Oldemar Meneses’ story is closely tied to Metso’s industrial history, from its early days as Nordberg to the merger with Svedala and, ultimately, to today’s Metso. For Oldemar, the journey toward a fulfilling career wasn’t just about hitting professional milestones but about achieving the right balance between work and family while navigating the evolving global industry.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Oldemar pursued his studies in electrical engineering while balancing the challenge of working to support his education. His determination led him to apply for an international scholarship, which would change his life. In 1984, Oldemar was selected for a Marine Engineering program in Brazil, sponsored by the Costa Rican foreign ministry and the United Nations. He completed his studies at the Merchant Marine Academy CIABA-EFFOMM in Belém, Brazil, graduating in 1987. During this time, Oldemar met Bethania, the woman who would later become his wife.
After graduation, Oldemar began his professional journey in Costa Rica as a Maintenance Engineer for an airline company. His thirst for new challenges and opportunities led him to a Marine Engineer role with a cruise line company in Miami, Florida. There, he worked for nearly six years, balancing the demands of his career with the support of his wife. In 1992, Oldemar and Bethania celebrated the birth of their first child, Eduardo, prompting Oldemar to seek a more stable role that would allow him to travel while spending more time with his growing family.
Technical expertise combined with customer service
In 1994, Oldemar’s life took another turn when he spotted a job advertisement in a Miami newspaper. The position was for a Service Manager at a company called Nordberg. Oldemar didn’t apply at the time, but when the same ad appeared in a Costa Rican newspaper during a vacation, his wife convinced him that it was a sign. He applied, and soon after, he was invited for an interview. Oldemar officially joined Nordberg, which would later become part of Metso, as Service Manager for Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
Oldemar’s background as a Marine Engineer and his practical experience in the field made him uniquely suited for the role. His ability to work autonomously in remote, often challenging environments – such as mines and quarries – was highly valued. Over the next several years, he managed and coordinated field service teams and distributors across a vast geographical area, ensuring that Metso’s crushing and screening solutions met customers’ needs in the mining and construction sectors.
In 1998, Oldemar and Bethania welcomed their second child, Amanda, and soon, Oldemar transitioned into an Application Engineer role. His experience in the field had shown him that many machine issues stemmed from improper application, and he wanted to focus on improving equipment selection and process design to prevent these problems before they arose. This new role allowed him to combine his technical expertise with a proactive approach to customer service. In 1999, Camilla, their third child, was born.
From Svedala to Metso, from Mexico to France
In 2007, Oldemar and his family relocated to Mexico as part of a company-wide restructuring following the merger with Svedala. With the centralization of operations in Mexico, Oldemar played a key role in managing and growing the regional distribution network. In 2009, he was appointed Market Area Manager for Aggregates, focusing on Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. He worked to build Metso’s dream team, nurturing strong distributor relationships and laying the foundation for long-term growth. His leadership and efforts contributed significantly to the distribution network thriving today.
From 2012 to 2014, Oldemar expanded his reach even further, overseeing South America and other territories. His decade-long tenure in this role solidified his reputation as a strategic leader who could successfully navigate complex markets and drive business growth. In 2017, Oldemar earned his MBA in Sales and Marketing from the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Building on his extensive experience, he transitioned to his current role as Product Manager in 2020.
The next chapter of Oldemar’s career saw another significant relocation. In November 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Oldemar and his family moved to Mâcon, France, where he continued his work with Metso. Today, he and his wife, Bethania, and their two daughters are settled in France, where Oldemar remains as committed as ever to his role. He is driving the development and market introduction of the HRC8 crusher and advancing the goal of manufactured sand solutions.
Professional evolution spanning continents & industries
Oldemar’s career has taken him across multiple continents, introduced him to diverse cultures, and connected him with colleagues and customers worldwide. The company’s transformation over the years – from Nordberg to Svedala and eventually to Metso – paralleled Oldemar’s professional evolution, with each shift bringing new responsibilities and opportunities.
“People often asked me, why would I leave a luxury cruise ship job for this noisy, dusty and dirty industry. I wondered it, too. But looking back after 30 years at Metso, the satisfaction of adding value to my family, colleagues, and customers has been deeply rewarding. Cruise ships are now fond memories – and a great vacation option,” Oldermar says.
His leadership at Metso has been key in building strong, enduring relationships with distributors and customers across multiple regions. From coordinating field service teams to expanding Metso’s distribution network, Oldemar’s work spanned continents and industries. Through all of this, he never lost sight of his personal values – creating a career that allowed him to support his family while also driving success in a rapidly changing industry.
“Over the years, meeting so many people at Metso, distributors, and customers has brought daily challenges and immense joy. Working with diverse cultures enriches you both personally and professionally. We are deeply thankful for Metso’s trust and support – it feels like the journey started yesterday. It keeps me proud, motivated, and grateful to be part of the Metsonites family.”
