WATSONVILLE — With a background in industrial engineering, Khaled Mabrouk is always looking for ways to help businesses run more efficiently.
While on a tour of a nursery with his wife in Watsonville, Mabrouk began asking the farmers about their growing processes.
He found what he described as “inefficiencies” in their operation, and said he knew, with his background, that he could help farmers.
In 2012, Sustainable Productivity Solutions was born. Originally headquartered in Scotts Valley, the organization recently moved to Watsonville, and will hold an open house on Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 275 Main St., Suite 450.
Working with farmers, shippers and other companies in the food chain, SPS looks at ways the businesses can improve their operations, while reducing waste and costs.
Among its services, SPS programs computer models, such as a top-down view of a cooler, for instance, showing how its layout can increase efficiency and speed up everyday tasks.
“We try to help farmers do their work more efficiently,” said Mabrouk, the founder and president of SPS. “This is new to them.”
SPS also aims to establish a “lean thinking” culture in its clients, which, among other things, encourages employees to be a part of the problem-solving process, rather than being told what to do by a manager.
It’s all about “engaging the workforce,” Mabrouk said, where employees help come up with solutions.
“They wind up owning the solution,” he said.
With 30 years of experience, Mabrouk has held positions at companies such as Paypal, General Motors and Union Pacific Railroad.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and is a simulation and operational engineering instructor at San Jose State University.
SPS consists of three full-time employees and a number of contractors, holding frequent workshops in its new office located on the top floor of the Civic Plaza.
Senior Operational Engineer Katy Griffin said SPS’s main client base is located in South County, which was one of the main reasons behind the move to Watsonville.
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Sustainable Productivity Solutions’ open house will be held Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 275 Main St., Suite 450. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP, call 515-7337 or email
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