James Downs Email & Phone Number

John Richard

I am responsible for providing strong leadership and managing associates in the manufacturing plant. I recruit, train, evaluate, motivate, delegate and monitor the activities of all employees reporting to me and ensure that daily departmental goals are met while achieving established objectives in safety, service, quality and product cost.

 Managed a maintenance crew of 3 – 16 people, depending on the specifications of the job. Over seen the maintenance crew and organized everything for the jobs, travel and lodging.  Traveled to all 48 states in the continental United States doing maintenance and reconstruction to Movie Theaters

Professional experience [ LA-Z-Boy ] Leland Manufacturing Leland, MS Positions held; Chair Frame Assembly, Case Good Assembly, Line Lead Person, Product Development Aid, Product Development Engineer, Product Development/Engineering Department Manager Prepared weekly inventory reports to submit to purchasing agents Updated the company’s method of engineering new product to reduce the time and labor required. Implemented the use of Solid Works 3D models to reduce the overall cost of creating samples and designing furniture. Restructured the R & D department from 6 to 3 people by using Solid Works and Auto-Cad to produce all wood, foam and fabric patterns as well as sewing and assembly notes. Worked with the quality department to do weekly quality audits and wrote the quality standards for all new and existing product Worked with the customers to allow them to customize any piece of furniture to meet their specific need. I created and over seen all blue prints, any engineering changes needed and instructions for each department on the special order. Created and over seen the spec sheets and notes for upholstery, sewing, assembly and inspection on all new and existing product that went through engineering changes. Worked with customers and customer service as tech support for any questions in relation to the use and serviceability of our product.