John Buwalda Email & Phone Number

Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Bennington is Part of Polaris Marine, A Division of Polaris, The Global Leader in Power Sports.

Greater Kalamazoo Area

Led Global Development Teams for the next generation of technologies in eMobility / Electric Vehicle (Battery BEV & Fuel Cell FCEV), Clean Mobility, and Engine Air Filtration Systems for the Hummer, Silverado, Blazer, Equinox, Lyriq, Celestiq, Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Corvette, and Cruise Origin.

Greater Kalamazoo Area

Led Technical, Commercial, and Operations Teams to design, develop, and manufacture high-complexity, mega-sized, ultra-lightweight, structural die cast aluminum sub-systems (new technology) used in high-volume and high-profile automotive (body & chassis) applications including Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Chevy Corvette, Honda TLX, and Mercedes GLE.

Greater Detroit Area

Led team of engineers, buyers, and analysts responsible to source, develop, and launch externally supplied components for the internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and full hybrid (FHEV) systems for the 2020 Explorer & Lincoln Aviator. Systems included: batteries/charging, driveline & axle, cooling, installations, control modules, sensors, fuel delivery, gear transfer, shifters, exhaust, and air induction.

Greater Detroit Area

Managed supplier relationships and performance from planning (APQP) to successful launch (PPAP). Lead for supplier engagement process to deliver quality and capacity. On-site build support throughout launch, resolving all the supplier quality concerns (8D & Six-Sigma). Developed supplier manufacturing processes (PFMEA, Control Plans, Safe Launch, Work Instructions, and Check Sheets). Processes included Injection, Compression, and Blow Molding, Welding, Stamping, Cut & Sew, Machining, and JIT Assembly. Commodities included Seat Complete, Instrument Panels, Consoles, Seat Belts & Air Bags, Modules, Wiring, Lighting, and Hard & Soft Trim, and Carpet. Focused mostly on Interior, Electrical, Powertrain, and Chassis PMTs.

Greater Detroit Area

Negotiated proof of concepts, new project sourcing, and contract renewals for indirect hardware, software, and services. Commodities included Innovation Technology, Mobility Solutions, Telecommunication/Telephony, Intranet & Extranet Network, Business Intelligence, and Vehicle Diagnostics. Engaged closely with vendors and internal business stakeholders to develop, customize, and execute highly technical agreements with a track record of delivering successful projects on time and under budget.

Greater Detroit Area

Negotiated new product sourcing, cost reductions, design changes, long and short-term capacity expansions for axle and transmission programs. Commodities included complex iron & aluminum castings, steel forgings, powder metal, dynamic seals, as well as supplemental manufacturing services (machining, finishing, coating, kitting, assembly, etc).

Greater Kalamazoo Area

Responsible for customer service, trade compliance, and shipping for all products in every global and domestic market. Worked closely with my warehouse operations team as well as our third-party logistics providers in an ultra-fast paced environment. Developed and implemented process improvements, delivered new product launches, eliminated excess inventory, while supporting incremental shipping volume from accelerated production. Supported Pfizer Animal Health transition to Zoetis.

Greater Kalamazoo Area

Supported various technical and commercial projects with Engineering, Procurement, Operational Excellence, Quality, Production, and Logistics in a high volume Pharmaceutical Manufacturing environment.