Juan H. Vázquez

acqzvf@r.postjobfree.com 1-787-***-****

Plant / Operations / General Management Executive

Dynamic, lean, hands-on operations leader with strong portfolio of diversified manufacturing experience building and leading high-growth, transition and startup operations in domestic and international environments with annual revenues of up to $60 million. Stellar record of achievements delivering sustainable improvements in efficiency, productivity and quality through the implementation of progressive and creative changes in processes, people and materials which has generated million dollar yearly cost savings over the past 20 years. Trilingual language skills (English/Spanish/Portuguese).

Expertise: Plant Construction and Startup Organizational Development Performance, Productivity & Cost Reduction Improvements Lean and Value Production Concepts Team Development (union/non-union shop) Raw Material Supplier Sourcing Contract Negotiations Planning Project Management Budgeting Forecasting

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND & MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Kanaflex Industria de Plasticos SA.- Itu, Brazil S.A. 2012-2015

Privately owned, Brazilian manufacturing company specializing in the manufacturing of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes.

Plant Operations Manager

Supervised construction and startup of the new 10K m2 pipe production facility. Direct all plant operations and performance metrics with annual sales of $60M, staff of 120 operating in 24/7 environment. Full P&L, manufacturing and logistics responsibilities for the facility.

sHead of the design and development team for the new corrugated pipe product line.

sDeveloped machine standards and supplier specification for the $20M investment of the new product line.

sWorked with Italian and German suppliers during the design and construction of the new production equipment.

sIncreased production output from zero to 1100 tons/month in first 10 months of operation.

sReduced scrap rates from 10% to 4% and downtime from 6% to 3% implementing Lean and 5S initiatives.

sWork jointly with the sales management to grow the export market in South America by 20%.

ADVANCED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS 2005-2012

Privately owned, global manufacturing entity recognized as the world leader in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes with 40 manufacturing centers throughout the Americas.

TUBOS TIGRE-ADS – Rio Claro, Brazil, S.A.

Plant Manager (2010-2012)

Promoted based upon consistent contributions to performance improvement, cost reductions and leadership capacity to supervise construction, startup, and production management of 27K ft2 plant, manufacturing pipe for both sewer and road drainage applications. Directed all plant operations and performance metrics including planning, staffing, quality, engineering, production, purchasing, raw material inventory, human resources and maintenance with annual sales of $13M, staff of 35 operating in 24/7 environment.

sSenior executive for startup project, the first joint venture between ADS and Tigre (Brazil’s leading manufacturer of PVC pipes). Transitioned business from construction through startup to full-scale operations $1.2M under budget and three months ahead of schedule. Created all operation, business and manufacturing plans.

sIncreased production output from zero to 800K lbs./month in first year of operation; increased product market share and surpassed revenue goals.

sImplemented 3P (Production Preparation Process) and led lean initiatives that supported delivery of inventory to meet expected sales without incurring excessive stock.

sSaved $150K/month by increasing utilization of recycled materials to above 60%.

sFormed Safety Committee and chaired monthly safety inspections developing a safety mentality throughout the organization.

sServed as mediator and key contact between the US and Brazilian companies, improving communication and expediting results between both partner companies.

sLed loading technique training program of contracted transportation companies unaccustomed to product, resulting in 10% reduction in freight costs.

ADS – Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Plant Manager (2005-2010)

Hand-picked to direct construction, line installation, startup and daily management of 25K ft2 manufacturing site and 236K ft2 storage facility producing 500K lbs. of corrugated polyethylene plastic pipe per month. Managed supervisors and associates with oversight for operational and safety performance results, production, compliance, waste, purchasing, inventory management and cost controls.

sCompleted $2M plant construction and startup in record time and $250K under budget through revision and elimination of redundant infrastructure system.

sLed negotiations with governmental agencies securing low corporate tax rate, tax credits and incentives.

sDrove forward cost-reduction initiatives saving ($825K annually) by introducing recycled materials in manufacturing operations and reducing dependence on imported materials in favor of local suppliers.

sSurpassed quality and target profit margins and improved organizational performance by creating a customer-centered culture guided by quality, safety and increased morale.

sMaintained high retention levels among workforce by selecting highly qualified technical and engineering candidates, building a constructive work environment, fostering a team spirit, and developing open channels of communication, resulting in positive productivity impact.

PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION, INC., – Dorado, Puerto Rico 2003-2005

Engineering/general contracting firm specializing in small/medium scale commercial and industrial construction and remodeling.

Proprietor / Project Manager

Primary business driver, spearheading startup and development of firm generating significant dollar sales prior to market dive. Identified and secured projects; led contract negotiations, work/action plans, permit acquisition, project, materials and equipment purchasing and scheduling. Recruited and deployed project personnel, maintained effective communication with team members and project owners.

sAttracted a client portfolio including contracts with powerhouse electrical contractor in building infrastructure and various site development jobs for Fortune 500 pharmaceutical manufacturers.

GENERAL ELECTRIC – Arecibo, Puerto Rico 2002-2003

GE Industrial Systems Division largest Caribbean manufacturing facility in terms of volume and profit.

Fabrication Manager

Directed daily manufacturing activities and optimization programs across metal parts welding and stamping divisions producing large industrial electrical circuit breakers and metal parts for four sister GE facilities.

sDesigned and launched quick changeover techniques that accelerated stamping department output 15%, leading to the insourcing of additional stamped parts for fellow GE plants.

sReduced cycle time from 15 days to 10 days in 6 month span.

sJustified, sourced, and directed the acquisition of new tool room equipment reducing overhead expenses 40%, achieved $75K annualized savings and self-sufficient department status.

THOMAS & BETTS – Vega Baja, Puerto Rico 1999-2002

Global electrical device manufacturer serving both residential and equipment manufacturing companies.

Business Owner (2001-2002)

Managed full operations of stamping, injection molding, assembly, tool room, and maintenance departments of $20 million electrical terminals plant, overseeing a team of 250 associates.

sDelivered strong and sustainable operating gains: Increased finished goods output 20% by championing plant-wide execution of Focused Team and High Involvement Team empowering philosophies; reduced backlog of customer orders 50%; and improved fill rate from 72% to 97% in eight months.

sCaptured significant reductions in cycle time, inventory, and indirect labor costs through lean methodologies and Kanban initiatives.

sCoordinated, delivered and tracked implementation of value stream mapping on factory floor for three (3) corporate plants and implemented events to maximize ROI.

sDrove the organization toward high-tech, low-cost production by championing insourcing campaign of all stamped parts and implementing SMED techniques.

Production Manager (1999-2001)

Led production operations of electrical circuit breakers for residential and equipment manufacturer market, managing 360 associates in plastic molding, metal stamping, and metal welding, assembly and maintenance. Led investigation, qualification and acquisition of new equipment to support operations and meet manufacturing objectives.

sSpearheaded transition of insourcing molded and stamped parts, resulting in improved quality and ample cost reductions.

sAdopted and launched “team approach” concept: increased production 33% and delivered annual savings of $280K.

CUTLER-HAMMER – Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico 1994-1999

The world’s 3rd largest manufacturer of electrical circuit breakers.

Area Manager

Directed Metal Welding, Metal Stamping, and Facility Maintenance departments. Maintained manufacturing on track while transferring molding operations from Aguas Buenas site to Arecibo facilities requiring layout development, installation of infrastructure at new site and coordination of logistics with transportation companies.

sImplemented the use of more efficient dies and assembly machinery in the press area, yielding $620K annual savings and significant reduction in cycle times of assembly parts.

sProduced annual savings of $960K by co-developing new assembly systems for welding and the press department.

sInstalled new, modified, and upgraded existing metal working equipment with modern operator controls to meet continuous improvement and ever changing quality requirements. Improved production capacity from 1.8M to 2.5M parts per day.

sDecreased setup times by 50% implementing quick die change over.

sAs Production Supervisor, led early career transfer of two metal welding production lines from Illinois to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

EDUCATION

BS - Materials Science and Engineering Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 1993

Automotive die design and fabrication Four Way Tool and Die, Troy, Michigan 1998

Willing to relocate at personal expense.

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