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RIC S. WIEDERHOEFT

**** ********** ***** ********, ******** 49441 616-***-****

MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONAL

Expertise: Plant Management ~ Production Management ~ Process Development ~ Quality Engineering

Organized, respected, and focused manufacturing manager offering 20+ years of rich career success standardizing processes, creating production schedules, improving efficiency, and driving bottom line profitability through utilization of concrete manufacturing and operational leadership methodologies. Recognized for leading multidisciplinary teams, fostering customer-centric work environment and managing projects from pre-development through post-development cycles. Thrive on opportunities to tackle challenging projects, train and develop production staff and create and implement process improvements.

MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE

ITW -Dahti – Rockford, MI 2015 – Present

PLANT MANAGER-

Key Responsibilities

Manage the unit operations (commercial, engineering, manufacturing, quality and purchasing) in order to meet or exceed production requirements according to resources assigned in Annual Plan (AP) and Long Range Plan (LRP).

Drive margin improvements, obtain, analyze and improve all operational KPI’s of the plant by using ITW toolbox (80/20, MRD, PLS) and Lean Manufacturing methods (5S, 6S, SMED, Kanban).

Best space utilization – 80/20 execution in/out manufacturing.

Review production cost and product quality and modify production and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of division.

Continuously seek and implement cost and waste reduction programs using Lean Tools.

Lead Engineering team to meet on time developments.

Coordinate and motivate all teams and departments under direct responsibility (Commercial, Engineering, Tooling, Maintenance, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing).

Develop “Best in Class” culture. Culture of accountability.

Proficient in all company policies and procedures as they are outlined and defined.

Directly responsible for P&L.

Lead inventory control accuracy.

Responsible for talent development for all teams and departments under direct responsibility.

Key Accomplishments

Successfully managed a $45M decentralized ITW business.

Launched the Aeron 2 office chair, which is the “flagship” office chair for Herman Miller that accounts for $350M in revenue for Herman Miller.

Championed material changes that accounted for $2M in cost savings.

Developed a “super 80”cell through the use of MRD and In-lining, which eliminated mold changes and color changes on our “80” product.

ADAC Automotive – Saranac, MI 2011 – 2014

MOLDING MANAGER / MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Awarded the opportunity to utilize my proven manufacturing and operational leadership methodologies. Tasked with establishing priorities and expediting results, motivating personnel, developing established process controls and monitoring, leading production improvements and initiatives, tracking product shipments, and maintaining inventory controls.

Key Accomplishments

Reduced scrap to sales from 6.5% to less than 1.5% in two years through data driven analysis and initiatives.

Reduced resin loss from $298k to 100K gain through use of regrind based on customer accepted take rates.

Increased Productivity and Performance by 15% to meet and exceed corporate goals.

Developed and taught mold defect training.

Implemented 1st shot, last shot, master fill only and process monitoring.

Submitted over $1 million in continuous improvement.

ADAC Automotive – Muskegon, MI 2008- 2011

MOLDING QUALITY ENGINEER/ SUPERVISOR-

Awarded opportunity to broaden my manufacturing skills, because of an excellent ability to communication and solve problems with an analytical approach. Ensure quick and proven responses to customers regarding all quality/engineering issues. Provide on-site liaison support at all major automotive manufactures in North America as well as Mexico.

Key Accomplishments

Three consecutive years with zero non-conformances in molding during TS16949 audits.

Developed and trained ADAC associates to basic injection molding and defect analysis.

Launched 1st Volkswagen exterior door handle.

Developed and supervise three shifts of Molding Quality Auditors.

Develop and implement all molding customer required corrective actions.

Developed and Implements new 1st piece approval process for all tools.

ADAC Automotive – Muskegon, MI 2001 – 2008

ASSEMBLY MANAGER-

Awarded opportunity to manage staff comprised of technicians and front line supervisors, delegate workload, schedule workflow, and provide assistance to highly automated assembly lines. Ensure production goal attainment while simultaneously complying with all quality standards. Efficiently utilize human capital to maximize productivity levels. Conduct daily meetings to identify and respond to customers order and delivery issues. Oversaw 85% of two plants finished good production ($300,000+ sales per day / 100,000+ units per day). Collaborate with engineering, production control, quality, shipping, and senior management teams to cement customer satisfaction.

Key Accomplishments

Earned recognition for successfully launching 3 of largest door handle programs in company history.

Submitted and implemented $1 million+ in continuous improvement activities.

Increased pieces produced from approximately 50,000 assemblies to 100,000+ per day without negatively impacting quality.

Maintained less than .5% scrap while managing assembly operations.

Maintained overall 11ppm by collaborating with engineering, quality, and maintenance to develop new part change-over process and by training and certifying operators.

Strengthened corporate safety vigilance by consistently performing all required health and safety and housekeeping activities, including the implementation of 5S activities.

Recognized for superior communication skills, which have provided the opportunity to support liaison activities with customers.

ADAC Automotive – Muskegon, MI 1998 – 2001

MOLDING MANAGER (1999 – 2001) / PROCESS ENGINEER (1998 – 1999)

Promoted internally to manage Tier One automotive supplier manufacturing operation producing interior/ exterior molded door handles for Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Tasked with establishing priorities and expediting workflow, motivating personnel, developing major portions of the quality documentation system for manufacturing, leading production improvements and initiatives, tracking product shipments, and maintaining inventory controls.

Key Accomplishments

Contributed to attaining ISO9000, ISO14001 and TS16949 certification by documenting all quality and manufacturing processes.

Integral part of developing gas assist injection molding process.

Responsible for developing and maintaining all molding and robot programming,

Managed a staff that included technicians, die setters, material handlers and front line supervisors.

Reduced machine downtime 25% by implementing quick mold change process.

ADDITIONAL CAREER EXPERIENCE

JCI/ Prince Corp – Holland, MI 1995 – 1998

PROCESS TECHNICIAN (1996 – 1998) / PRODUCTION SCHEDULER (1995 – 1996)

Hired to schedule molding department of Tier 1 automotive supplier, which operates as a ‘Just in Time ‘ environment. Promoted internally to technical processing team, which was responsible for developing, maintaining and troubleshooting molding processes.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Education:

1992 Graduate of Mona Shores High School Muskegon Michigan

Associates of Arts and Science Expected Graduation: Winter 2021

MUSKEGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Community Service:

USA HOCKEY REFEREE: Member Since 1996 LEVEL 3

Volunteer for Muskegon Habitat for Humanity.

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