60 - KEEP IT ROLLING:

Robert (Bob) Reichelt doesn’t see his 60 years’ service as a big deal. Apart from getting up “a hell of a lot earlier than I’d like to” (do the math - Bob gets to Torrington every day at 6:30 am after a 45-minute drive), Bob retains the passion and dedication for engineering and customer relations that set him on his career path more than six decades ago.

FIRST DAY, FIRST ROLLS

Bob started as an 18-year-old apprentice machinist with Farrel Roll Company. The company was bought by SHW some years later, which itself was acquired by ANDRITZ in 2016 to become ANDRITZ Inc. All the while, Bob has served the company as a roll specialist and today is Supervisor, Quality Assurance at the Torrington site in Connecticut, USA, where the business has been situated since 1991. Bob exemplifies the knowledge, expertise and industry experience that ANDRITZ has gained through growth and selective acquisitions of businesses with traditions of innovation and excellence.

FROM THE US TO THE WORLD

ANDRITZ in Torrington services, inspects, repairs, tests, rebuilds, upgrades, converts, grinds, and polishes all types and sizes of process rolls, from suction rolls and calender rolls to engraved rolls, reel spools, and winder drums. From the smallest rolls to those measuring 78 inches in diameter, 550 inches in face length, and weighing up to 75 tons, the US service team ensures that your rolls are expertly serviced to extend their lifespan and maximize your investment – and does this in mills worldwide.

Challenges? Not a problem when you have a wizard in your team! To still be thriving at work when many would have retired, it will come as no surprise that Bob enjoys what he does, “I like work; I like my colleagues, who amaze me with their can-do attitude, spirit, and multi-tasking ability.” One suspects that Bob’s colleagues feel highly appreciated, too. As Steve Dytko, Plant Manager, says, “I wouldn’t be in my position without Bob’s expertise, guidance, and friendship. He cares about everyone. His work ethic and willingness to adapt and embrace change amazes me. His nickname is Merlin, because of his wizard-like ability to pull solutions out of a hat thanks to his extraordinary knowledge about the paper industry and our customers. And, yes, he does have a wizard hat in the corner of the office.”

SPARKLING MOMENTS

Michael (Mike) Benedict is Production Coordinator at ANDRITZ Inc. in Torrington. He also has long associations with Bob and attributes the fact that he’s personally been with the company for 25 years to Bob’s work ethic, “He genuinely cares about his coworkers. He’s old school and it’s never about what’s in it for him. Bob’s knowledge gained over the years is untrainable and irreplaceable. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be working with him. But he applies the same principles of care to everyone he comes across. Whoever’s on the phone, he always wishes them ‘a sparkling day’.”

BUSY AT HOME

If it’s not already clear, Bob is loyal. Married for 59 years and a volunteer director of the ambulance service for 29 years in his hometown of Ansonia, his home life means everything. And with four children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren to keep him on his toes, no wonder his wife insisted on getting someone in to cut the grass to free up some time. “I miss it and they don’t do it quite as well as I do,” he points out.

“At home, at work, what matters most is the other people,” concludes Bob. “The best thing you can do at work is help improve people’s skills, working conditions, and environment. Always do your best, smile and laugh a lot, including at yourself.”

THE VERY HEART

ANDRITZ in Torrington represents a blend of historical legacy and modern innovation. With its commitment to technical proficiency and quality service, ANDRITZ continues to be a key player in the roll service industry, providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. Last but not least, at the very heart of ANDRITZ are its people, like Bob Reichelt, whose passion, dedication, and competence embody the company’s values and commitment to excellence.