Spotlight: Americo Szabo

He may be relatively new to Deves, but Americo Szabo has been managing machine and tool manufacturing shops for well over 30 years. In his position as plant manager for Deves since August of 1993, Americo is in charge of production, scheduling work, and taking care of any urgent customer needs. Over the years, he has been successful at helping companies grow and prosper.

A native of Argentina, Americo recalls that his first venture after college graduation was a partner in a machine and tool manufacturing business. In 1963, he sold his share of the business and moved to California, finding the same kind of management positions here. The company in Argentina, he recalls, started with three people and was employing 25 workers when he left.

In California, one of Americo's success stories was a Gardena firm that made parts for aerospace companies. It was actually closed through bankruptcy when he took over. When he left, the plant was running three shifts, 24 hours a day.

In 1971, the Szabo family moved to Texas, where they lived for 22 years. Americo found management positions there until the family returned to California recently.

"I've never done the exact work we are doing here, but I was willing to accept the challenge," he says. "The company has tremendous potential. We have one machine computerized, and we are waiting for another one, so production will probably increase tenfold."

Now that his children are grown, Americo finds time in his hours away from Deves for reading, stamp collecting, and woodworking. "My father was a fine carpenter," he notes by way of explaining his lifelong interest in cabinet and furniture making.