Navistar International Corporation, a leading Chicago-based manufacturer of commercial and military vehicles, has rapidly expanded in recent years by building world-class manufacturing capabilities around the globe. Securitas USA and affiliated companies actively partners with Navistar to provide a variety of high-quality security services at many of those locations.
“The global reach of Securitas related companies is important to us, in terms of quality, consistency and responsiveness” says John Martinicky, CPP, Navistar’s director, Global Security. “It only takes one phone call to get the security resources we need, locally or internationally.” In North America, Securitas and affiliated companies provide security services at six major Navistar operating sites in the U.S. and Canada, and is supported by Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations teams at the Monterrey, Mexico location.
“We look at all risks and have plans in place to deal with every issue,” adds Martinicky, who has lead Navistar’s security operations since 1987. “Our mandate is to protect Navistar’s people, assets and reputation, and that means that our security and loss prevention teams are integrated in every part of the business.”
Engineering, Research and Design
At a 100-acre facility in Ft. Wayne, IN, more than 1,200 Navistar engineers, researchers and designers develop and test new products and vehicles. Hundreds of contract employees, vendors and suppliers contribute to that work, generating a constant flow of visitors to the site.
“Protection of intellectual property is a key issue for us,” says Steve Chambers, CPP, Loss Prevention manager at the Ft. Wayne facility and Global Facility Security Officer for Navistar Defense. “It’s essential that every person is identified, credentialed and authorized to be here.”
Securitas USA officers control access of all vehicle traffic at the facility, using proprietary software to register vehicles, drivers and cargo entering and exiting. Officers also monitor the digital CCTV system, and issue photo ID badges to all visitors to the site—a number averaging 1,100 per month. Vendors and suppliers, including the custodial service, are escorted at all times, and random security checks are conducted.
“Navistar is a growing military contractor as well as a commercial company, and that has a lot of security implications and I appreciate Securitas USA’s capabilities and flexibility in helping us meet Government requirements.” says Chambers.
The most recent addition to the Navistar Defense fleet is the International® MaxxPro™ Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. “Our security team is proud to work at the facility where the MRAP design was researched and developed,” says Alan Pierce, Securitas USA site supervisor at the Ft. Wayne facility and a military veteran. “These vehicles help protect our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they save lives.”
Pierce supervises a team of up to 15 security officers who provide around-the-clock security services at the Ft. Wayne facility and at a nearby road test track.
Vehicle Assembly
In Chatham, Ontario, a Securitas team of 25 officers and two supervisors provides a variety of security services at the Navistar plant where a shiny new International® ProStar™ tractor rolls off the assembly line every seven minutes. Production of the fuel-efficient, 500-horsepower ProStars began in January 2007 and has steadily increased due to strong demand and high driver satisfaction.
“We’re in the business of manufacturing trucks, not managing security,” says Terry Lucier, CPP, Navistar’s senior regional manager. “Securitas provides capable supervisors and officers that free us to do what we do best.”
The Securitas team controls access at the Chatham plant’s four gates. “It’s crucial that we document and track what enters and exits the plant,” says Lucier, “because we’re dealing with everything from hazardous materials to high-value components and proprietary products.”
Specialized Training
All Securitas officers at the plant complete from 80 to 120 hours of classroom and practical instruction in security and safety procedures, including HAZMAT and Confined Space training. Officers issue hot work permits, test air quality and conduct fire watches, when necessary, in addition to regular foot and vehicle patrols.
“We’re first responders in the event of a fire or HAZMAT spill, so it’s critical that we know what chemicals and other hazardous materials are used in each area of the plant,” says Megan Somers, Securitas site supervisor for the past five years. Securitas officers also receive First Aid, AED and CPR training and work closely with Navistar’s loss prevention staff to help maintain a safe environment for the 1,700 Navistar workers at the Chatham plant.
“We’ve built a good relationship with Securitas since 2003, when we moved from proprietary guards to contract security,” says Lucier. “They’ve provided strong security leadership and quality officers who are committed to the success of our company.”