When Graphic Packaging International wanted to change its lubrication practices at its plant in Marion, Ohio, it turned to Randy Lane. Even though he had only been with the company for just a year, Lane was offered a new position to help build and run a world-class lubrication program. While he had worked in production for three months and served as a maintenance technician, his new job as a lubrication specialist officially introduced him to the field of machinery lubrication. Nothing he had done previously could have prepared him for the challenges that were ahead.
Name: Randy Lane
Age: 51
Company: Graphic Packaging International
Title: Lubrication Specialist
Years of Service: 1 year
Location: Marion, Ohio
Q) What types of training have you taken to get to your current position?
A) I have had on-the-job training and SAP training, and have also attended one of Noria’s training courses along with the Reliable Plant Conference and Exhibition.
Q) Are you planning to obtain additional training or achieve any professional certifications?
A) Yes, I will be taking more Noria training courses and am currently studying for an ICML certification. I believe learning never stops and that education is the key to building and maintaining a world-class lubrication program.
Q) What’s a normal work day like for you?
A) My day starts out checking for squeaky bearings, low oil, oil leaks and dirty sight glasses while doing preventive maintenance (PM). I ask the operators if they have any lubricant-related problems with their machine. I keep track of when and where oil samples are taken and sent out, as well as how much lubricant is used and where. I then enter all the data in the computer. I also maintain 17 different types of oil, nine different types of grease and the supplies needed for the oil room. I then clean up at the end of the shift.
Q) What is the amount and range of equipment that you help service through lubrication/oil analysis tasks?
A) I am responsible for servicing conveyors, balers, hydraulic tanks and 42 machines ranging from formers and gluers to printing presses. These machines have more than 400 gearboxes and 2,500 bearings.
Q) What lubrication-related projects are you currently working on?
A) Currently, I am planning the layout for a new oil room.
Q) What have been some of the biggest project successes in which you’ve played a part?
A) I helped build a world-class parts room that took our plant from one of the worst to one of the best in our company. I also put together and am now maintaining a library that has been very beneficial to our plant.
Q) How does your company view machinery lubrication in terms of importance and overall business strategy?
A) They know a good, solid lubrication program is beneficial to the company and helps equipment last longer. You have less downtime and less money spent on lubricants and maintenance hours. By keeping costs down, you can be more competitive in your business.
Q) What do you see as some of the more important trends taking place in the lubrication and oil analysis field?
A) I think the new trend is companies wanting a world-class lubrication program. It keeps the plant running smoother, like a well-oiled machine. You see a lot of people from different companies and various countries attending these Noria conferences on how to start and maintain a world-class lubrication program.
