Manfred Schmidt Email & Phone Number

Greater Louisville International Professionals’ mission is to attract and retain international talent by showcasing Louisville as a welcoming and inclusive city of possibilities. G.L.I.P is committed to providing a platform of distinct initiatives, such as social media networks, mentorship programs, and hosted events, to engage and connect the accomplished individuals of the international and local community. Register at www.greaterlouisville.com/glip for free membership.

Leading this Regional Networking and Support Organization for Executives

Worldwide operations responsibility for this private-equity owned firm providing industrial fluid reprocessing services to the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries worldwide. Directed all operational activities throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Coordinated safety initiatives, and supported ISO certification efforts on a cross-functional basis. Developed and implemented worldwide matrix organization including all necessary personnel adjustments and a new operations infrastructure to support future growth. Led recruiting efforts for executive, engineering, and technician positions for a new factory in South Korea. Personally directed operations start-up in South Korea and planned for new operations in China.

In charge of operations for two privately held small companies: a specialty engineering firm, operating locally and regionally; and a technology service provider for the petrochemical industry, serving its multinational clients at their domestic and international manufacturing locations. Coordinated all business activities, analyzed and streamlined business processes, developed and implemented new procedures. Acted as Safety Officer and Quality Leader. Interacted closely with customers as well as suppliers, provided mentoring and leadership to employees, fostered innovation, developed strategic plan to position the organization successfully for mid and long term profitable growth. Key negotiator with banks to secure financing for expansion.

Provided consulting services and project technical assistance to domestic and international business clients and organizations, specializing in import/export assistance, project management, manufacturing support, quality assurance, cost reductions, and strategic planning guidance.

Responsible for full divisional P&L, an $8,000,000 budget, and a cross-discipline team of over 60 professionals for this $360,000,000 joint venture between Bosch and Emerson Electric. Coordinated product development, product testing, quality assurance, metallurgy, R&D, and advanced manufacturing engineering. P&L and budgeting leadership for two major product lines, worth over $50,000,000 in sales, along with $3,200,000 in-house machine shop. Managed design and development of proprietary manufacturing technologies and specialized equipment as needed. Acted in acquisition of major accounts with excellent product line reviews and innovative product development. Prepared and implemented one-year and five-year business plans to facilitate new product launches, cost reductions and greater customer satisfaction.

In charge of all quality control functions at this 3600 employee production facility serving extremely competitive marketplace with zero-defect expectations. Trained, motivated and oversaw over 140 employees in all aspects of budgeting, capital planning, executive reporting and scheduling. Acted as resource contact for all international car manufacturers for corrective actions, failure analysis, certification and quality systems implementation.

Oversaw all aspects of product testing for automotive clutches for world leader in the production of a wide range of automotive and bicycle components and systems. Coordinated a team of professionals in daily operations at test field with over 70 specialized test stands and a large fleet of vehicles of all types. Tasked with creating and maintaining operating procedures, performance metrics, and data evaluation systems for all products in this line.

Headed department for Process Technology at the Institute for Agricultural and Construction Equipment. Conducted extensive research with industry/government funding, resulting in a patented new technology for chemical processes. Personally applied for and received almost $1,000,000 in grant funding for other research projects from government and industry sources.

Dr.-Ing. (Ph.D.), Engineering

Dipl.-Ing. (M.S.), Mechanical Engineering

Ing. (Grad.) (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering