Raja Gopal

Mechanical Foreman with 37+ years of experience in mechanical operations, preventive and predictive maintenance, fabrication, erection, and commissioning across cement, lime, and steel plants in the UAE, Qatar, and India. Skilled in shutdown planning, equipment troubleshooting, condition monitoring, and team supervision. Strong record of reducing downtime, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Mechanical Foreman at Sharjah Cement Factory (2014-09 – 2024-07)

• Led all plant shutdown repairs, including fabrication and erection of belt conveyors, bucket elevators, gear boxes, and dust filters, and inspection of fans.
• Maintained the alternative fuel system, wood shredder, and power plant equipment to support continuous production.
• Adjusted machine settings and improved setups to reduce waste and increase productivity.
• Performed routine and scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement of spare parts across all machinery types.
• Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices, improving team productivity and technical skills.
• Conducted regular safety inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Collaborated with engineers to develop and optimize machining and maintenance processes.

Mechanical Foreman at Mertec Middle East LLC (2010-09 – 2014-06)

• Managed shutdown repairs and project jobs across cement companies throughout the UAE and Qatar, including fabrication and erection of belt conveyors, bucket elevators, alternative fuel systems, and dust filters.
• Planned and scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance to minimize equipment downtime.
• Oversaw shop floor and project site operations, monitoring performance to meet timeline and quality targets.
• Executed slide shoe bearing and liner replacement at Lafarge Emirates Cement, RAK Cement Co., and Pioneer Cements.
• Delivered EP-to-bag filter conversion for a white cement company and commissioning work for Noora Lime Company.
• Fabricated and erected a 1 km long belt conveyor (BC-5) at the Al Nakhla Crusher for Star Cement.
• Completed shutdown jobs at Al Khaleej Cement Company (Qatar) and blower modification for a roller conveyor at Emirates Steel Industries, Abu Dhabi.
• Fabricated and erected conveyor and hopper systems at Gulf Flour, Abu Dhabi, and an IKN cooler at Pioneer Cement.

Mechanic at Union Cement Company (P.S.C.) (2006-10 – 2010-08)

• Performed maintenance of mechanical equipment as Shift Mechanic in the K-4 New Plant.
• Conducted regular inspections to prevent accidents and ensure adherence to safety norms.

Mechanical Fitter (Mechanic) at ACC Mancherial Cement Company (1986-08 – 2006-02)

• Carried out operation and maintenance of gear boxes and pumps.
• Performed alignment of gear boxes and fans, and condition monitoring of equipment.

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – ACC Kymore Engineering Institute (1986-07)

SSC in Secondary School Certificate – Board of Secondary Education, Andhra Pradesh (1982-03)