Jim Renda Email & Phone Number

Reporting to the CEO, duties include all manufacturing and facilities management of an 80,000-sq. ft. start-up operation for the finishing of hardwood flooring. Tasked with machinery installation, labor placement and process improvements targeted to increase the production of custom orders while reducing lead times. Utilization of lean practices for the development of supplier relations, inventory and quality control, R & D, and plant layout are designed to reduce operating costs

Reporting to the President, responsibilities include all machine shop and assembly operations, quality control, product and manufacturing engineering, safety and environmental, production control, purchasing/materials, and maintenance. Managed a staff of 14 direct reports and 98 indirect on a 2-shift per day production schedule. Planned and purchased all capital equipment while working within budgetary guidelines. Responsible for meeting the customer's requirements by utilizing the most efficient, cost-effective methods possible. Led the engineering team responsible for the development of the most productive industrial knitting machines, out-producing the nearest competitor by 30%. They are currently the best selling machines in the Western Hemisphere and amongst companies such as Fruit of the Loom, Hanes and Russell Athletic. Reduced inventory by 70% from $2 million to $650,000 greatly increasing cash flow.Reduced assembly Work in Process (WIP) by 73% while increasing product throughput by 33%.Oversaw lead-time reductions of 70% in assembly, 66% in manufactured parts and 50% in order-to-shipment of product.Implemented manufacturing and assembly cells along with custom tooling, fixturing and material movement equipment to allow for one-piece flow.Secured grant money from the state of North Carolina to provide education to all employees with regard to the concept, tools and benefits of lean manufacturing.Launched a new standardized product line to further enhance the benefits of lean.

Maintained and performed benchmarks of CAD equipment leading to the purchase of Pro/E. Responsible for all training of the engineering department on the utilization of the J.D. Edward's business system.

Oversaw all aspects of the manufacturing and engineering functions; established budgetary guidelines; and approved all expenditures. Collaborated with Sales and Service to relay customer's requirements to the engineering team. Coordinated projects with other departments to ensure prompt, on-time delivery of finished product. Responsible for recruiting and working with all suppliers pertinent to a project. Provided upper management with project progression, delivery and cost information. Assisted Field Service with technical services and troubleshooting at customer site.

Primary design engineer of all proprietary workings of the knitting machine. Experienced in the design of drive trains, transmissions, and assemblies.