In the fast-paced world of modern business, tales of humble beginnings and relentless determination are rare gems that capture our imagination and inspire us to reach for greater heights. In this edition, we bring you the extraordinary story of Rafael Chavarri Sabio, the visionary leader at the helm of Solintal LRD, a modern company focus on the design, manufacture and supply of comprehensive solutions based on tools for earthmoving and mining machinery and other industrial equipment. His journey started deep within the confines of a coal mine in northern Spain has led Rafael to spearhead one of the industry’s most innovative and impactful companies.

Rafael’s odyssey began with a role that many would overlook—the control of miners’ access to the intricate framework of a coal mine. In those underground passages, he mastered the art of managing the flow of labor and materials, a skill that would later become fundamental in his leadership philosophy. But when the mine’s tunnels echoed their last, it was time for Chavarri to follow a new path, one that his father’s entrepreneurial spirit illuminated.

Enter “Talleres Alcobendas,” a fledgling enterprise specializing in the repair of bulldozers and shovel excavators—two quintessential tools that would shape the destiny of young Rafael. Joining the mechanics’ team, he embarked on a transformative journey, immersing himself in the intricate world of machinery. The passion for his work was palpable, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to the industry.

As the company grew, so did Rafael’s ambitions and responsibilities. From honing production techniques to mastering the art of welding, he embraced each challenge with unyielding enthusiasm. The head office beckoned, a realm that demanded a comprehensive understanding of financial intricacies. Determined to equip himself for the task at hand, Rafael immersed himself in rigorous financial studies, proving that his commitment to excellence knew no bounds.

The corridors of the small company echoed with the footsteps of an individual who did it all—an embodiment of the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit. Rafael’s journey was not only about making strategic decisions in boardrooms but also about rolling up his sleeves and navigating the wheel of a truck, having obtained a license to transport goods. The roads stretched endlessly, mirroring his indefatigable drive.

Journey from Tradition to Trailblazing

Solintal LRD serves as a prime example of a local workshop’s evolution into an industrial powerhouse. The company’s overarching objective consistently revolves around achieving the seemingly unattainable and venturing into uncharted territories where others might hesitate. Boundaries are non-existent in their mindset; limitations are rejected.

Embedded within Solintal’s production procedures lies a rich tradition, characterized by an unwavering commitment to “quality down to the smallest detail.” This principle forms the cornerstone of their work ethos, underpinning every task they undertake.

Endowed with abundant human resources and unmatched capabilities, Solintal is poised to tackle projects of any nature. Their expertise extends across diverse domains, with primary focuses on the mining and defense sectors. Their range spans from the intricate machining of small components to the creation of massive 50-ton earthmoving machinery.

Rafael’s aversion to declining challenges is palpable, and he doesn’t acquiesce when confronted with skepticism. In response to those who assert “It can’t be done,” he steadfastly retorts, “Have you attempted it to conclusively ascertain its feasibility?” This resolute approach encapsulates Solintal’s spirit of perpetual exploration and innovation, where possibilities are unearthed through diligent effort and unwavering resolve.

Shaping Solintal LRD’s Success

At Solintal LRD, Rafael has held various positions, each characterized by its distinct work processes. Through these experiences, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations and ethos.

Passionate about his work and driven to take matters into his own hands, Rafael exhibits fearlessness in the face of life’s challenges. His proactive nature leads him to meticulously oversee all details, contributing to the maturity required to keep the company at the forefront of the industry’s transformative trends. This approach has facilitated a profound comprehension of the current landscape, including unprecedented needs, fostering a holistic perspective of the organization.

The inclination to unlock the company’s potential has long resonated with Rafael. Evidently, during the mining crisis in 2010, he ventured into substantial debt, pushing boundaries to their limits, ultimately purchasing the entire company from his father. This bold move marked the inception of Solintal LRD’s new era.

The journey with Solintal hasn’t been a facile one; Rafael received no handouts. Every accomplishment he has achieved stands as a testament to his relentless effort and diligent toil. This journey involved personal sacrifices, from dedicating time away from his family, investing personal savings, to working tirelessly seven days a week, year-round, without respite. His steadfast determination is further underscored by the fact that he has never taken sick leave nor surrendered in the face of adversity.

As time unfolds, Rafael’s unyielding drive for progress translates into tangible growth for the company. This growth is manifested through the acquisition of new clients, establishment in a challenging market, and the realization of the inherent rewards that come with these achievements.

The time for Transformation and sustainable Collaborations

Undoubtedly, the expansion of the company’s workforce stands as a pivotal milestone for Solintal LRD. Back when Rafael assumed ownership, the team comprised a modest cohort of fewer than 30 individuals. Presently, that number has burgeoned to a formidable strength of 264 dedicated professionals. While the journey was arduous, the incremental growth speaks volumes about the company’s trajectory.

Through strategic efforts, Solintal has fostered collaborations with four globally acclaimed manufacturers in the earthmoving machinery sector: Liebherr, Komatsu, Esco, and Caterpillar. This feat owes its realization to multifaceted factors, prominently including the generation of employment opportunities, the systematic integration of best practices within the organizational framework, substantial investments in cutting-edge machinery, and the formulation of groundbreaking operational procedures. These collective endeavors have enabled Solintal to maintain its position at the forefront of the industry, embracing transformation as an unwavering ethos.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

For the Solintal team, challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth. The sensation of confronting a challenge and not only conquering it but exceeding expectations is unparalleled. This achievement is rooted in the team’s ability to proactively anticipate decisions based on cumulative experience and bolster existing systems.

One noteworthy challenge that recently tested the team’s mettle, much like it did for numerous companies, was the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of Solintal’s resolute commitment to both economic advancement and the well-being of its workforce, a pivotal choice was made. This involved procuring a substantial 1,200 tons of steel and cast material, notwithstanding the extended lead times associated with these resources. Furthermore, a permanent inventory of 5,000 masks was established, a decision that was met with skepticism at the time, with Rafael being characterized as overly cautious.

As the initial indicators of lockdowns, mobility restrictions, and pronounced deceleration within factories, steel mills, and logistics networks began to surface, Solintal LRD stood prepared. Armed with abundant reserves, the company adeptly navigated the tumultuous landscape. This preparedness enabled them to maintain operations unhindered, outshining competitors, meeting delivery commitments, and ensuring uninterrupted production for valued clients.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Solintal abides by a foundational principle: “Big in the detail, Big in the quality.” This guiding maxim serves as the driving force that propels the company to continuously elevate its skill and expertise. As time has progressed, Solintal has further solidified its commitment to excellence by affiliating with various esteemed organizations and associations.

Among these affiliations is ANMOPYC, the Spanish Manufacturers Association of Construction and Mining Equipment. ANMOPYC stands devoted to advancing the international presence, industrial excellence, safety standards, and technological innovation of its member enterprises. By aligning with ANMOPYC, Solintal actively contributes to the overarching goals of enhancing industry-wide standards and fostering innovation.

Another noteworthy alliance is with AECIM, the Association of Metal Companies of Madrid. AECIM undertakes the representation of the Trade, Industry, and Services sectors within the expansive realm of the metal industry. By engaging with AECIM, Solintal forges connections and collaborations that promote mutual interests and fortify the influence of the metal sector.

Balancing Growth and Talent Management

Unquestionably, the scarcity of qualified personnel remains one of Rafael’s foremost concerns. A significant portion of the company’s endeavors are directed towards both training individuals and subsequently striving to retain this nurtured talent, a task that presents its own set of challenges. Rafael’s inclination is to provide employment opportunities to as many individuals as possible, coupled with his innate desire to offer assistance and support. Nonetheless, the management of an ever-expanding workforce is becoming progressively intricate.

The company has experienced an impressive doubling of its staff over the last two years, indicating a rapid and exponential growth trajectory. This robust expansion perpetually necessitates the acquisition of new personnel. Solintal’s approach revolves around persistent trial and error. They invest in training individuals and encourage repeated attempts to succeed. Should a person not align well with a particular role, the company’s philosophy centers on recognizing and promoting the individual’s strengths in alternative positions, ultimately fostering a space where their talents shine in the day-to-day operations.

Leadership Founded on Empathy

Rafael describes himself as a sensitive individual, guided by a fundamental principle: to treat others in the way he would want to be treated. This principle underscores his deep appreciation for what truly holds significance: the people around him. His leadership style is characterized by a profound focus on the human team he collaborates with. Central to this approach is his dedication to equipping all his employees with the necessary resources to propel their professional and personal growth.

Rafael derives gratification from fostering close relationships with people; after all, his journey began as part of the same team he now leads. This shared history has cultivated enduring connections with certain employees, spanning more than three decades of shared time and work experiences. However, Rafael’s children occasionally suggest that he might benefit from maintaining a bit more distance in personal matters.

Driving Team Motivation and Boosting Engagement

Rafael’s approach to motivating and inspiring his team is rooted in active engagement. He believes in working alongside his team members, aligning his efforts to provide unwavering support for their decisions. He values understanding the unique needs of his employees and reinforcing their self-confidence, recognizing that these qualities are vital for the future’s success.

For Rafael, the essence lies in integrating the team into the tapestry of triumph cultivated at Solintal. This is demonstrated through practices like continuous improvement, where specialized training is extended, and collaborative follow-up meetings are conducted. Moreover, the fostering of team cohesion is achieved through teambuilding activities that are actively encouraged.

Rafael not only encourages active participation but also instills the sense of contributing valuably and experiencing the support of the company’s leadership.

Guiding Principles in a Dynamic World

Rafael imparts a significant piece of advice for those aspiring to leadership roles: the importance of tenaciously championing and pursuing one’s convictions, while maintaining unwavering trust in those beliefs. In an era characterized by rapid change and instant gratification, he emphasizes the value of patience and perseverance, particularly within a corporate context. Time is a critical factor, and the ability to exercise patience is indispensable.

Rafael emphasizes the imperative of resisting demotivation, as succumbing to it could prove detrimental. He underscores that the ultimate reward lies in achieving long-sought objectives—the realization of dreams. In his view, there is no accomplishment more rewarding than attaining what one has consistently strived for.

Please visit: https://www.solintal.es/en/