Meet Our Lube Starz

We love to learn about LMT readers, including what they do in the field of lubrication (and what they like about their jobs)! Here’s what our May/June Lube Star told us:

Jim Harris

Title:  General Manager, CCECO Lab & Filtration, a manufacturer of fine-micron oil-filtration equipment with oil-analysis and lab services, headquartered in Kent, WA.

Background: Jim began working as a machinist at Star Iron and Steel, in Tacoma, WA, where he ran all aspects of building parts for container cranes and straddle carriers. From there, he moved to the Maintenance Department at the Port of Tacoma. At the time of his retirement (after 32 years of service), he was Lead Equipment Foreman for all Port Operations. During his time at the Port, Jim was responsible for implementing an oil-analysis program on all fleet vehicles and equipment (including installation of over 270 CCECO bypass filter systems). This successful program led to over $1.5 million in savings from reduced maintenance costs and extended oil-drain intervals for engines and hydraulic systems.

As Jim describes it, once retired, he couldn’t sit still. Equipped with the in-depth knowledge, skills and expertise in oil-contamination issues that he had built at the Port of Tacoma, he joined the CCECO organization in 2009. This career move has allowed him to continue doing what he likes best: providing training to and sharing his experiences with others. That includes presenting at industry events like the University of Washington’s Vehicle Maintenance Management Conference and the Kelmar Oil Analysis International Conference, among others.

Why He Became A Lubrication Professional:  According to Jim, early in his career he could see how important clean oil was to reducing costs and extending the life of equipment. He notes that he “was trained by the best” in oil analysis and reasons for component failure, and the more he learned, the more he wanted to extend his work in the field. 

What He Likes Most About His Work:  Jim says he particularly enjoys the opportunity to educate others and see the light bulbs go off in their eyes.  “Customers love seeing the positive impact of clean oil on their operations and contributing to reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign oil,” he explains. In turn, he continues, “I love helping them become better stewards of the environment that God has entrusted to us, and significantly reducing the use of a natural resource… OIL.”

Congratulations to Jim for being selected to our Lube Starz team! Our congratulations (and thanks) also go out to CCECO Lab & Filtration for helping us put a spotlight on Jim, as well as for helping grow the maintenance/lubrication profession.

Our caps are off to all hardworking Lube Starz, who’ll receive their own baseball caps for making the team. Up for the game? Go to www.lmtinfo.com/lubestarz to tell us about yourself! Follow the instructions for submitting your own application and photo and you might find your work-related profile in a future LMT issue. We look forward to hearing from you soon!