Built on Dedication: Slobodan’s 40-Year Journey in Mold Assembly

At Husky, some roles sit at a key point in the manufacturing process, where everything comes together. Mold assembly at the Bolton, Ontario headquarters is one of them.

It’s a critical stage in the process when precision matters most. After 40 years with the company, Slobodan Paprica has seen firsthand how critical those moments are.

Getting Started at Husky

Slobodan joined Husky on March 24, 1986, starting in a cleaning role. At the time, it was an entry point into the company, but also an opportunity to understand how the shop floor worked day by day.

“I wanted to prove myself and earn a full-time position,” he explains.

After six months, he moved into production, which is where he began learning the technical side of the work.

Learning How Everything Connects

Rather than staying in one position, Slobodan moved through several areas of the shop floor, including grinding, cutting and heat treatment. Each role gave him a clearer view of how molds are produced and how each step connects to the next.

As he gained experience, that understanding started to develop into a broader view of the vital part each of his roles played in production, assembly and operations and how it’s all connected.

By the time he moved into mold assembly, he was no longer focused on a single task. He could see how each component was made and how everything needed to fit together at the final stage.

“I developed a stronger understanding of my responsibilities, and with that came more confidence in my work.”

Where Experience Makes a Difference

This background is what shapes his approach to mold assembly.

At this stage, there is little room for error. Every component needs to fit and function as expected, and even small issues can affect the final result.

That is where his knowledge of different areas of the process shines through.

Knowing what to check, recognizing when something is not quite right and proactively and instinctively making the right adjustments – it’s all part of the job. That is not something that is found in a manual. It comes from having seen similar situations many times before and knowing what to look for and how to make it right.

Working Through Change

As he was moving through Husky, the environment around him was evolving.

“When I started, the site was much smaller. It was just the Machines and Molds buildings.”

As the company grew, the campus expanded, equipment evolved and the work itself became more complex. Molds became capable of producing higher part outputs with more precise requirements.

Despite these changes, one thing stayed constant. The job always has and always will require accuracy, attention to detail, precision and accountability.

The Day-to-Day Environment

When asked what has kept him at Husky for so long, Slobodan points to the people and the culture around him.

“The people and the way the company looks after its employees.”

That consistency in the workplace made a difference in his day-to-day experience.

“Team members at Husky are always ready to help.”

Advice from Experience

After 40 years, his advice is simple.

Work hard, ask questions, be honest and take the time to learn. “You’ll find that if you put in the effort, people will support you.”

Looking Back

Reaching 40 years at Husky is not just about time in the company. It reflects experience built across different roles and apply it where it matters the most.

In mold assembly, it shows through in the details and in the consistency of the final product. And in happy customers.

Behind every finished mold, there is someone like Slobodan who knows exactly what to look for, how to fix it, how to make a difference and how to make an impact through the small but very important details.

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