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Pham Anh Long – Southern Basic Chemicals Joint Stock Company: Keeping Production Running Through Precision and Practical Innovation
In a chemical plant, when production lines operate smoothly, few people think about the maintenance team working behind the scenes. It is only when equipment breaks down that the importance of mechanical and electrical technicians becomes truly visible. For Pham Anh Long, Deputy Head of the Mechanical and Electrical Team at Dong Nai Chemical Plant under Southern Basic Chemicals Joint Stock Company, every shift begins with the same objective: ensuring that equipment operates safely and reliably so production can continue without interruption.
His consistent dedication earned him recognition as one of Vietnam National Chemical Group’s (Vinachem) Outstanding Workers for the first quarter of 2026 under Decision No. 320/QĐ-HCVN dated June 15, 2026.
Having spent many years in mechanical and electrical maintenance, Long is well acquainted with the work that takes place behind the production line. From equipment inspections and routine maintenance to troubleshooting unexpected failures, every task requires precision and a strong sense of responsibility. Even a minor oversight can affect the operation of the entire production system.
Most of the mechanical and electrical team’s time is spent on the factory floor. Equipment is inspected regularly, and any early signs of malfunction are identified and addressed promptly to prevent more serious failures. Every shift presents different situations, requiring technicians to remain focused, proactive, and closely coordinated with their colleagues.
Over the years, Long has developed a habit that many of his coworkers recognize. Whenever repairing or maintaining equipment, he never stops at fixing the immediate problem. Instead, he looks for the root cause and examines whether any part of the system can be improved. Many of his later innovations originated from these careful observations.
One of his notable initiatives, Improving Flexible Couplings for Centrifugal Pumps, was developed together with his colleagues. The solution was approved by the Company and implemented in production, helping equipment operate more reliably while reducing maintenance costs, improving working conditions, and minimizing environmental impacts.
The idea behind the initiative grew directly from hands-on maintenance work. Through repeated equipment disassembly, repair, and inspection, Long and his team identified recurring issues, discussed possible solutions, tested different approaches, and gradually refined the design before putting it into operation.
Working in the chemical industry, safety is always the highest priority. A single careless action can lead to serious incidents. For that reason, Long strictly follows technical procedures, consistently uses appropriate personal protective equipment, and continuously updates his professional knowledge to meet the demands of the job.
Within the mechanical and electrical team, he is also known for willingly sharing his experience with colleagues, particularly younger technicians. From equipment inspection and identifying abnormal conditions to troubleshooting methods, he patiently provides practical guidance to help them build confidence and technical skills. This close cooperation enables the team to respond quickly to issues and maintain uninterrupted production.
Beyond his technical responsibilities, Long actively participates in initiatives organized by the Company's Trade Union and management, particularly the Skilled Workers, Creative Workers movement. In his view, many valuable improvements do not begin with ambitious ideas but with careful observation of equipment, refining work procedures, or making small technical adjustments that improve efficiency.
Receiving the Outstanding Worker title is an encouraging recognition for Pham Anh Long, but it has not changed his daily routine. Every shift still begins with inspecting equipment, monitoring operating systems, and resolving issues before they affect production. For him, that is simply the responsibility of a mechanical and electrical technician—a responsibility he has faithfully carried out for many years.
