Manufacturing Engineer Advanced

MILTON J. RODRICKS

email: *****************@*****.*** mobile: 248-***-****

Identify - Quantify - Examine - Enhance - Qualify

Dynamic “Hands On”results-driven Industry Professional with over 21 years of expertise in Manufacturing Operations, I excel in leading process optimization and innovation for complex manufacturing systems. My expertise includes developing and implementing advanced manufacturing strategies that drive cost efficiency and enhance production capabilities. I leverage a deep understanding of product design, materials science, and manufacturing technologies to create and refine processes that maximize productivity and ensure quality. Skilled in optimizing workforce allocation, work-flow, and equipment utilization, I am adept at designing specifications for tooling and machinery while coordinating with vendors to integrate new technologies. My role extends to supporting cross-functional teams, including Sales, Program Management, and Finance, to align manufacturing strategies with business objectives and market demands.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)

Development and implementation of new

quality processes, standards, systems, and

products.

Automotive Manufacturing & New Launch

Quality Assurance and Control

IMDS Compliance

Continuous Improvement and Analytical

Problem Solving (8D, 5 Why, DMAIC – Six

Sigma)

ISO/IATF Industry process and standards

Leadership, Mentoring, Training and

Development

Metal processing (Tool and Die Maker)

Global Business Operations and Strategy

World Class Manufacturing Tools and 5S

Methodologies

Core Tools - APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC

Purchasing Supplier Development and

Supplier Quality Engineering

Paint Manufacturing System Design and

Process

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LandX Motor Inc. – EV Auto Manufacturer November 2023 - Present Senior Management - Plant Quality and Control, Supplier Quality and Development

Executed and Managed - Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and ensuring successful product launches from start to finish. Proficient in managing Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to meet stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Developed and implemented quality inspections and audits, ensuring compliance with industry standards and reducing non conformance rates by 15%.

Responsible for creating, implementing and enforcing company wide Quality Management Systems (IATF 16949,ISO 9001, ISO 14001).

Optimize and develop Supplier and Plant quality processes standards and procedures, to achieve quality compliance across the manufacturing enterprise.

Led plant continuous improvement initiatives that streamline production processes, increased operational efficiency by 25% and decrease waste by 10%.

Utilized Six Sigma and WCM Methodologies to identify and resolve plant and supplier quality issues.

Closely work with all departments to drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency and product quality.

Lordstown Motors – EV & Battery Auto Manufacturer May 2021- November 2023 Senior Management - Global Plant Quality, Supplier Quality and Developmental

• Led APQP and PPAP processes for new product launches ensuring alignment with customer requirements and industry standards, resulting in successful project deliver.

• Managed cross-functional teams in the executing APQP phases, achieving 20% decrease in post launch quality issues.

• Built a strong, cohesive quality team to lead problem-solving activities and increase efficiency.

• Responsible for creating, implementing, and enforcing company wide Quality Management Systems (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001).

• Revamp entire quality systems, standards, procedures, and processes to achieve quality compliance across the manufacturing enterprise.

• Reduce nonconforming, rework activities, and supplier quality issues by over 40% in one year.

• Develop processes and executions to qualify new and current suppliers prior to and after sourcing including quality systems, traceability, and material control.

• Led the supplier audit process to qualify new suppliers prior to sourcing - supplier qualifications assessments, compliance to IATF-16949, ISO 9001, and AIAG standards.

• Optimized APQP work flows by developing streamline documentation process which increased process efficiency.

• Trained and developed plant staff on quality standards and best practices which decreased plant quality process issues by 20%.

Stellantis Assembly Plants Corporate / FCA Corporate Headquarters Jul 2018 – May 2021 Quality Manufacturing Manager

• Managed a team of Process Engineering Specialists CoC’s (Center of Competence) for phosphate/e-coat, sealer, prime, topcoat, and prep (prime, topcoat, finesse). Monitored all NAFTA Stellantis plants and ensured paint processes and standards were maintained and ran effectively for vehicle production.

• Guided the Supplier Quality Engineering team in executing APQP and PPAP processes, ensuring the conformance of parts and products with established quality design standards.

• Managed a team of Corporate Process Auditors who conducted internal process audits of all Stellantis/FCA Assembly Plant Facilities (NAFTA).

• For new launch and current production assembly facilities, created, maintained, and updated corporate standard operating processes and procedures. Created new standard operating procedures for the Paint Clean Car program.

• Led and collaborated with teams from multiple departments to improve new plant launch and current plant quality through process standardization, quality control, and KAI/KPI usage.

• Reviewed warranty/Customer Quality Insight (CQI) claims and maintained issue stratification and improvements with the respective Plant Quality Team.

• Led a team in new model launch and existing programs to support, and improve plant quality and throughput, through root cause analysis and troubleshooting within the NAFTA Assembly Plants. Stellantis FCA Corporate Headquarters Sep 2016 – Jul 2018 Corporate Supplier Quality Specialist

• Was responsible for collaborating with suppliers to ensure the quality of parts, materials, and services. This included collaborating directly with suppliers as well as other functions, including Purchasing and Materials Engineering, to improve processes and drive product and part quality.

• Led, created, and sustained PPAP/APQP processes to ensure the supplier’s product met conformance requirements.

• Served as the corporate lead contact for purchased parts and bulk paint shop applied production materials, including adhesives, sealers, and all metal surface coatings. Played a key role in driving performance improvements of suppliers and increasing the supplier's capabilities to consistently meet quality requirements.

• Served as the point person for the FCA Assembly Plant Paint Shops for parts and bulk material-related issues by leading root cause analysis, monitoring progress, and verifying clean points.

• Conducted supplier audits to qualify new suppliers prior to sourcing; conducted supplier eligibility and quality risk assessments, ensured compliance with IATF-16949, ISO 9001, AIAG standards, and developed existing supplier improvement plans to deliver conformance quality parts.

• Led the approval of new part and bulk paint shop material, including Material Source Approval and batch process operations, and conducted lessons learned and read across. Stellantis FCA Corporate Headquarters Feb 2015 – Sep 2016 Corporate Process and Facilities Auditor

• Conducted corporate paint process audits of all assembly plant paint shops (NAFTA).

• Reported on inefficiencies in production, process, and manufacturing systems, along with the inability to consistently follow standard operating procedures and the lack of product quality.

• Supported the development of corrective actions and countermeasures, ensuring compliance with the technical requirements of the product and the process according to standards. Performed follow-up audits to determine the successful implementation of countermeasures and corrective actions.

• Documented and managed the audit findings for Executive Leadership reporting. Proposed recommendations to improve production and process procedures based on best practices from other facilities and experience.

• Held an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certification.

• Implemented changes in the paint process audit questions and assessment methodologies to be consistent with industry- standard operating procedures and quality standards.

• Utilized World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles, including Kaizens, to identify and implement improvement opportunities for corrective actions. Maintained and updated corporate paint standard operating procedures. Chrysler – Windsor Assembly Plant Jul 2013- Feb 2015 Maintenance Planner and WCM AM/PM Lead

• Developed and managed detailed maintenance schedules and work orders.

• Created detailed job plans for all emergency work orders.

• Worked with a cross-functional team to determine PM (Preventive Maintenance) effectiveness and optimized PMs to prevent future failures.

• Performed post-job reviews for all planned work to ensure tasks, times, parts, and tools were accurate.

• Was responsible for addressing throughput, run-to-run, and downtime-related issues with equipment.

• Served as a World Class Manufacturing Lead. Utilized Cost Deployment and Quality Assurance Matrices to coach and led production and maintenance teams to focus on top losses and continuous improvement strategies. Chrysler - Windsor Assembly Plant General Assembly / Paint Shop Jul 2005 – Jul 2013 Maintenance / Production Supervisor / Paint Booth Supervisor

• Led and directed skilled trades employees to meet the objectives of the maintenance department in a fast-paced, high- volume, unionized, manufacturing environment. Coordinated safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale initiatives.

• Supervised the Skill Trades team (Electricians, Pipefitters, Industrial Mechanics, Tool Makers, Carpenters, and Welders) and maintained complex plant systems and equipment to meet production deadlines and preserve product quality.

• Oversaw and managed multiple priorities and issues on the overall production line. Needed to make a high degree of "in- the-moment" decision-making that affected safety, quality, and delivery.

• Was responsible for the smooth running of production lines and the quality of output. Directed and coached personnel toward maximum performance.

• Coordinated work with the production department and ensured that all equipment and machinery functioned to full capacity.

• Focused on throughput - identified bottlenecks and set targets, conducted data analysis, formulated PDCA’s (Plan-Do- Check-Act) to address issues (root causing identified failures and quality defects), and directed them to appropriate personnel with follow-up.

• Paint Shop Automation (Paint Booth) Supervisor – Ensuring finish/paint application processing meets quality and efficiency performance.

Daimler Chrysler – Warren Truck Body Shop / General Assembly Jun 2003 – Jul 2005 Maintenance Project Manager

• Was responsible for leading the department’s maintenance operations, utilizing Total Productive Maintenance principles to achieve maintenance improvements and continuous improvement.

• Developed and improved maintenance procedures and ensured their implementation.

• Monitored expenses and controlled the budget for maintenance activities.

• Oversaw all installation, repair, and upkeep operations of the company’s equipment.

• Managed multiple production and maintenance work teams in a fast-paced, high-volume, unionized, manufacturing environment.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration

Industrial Management – Baker College Corporate Services Bachelor of Industrial Technology

Baker College Corporate Services

Tool and Die Maker, Journeyman Certification

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology

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