DAVID C. BAXTER
**W*** Kaneville Road Geneva, IL 60134
h. 630-***-**** c. 330-***-**** ************@*****.***
Plastics Project/Process Engineer Engineering Manager Production Operations
Multi-dimensional individual with demonstrated and impressive achievements in the management of complex engineering and manufacturing activities. Solid management experience with the ability to ascertain and analyze needs, exceed goals, streamline operations, and envision new concepts. Hands-on expertise in processing, product design, tooling design, assembly, fitting, repair and much more. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills serve as the foundation to effectively network, collaborate, negotiate, create and maintain positive partnerships in high volume and fast-paced environments. Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to articulate innovative solutions for business growth. Extensive project management experience requiring international travel.
Exceptionally well organized with track record that demonstrates self-motivation, creativity and initiative to achieve both personal and corporate objectives.
Visionary change agent who synthesizes facts, events, and concepts to develop and implement realistic long-range plans on a timely and cost-effective basis.
Specialized ability to stabilize, simplify and standardize operations and business processes
Highly respected manager, mentor, and colleague willing to share expertise and train others in plastics processing techniques such as SPC, Gate Freeze, Cavity pressure molding, Logic based heater controllers, various plastics assembly processes, etc.
Change Management Operational Streamlining Process Improvement
Project Management Report Generation Team Leadership Technical Support
Cost Reduction Overhead Reduction Training/Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DUKANE CORPORATION, St. Charles, IL Jan 2005 - Nov 2008
Engineering and Tooling Manufacturing Manager
Developed infrastructure requirements, including plant equipment, and factory/warehousing layouts. Oversaw strategies for achieving cost, quality, and schedule objectives for a $5.5M budget and staff of 40. Established required resources including quantity and skill of personnel, tooling, test equipment and support systems. Created applicable manufacturing cost and schedule basis for generating estimates for products and programs. Maintained a safe and compliant work environment and ensured client satisfaction through timely response to requests for application evaluation, quote submissions and project timelines/status updates.
Pioneered a 20% reduction in lead-times by restructuring internal resources, assessing equipment needs and acquisition of capital assets. Reduced outsourcing by 50% as well as increasing gross margins 15%.
Enhanced employee morale, communication and teamwork by introducing performance appraisal systems, establishing personal goals, holding daily department meetings, cross training and developing work standards.
Generated a 40% reduction in inventory with 100% accuracy while eliminating out of stock occurrences by implementing procedures for issuing/tracking stock, cycle counting, and timely replacement process based on forecasting.
MICROMATIC TOOL & DESIGN, Austintown, OH Mar 2003 – Jan 2005
Plant Manager
Provided leadership and direction for daily operations accountable for a $2M budget and up to 60 staff. Implemented policies and procedures to better identify company needs. Coached, mentored, and trained staff by establishing goals and comparing job performance to budget. Full P&L responsibility.
Increased average job margin to 30% by transferring to an activity based cost system focused on more accurate quote processes and implemented new MRP software (JobBoss).
Decreased direct labor cost by 10% by transitioning management to salaried positions and recruiting additional talent substantially reducing overtime costs.
Improved labor relations and employee policy interpretation by overhauling the employee handbook to directly address procedures and compliance.
DAVID C. BAXTER PAGE 2
CHIPSCO INCORPORATED, Meadville, PA Oct 1999 -May 2002
Engineering Manager
Supervised work assignments for eight designers and assembly department. Researched, analyzed, and executed process improvement initiatives for engineering department while ensuring client satisfaction and future project growth. Coordinated tool qualification/debug processes.
Increased efficiency within engineering department by 25% by introducing an AQP process focused on identifying project scope and customer expectations resulting in fewer engineering design changes.
Pioneered a paperless transfer of engineering data to manufacturing ensuring accuracy of electronic data by analyzing software needs, analyzing and implementing one program to be utilized by department. Procured appropriate internal CAD training substantially reducing transition time.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
WEATHERCHEM CORPORATION, Twinsburg, OH 1991-1999
Molding Manager
Fast-track promotion through a series of increasingly responsible positions based on strong performance and achievements reengineering tooling, process optimization, productivity improvement, and quality management. Managed operational activities for cross-functional teams, implemented machine replacement and upgrades. Key facilitator in Kaizen program focused on leadership/support. Working with Quality systems technician, coordinated efforts to obtain corporate ISO 9002 certification. Accountable for introducing the use of CAD software in the engineering department. Designed and outsourced all new tool concepts for proprietary product line. Supervised tooling preventive maintenance and conversion program while cultivating sufficient vendor base to attain targeted budget and lead-times.
Improved efficiency and smooth work flow by collaborating on the restructuring of plant floor layout.
Secured 50% reduction in mold maintenance costs by promoting innovative and flexible designs to service/change-over while in the machine.
Maximized output and machine utilization by redesigning, upgrading or replacing tooling.
Gained award recognition for various design patents (#5383582, #6164503, #D385791).
Ensured client satisfaction and secured future projects by identifying process improvements and sustaining current knowledge of emerging technology within the engineering department.
Instrumental in the development of a manufacturing engineering department tasked with corrective/preventive efforts in accordance with continuous improvement program, Kaizen.
Improved profitability and reduced errors by introducing a computer based orientation training courses for new hires.
Key member of MRB focused on initiating and monitoring the use of Pareto charts, limit samples, SPC and total PM program.
SAJAR PLASTICS CORPORATION, Middlefield, OH 1980-1991
Process Engineer/Sr. Tooling Engineer/Sr. Project Engineer
Working within engineering department, progressively attained increased responsible positions based on performance in process optimization, productivity and quality improvements. Working closely with cross-functional teams, responsible for resolving tooling, processing, and quality and efficiency issues, establishing process documentation, training floor personnel. Primary customer contact responsible for APQP, develop Quality Control Plan, review first article inspection results, coordinate corrections, track project status and maintain communication with customers and sales.
EDUCATION
Associates Degree-Mechanical Design/Engineering Mathematics, ATES Technical Institute, Niles, OH
Autocad for Designers Certification, Portage County Vo-Tech, Ravenna, OH
Certified training courses in Management skills, Lean manufacturing, Plant layout/work flow, SPC, DOE.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
AutoCAD (expert)
Various MRP software
ProE, CADKey, SolidWorks (beginner)
MS Project
PowerPoint
MS Office Suite