At Bel Air Finishing, our success comes from the people who keep things running smoothly and constantly look for ways to improve our processes. This month, we’re highlighting Leonel Frias, our Production Manager, who joined the team in June 2024.
In his role, Leo oversees production processes, manages the supply chain, and helps ensure sales orders move smoothly from planning to execution. From coordinating machine builds to making sure critical components are in stock or ordered from vendors, he plays a key role in keeping projects on track. He also supports research and development efforts, working closely with the engineering team to refine and improve Bel Air’s finishing technologies.
Driven by Engineering Curiosity
Leo describes himself as someone who’s always been fascinated by how things work. That curiosity shows up every day in his approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
Whether he’s assisting the engineering team or evaluating new ideas, Leo is constantly looking for ways to make operations more efficient. One example is a process he developed to make parts easier to load in Bel Air’s Horizontal Drag Finisher, helping improve workflow and reduce handling challenges on the production floor.
He’s quick to joke that spelling might not be his strong suit, but when it comes to engineering, process design, and improving how things work, that’s where he really shines.
Leo’s background includes certifications in welding, magnetic particle testing, and visual inspection, along with over five years of engineering experience and leadership in manufacturing environments. Together, these experiences give him both the hands-on knowledge and problem-solving mindset to support Bel Air’s operations and innovation.
Looking ahead, Leo is excited to continue contributing on the innovation side, with a long-term goal of contributing to new product development at Bel Air.
Outside the Shop
Outside of work, Leo enjoys a mix of hands-on and recreational hobbies. He’s a fan of Magic: The Gathering, enjoys shooting sports, and spends time tinkering with 3D printing projects—an extension of his interest in how things are built and refined.
A Quote That Sticks
Leo’s favorite quote reflects his practical, business-minded perspective:
“It’s not what you have, but how much you can borrow. That’s important in business.”
– Walt Disney
A Key Part of the Team
Since joining Bel Air, Leo has made an immediate impact, strengthening production coordination, supporting engineering initiatives, and improving internal processes. We’re proud to have him on the team and look forward to what he continues to build at Bel Air.