Berry joined FMCSA in 1991 as a Supervisor in the Paint Shop department and was responsible for training the workforce and providing guidance to the workers when required. He progressed through the ranks holding various positions within the company including a stint as Industrial Relations Representative before taking on various roles in the plant relating to production and quality processes. In 2004 he was promoted to assistant Plant Manager.
Further to this Berry spent time as an Assistant Plant Manager in Ford Motor Company Australia - Broadmeadows, where he was responsible for the Quality Operating System in factory; safety, quality, delivery, cost and staff morale. In July 2008, he returned to South Africa to take up the role of Plant Manager - a role in which he was responsible for the transformation of FMCSA's manufacturing operations, establishing and driving the manufacturing strategy and focusing on transforming the plant into a globally competitive manufacturing facility.
"Ockert is well liked around the plant. He has worked his way up through the ranks and in so doing has acquired an in-depth knowledge of our operations while building strong relationships with the staff. I would like to wish Ockert all the best in his new role," says Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
