issue. Other days I’m working with my team on process improvements. Sometimes I’m supporting supply chain with drawings or documentation challenges. It definitely keeps things interesting.

What’s something about your job that people might not realize, and what's the most rewarding part of your job? 

People might not realize just how connected manufacturing engineering is with the entire organization. Yes, production is a major focus, but we're also helping the machine shop, shipping, supply chain, service, and even finance. Our work touches many areas to keep everything running smoothly. The best part is seeing the changes we make really pay off. It’s great when coworkers tell me our improvements have made their day‑to‑day work easier. I also love seeing my team grow into their roles. Special shout out to Mark and Szui - you guys are doing a great job!

How does your work impact your colleagues and/or customers? 

Our work makes daily activities more efficient and easier for colleagues by improving processes. It also impacts customers by enabling us to deliver instruments more quickly and with better quality.

What’s been your proudest moment at SPT Labtech? 

I’ve had many proud moments at SPT Labtech, but one of the biggest was transitioning the BML product line to Covina. It was a huge project with plenty of challenges—some we’re still working through today, but I believe we achieved the main objective. All BioMicroLab instruments have been integrated into our production lines here, and now we’re focusing on process improvement.

How does your role support our Strategic priorities and how does your team or role contribute to the company’s success?

My role, and our team as a whole most directly supports the Efficiency and Processes Priorities. Because manufacturing engineering is rooted in lean principles, we focus every day on making our processes more efficient so we can improve quality, shorten lead times, and increase capacity to support future growth. By driving continuous improvement across production, documentation, and workflow design, we help the entire organization operate more smoothly. These efficiency gains enable us to deliver instruments faster and with higher quality, which directly strengthens the company’s performance and our ability to serve customers effectively.

If you had to describe your job in one word, what would it be?

Fluid. My job requires adaptability, versatility, and resilience. I need to stay fluid to navigate the challenges that come up every day.

How does your background or culture influence the way you work?

My roots are Mexican, and I grew up in the U.S. Because of that, I learned the value of hard work and doing things right. Those lessons still guide me today. I approach projects with dedication and always try to do the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing.

What’s something outside of work that you’re passionate about?

I really enjoy riding my dirt bike. I’m by no means a pro, I can barely clear a jump, but I love the thrill of going fast and tackling tough hill climbs. It’s a great way to challenge myself and unwind.

What excites you about the future of your role?

I’m excited to be part of SPT Labtech’s growth. I truly believe we have the potential to become as big as, if not bigger than, the competition. I’m looking forward to playing a key role in making that growth successful.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to join SPT Labtech, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from your peers. Everyone at SPT Labtech is willing to help, and I wouldn’t have achieved the successes I have without the support and guidance of my colleagues.