Spotlight: Sue Ellsworth

As inventory controller at Deves, Sue Ellsworth's work behind the scenes is a vital component in the company's ability to consistently fill most orders same day. With a stock of hundreds of different ring sets in various quantities, this is no small task, but for 15 1/2 years, her thorough familiarity with the product is a great help.

"My job is to keep everyone busy and make sure the inventory is up-to-date," Ellsworth says. "I relate to both the machine shop and the assemblers," she explains. "I write up orders for the machine shop, telling them what should be manufactured. I tell the assemblers what sets are needed so that our inventory is always current." Ellsworth is also the one who finds the right rings for the machine shop to grind for custom orders.

"I feel like I'm part of the family," says Ellsworth about her longevity at Deves. While she may not be a restless employee, she is an inveterate traveler with an arm's length list of near and far-away places already visited. "It's my first love," she says recounting wonders of her recent six days in Paris. At home, she relaxes by roller skating at the beach or practicing yoga.

Although she was born in Michigan some 20 miles from Lansing and 80 miles from Detroit, Ellsworth had no automotive background prior to coming to California over 16 years ago. She says she's still not a car buff, but there's no doubt that she knows piston rings and the importance of prompt customer service.