Joel Schipper Email & Phone Number

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Responsible for the initial build, startup, and subsequent operations of a steel cold roll forming facility in North America• Creation of a US based division of Forming AG, based in Switzerland

Kalamazoo, Mi, Us

• Oversight for all phases of customer order management and fulfillment, as well as strategic customer relationship management in conjunction with account managers.• Led the selection and implementation of a new Transportation Management System.• Facilitated freight and warehouse partner selection and strategic management, both domestically and internationally. Planned and opened a new distribution center, consolidating multiple other warehouses and functions into one building. • Led an analysis of global Customer Experience standardization opportunities for Kalsec facilities worldwide.• Ownership of inventory accuracy improvement efforts for Kalsec's primary location, including creation of an official cycle counting program for all functional areas.

Kalamazoo, Mi, Us

• Restructured the Logistics team to realign with corporate objectives, picking up additional core department functions previously managed by other areas• Developed a rolling plan for scheduled replacement of material handling equipment, to minimize downtime and repair cost• Led the evaluation and redesign of internal logistics functions / processes as needed, to support long term growth and process consistency• Negotiated contracts with core freight and warehousing partners

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Initiated a "One Company" approach between supply chain teams for the company’s two divisions, evaluating and adopting shared best practices• Transitioned the company from an in-house finished goods warehouse to an off-site distribution center, including setting up separate warehouses and pull systems for inbound raw materials• Coordinated material cost reduction efforts, resulting in two years of record high levels ($2.3 million and $3 million)• Restructured and added personnel to the supply chain team in conjunction with company growth and new product lines• Responsible for all procurement, logistics, and master scheduling operations

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Managed international supply base (primarily China), including supplier selection, site visits, audits, purchase order placement, and order fulfillment• Led cross-functional continuous improvement teams, working with internal customers and external suppliers to identify and implement opportunities• Exceeded material cost reduction goals each year• Developed strong relations with internal customers and external suppliers, driving a candid, win-win approach in all relationships

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Led kaizen efforts resulting in new manufacturing cell layout for seat manufacturing - 10% efficiency gain• Managed purchase / installation of new major pieces of equipment (CNC, fabric cutter), capturing efficiency improvements• Eliminated hazardous waste / VOC’s through new stain / finish process • Implemented hourly production tracking boards in production cells, for real time reporting and intervention to maintain and improve efficiency

Kalamazoo, Mi, Us

Chair, Board Development Committee - 2016, 2017Member, Executive Committee - 2014, 2015The overarching goal for the Board of Directors of the WMU Alumni Association is to represent and serve as the voice of the alumni, creating a conduit back to the leadership of the University. In addition to this, the Board facilitates alumni related functions such as awarding Legacy Scholarships and conferring Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Chicago, Il, Us

2014 / 2015 - VP of Marketing2013 / 2014 - VP of Marketing2012 / 2013 - Past President2011 / 2012 - President2010 / 2011 - President ElectPer APICS' mission statement - APICS builds and validates knowledge in supply chain and operations management. We enable our community of members, affiliates, and customers to lead in the globalmarketplace.

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Established department metrics to measure efficiency and identify problems • Facilitated the development of a continuous improvement mindset in all aspects of daily operations• Improved technology utilization, aimed at department efficiency and accuracy

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Defined standards / expectations for core carrier performance – set up standardized scorecards to be reviewed monthly with each carrier• Established electronic ship schedule, tied into the AS400 system, for better company-wide visibility and cross functional access

Grand Rapids, Mi, Us

• Created and implemented a supplier routing guide to control inbound freight• Initiated a carrier consolidation program, with annual savings of over $200K