Felipe Escobar achieved remarkable professional growth at Techint Engineering and Construction: from driver to providing logistical support in the Neuquén Basin in just seven years. Learn more about his journey.

In 2017, when General Services for Fortín de Piedra was created, Felipe Escobar joined Techint Engineering and Construction. Since then, he has ventured into various areas and taken on new responsibilities. From his original job as a van driver, he became the head of General Services at the Añelo base in Neuquén province, Argentina. With great pride, he recounts his early steps in the company and how his career developed alongside new projects.

“I was very satisfied with my tasks as a driver, but the pandemic hit the sector hard and, along with other colleagues, I had to go home. Later, a small group returned to Fortín as part of a pilot test, and fortunately, I was among them,” he recalls.

At the time, the Neuquén Basin was being organized, and new staff began to resume their functions. “My boss, Miguel Funes, Project Logistics Manager, asked me if I was willing to try a new job in General Services. It was a great opportunity, so I decided to accept. My new supervisor, Eduardo Sini, General Services Leader, also recommended me for the position. I felt very grateful for the opportunity,” he emphasizes.

As the months passed, the Neuquén Basin area and work consolidated. “From the beginning, we revolutionized the base. We started from scratch, cleaning, organizing, and doing all kinds of maintenance. We learned step by step and adapted to any task. I was and am fortunate to have very good mentors and colleagues, which gives me a crucial advantage,” comments Felipe.

New directions and duties

As Felipe changed areas and tasks, he gained experience in very different jobs. For example, he worked in the Warehouse, organizing materials, taking inventories, and regularizing stock. In his current position in General Services, he provides logistical support to projects.

“The first project where we provided direct support was Shell's approximately 100-kilometer pipeline. Another important moment was when we started collaborating with La Calera. We spent a year and a half supporting logistics, transportation, accommodation, and meals,” he details. Additionally, Felipe proudly recalls the role his area played in the construction of the President Néstor Kirchner Gas Pipeline (GPNK), where they provided essential support in materials.

Always ready!

Looking ahead, Felipe considers that the most important thing is to be prepared to support any project that arises. “We offer our support in the first months so that the people involved in the project can organize themselves, assemble their team or workgroup, and thus advance adequately in the task ahead. For a project just starting, having materials available in the short term is crucial, and ensuring this is part of our job.”

Felipe clarifies that there is always work to be done, even if there are few projects underway. He explains that at the end of a project, there is also much to do because demobilization must be completed, and they are very involved in this stage. “We always have to organize and clean the base, so there’s no time to get bored (laughs). As one project ends, another begins. We must always be prepared to provide support at any stage and for every project that arises. That is our job,” he concludes.