American Honda Trains Mechanics for Local Repairs

The training session in Scammon Bay is the first of its kind. Bringing technicians from American Honda to the field, where the products are used, results in a two-way exchange of information.

Jeremy Merzlak, Aftersales Experience Division Director at American Honda, says, “This collaboration benefits these mechanics and their customers, but it’s also an opportunity for us to learn from their experiences in extreme conditions. That knowledge ultimately results in improved products, creating a circular positive process that has already proven to be extremely valuable.”

Saving Time and Money on Repairs

The CVRF Mechanic/Welder Program has come a long way since its inception. Mechanics started working part-time with limited access to parts and other necessities to get a machine running. Mechanics also had limited training in welding, and there were fewer than ten mechanics in other communities to draw on for support. Mechanics like Theodore Brown of Eek and the late Herman Beaver of Kwigillingok would often travel to other communities to help train for welding.

Now the training through the CVRF Mechanic/Welder Program saves residents weeks of time and thousands of dollars when small engine repairs are needed. The mechanics’ work speaks for itself, and living in the village brings intrinsic knowledge of the importance of having a machine to conduct their everyday lives, and most importantly, their subsistence lifestyles.

CVRF operates in twenty member communities along the west coast of Alaska, from Scammon Bay to Platinum. The nonprofit generates the money for community development initiatives through its Bering Sea fishing rights and a fleet of vessels, making it the largest Alaskan-owned seafood company.

Global Partner

“We have been able to expand our relationship with Honda so that Alaskans can save time and money on repairs and support our traditional ways of living off the land,” says CVRF CEO Eric Deakin. “It is impressive that a global company such as Honda invests in creative partnerships like ours to maintain the cultural and subsistence needs of even the most remote communities of the world.”

Merzlak says product reliability is a priority for American Honda, and that quality is especially important in remote areas. “A big part of ensuring reliability, especially in the long term, is a well-organized maintenance and repair program, something that we’ve worked hard to create with our CVRF partners,” he says.

Deakin adds, “We are extremely grateful to Honda for its ongoing partnership and continued support of CVRF’s communities.”