Meet Bob Dias, A Steady Hand Contributing to 28 Years of Growth at Our Distribution Center

The longstanding history and rich tradition of our company is personified through our people. We have many employees that have worked here for decades, building and upholding every day the legacy that makes us who we are. A prime example of that is Bob Dias.

For nearly three decades, Bob has been a key member of the Distribution Center (DC) at Okeelanta. As the Senior Manager of CPD Operations, Bob’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and a full-circle connection to our company that began before he even joined.

Bob’s journey in the United States began in 1980 when he moved from Jamaica to Brooklyn, New York. His professional life started at a company in Queens that manufactured packaging machines, a role that would set the stage for his future career. In 1990, he joined Domino Sugar as an engineering foreman in the packaging department at its Brooklyn plant. Seven years later, an exciting opportunity arose when he received a phone call that would change his life. Florida Crystals was launching a new packaging facility adjacent to our Okeelanta Mill and Refinery and was looking for talented individuals to help with the startup.

He arrived in 1997 at a facility in its beginning stages. As one of the early team members, Bob’s was responsible for the maintenance of the new packaging lines. His role quickly expanded to include sourcing packaging materials, determining pack sizes and hiring mechanics—everything needed to build a successful operation from the ground up.

“When I started, the facility was able to move about 300 to 350 tons of sugar per day,” he says. “Over the years, through many projects, we have advanced that capacity to where we are now at 850 to 900 tons per day.”

Our packaging operations began with nine production lines, and over the years with the help of Bob’s leadership, it has expanded its capability to 20 production lines.

Throughout his 28 years with Florida Crystals, he has embraced numerous roles, including Packaging Specialist, Packaging Engineer, Packaging Manager and Manager of Engineering & Maintenance.

One of the most important factors in Bob’s longevity at the company is its spirit of being family-owned and operated. “This company is very family-oriented,” he explains. “Although we’re bigger now than when I started, that feeling of being a close-knit family remains. I love the business and the way the owners run it. They invest a lot back into the company, and it shows.”

Bob attributes his advancement to dedication and hard work. He remembers the early days of getting the DC running, often working around the clock. “There were a lot of 24-hour days early on, where we were going home just to eat and come right back,” he says. “But I’ve always been dedicated because I love what I do. I enjoy new challenges and seeing results.”

Today, Bob oversees the entire distribution operation. His advice for those looking to build a long and fulfilling career reflects his own work ethic: “Treat each day as if it’s your first day at work. Use the same energy and excitement that you have on your first day and just keep going.”

After nearly 30 years, Bob’s passion for his work and his pride in this company remain well on display. His journey is a remarkable example of what can be achieved with commitment, a love for new challenges and a supportive team.