Mike Kuntz Email & Phone Number

Brewster, Mn

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Oversaw the entirety of production operations for a large soybean processing complex, including a crush / solvent extraction plant, a vegetable oil refinery, and a cogeneration facility that produced all the steam and typically 55% of the electricity used at the complex. Maintained production rates at rated capacity, or at reduced rates due to environmental restrictions or at commercial demand while operating within production budget and in safe manner. Ensured trained and reliable workforce during and following Covid 19 pandemic by reviewing headcounts, recruiting, and hiring, followed by training and employee development to ensure the workforce required for 24 / 7 operations. Led capital projects to replace aging plant equipment, process improvement for maintenance practices and safety procedures, and creation of new positions to handle specific challenges. Dealt with production issues including serious incidents such as fires, catastrophic cooling tower failure, and boiler tube failure. Helped to develop and begin actions for a return to rated production rates, which involved team of environmental specialists, lawyers, and engineers working with local, county, state, and Federal government officials to enact projects intended to reduce emissions at higher rates. Assisted in replacing one and heavily modifying another critical path conveyor responsible for majority of plant downtime. Replaced and commissioned many sections of antique motor control center that frequently failed with modern Smart MCC. Oversaw numerous smaller projects intended to save energy, including installation of heat exchangers, replacement of level control valves or fan dampers with VFDs, automatically shutting off idle equipment, and simple adjustment of operating parameters. Trained three engineers on oilseeds operations as part of operations leadership development program intended to produce production leadership faster than normal.

Greater London Area, United Kingdom

Managed entirety of production operations for large oilseed processing plant, including crush / solvent extraction plant, vegetable oil refinery, and cogeneration facility that produced all steam and typically all the electricity used at facility. Maintained production rates at rated capacity or at commercial demand while operating within production budget and in safe manner. Led large management team which dealt with all production, safety, quality, environmental, repair and maintenance, HR, and capital projects issues at facility. Coordinated with commercial and accounting teams, as well as operational leaders for EMEAI Region. Oversaw completion of expansion project that added expeller capacity. Helped with development, project approval, installation, and successful execution of project to replace rotary seed conditioner with vertical seed conditioner with integral heat recovery. Led development, project approval, and start of construction for major change of oil refinery to physical instead of chemical refining. Managed series of environmental malfunctions with UK Environmental Agency regarding odor abatement equipment and oil releases to environment.

Clinton, Iowa, United States

Oversaw production operations of the oil department inside of a corn processing plant. Managed environmental, HR, and safety concerns with local support. Acted as liaison between onsite corn management team and remote oilseeds management. Helped improved relationship between oilseeds and corn groups, successfully making oil department more symbiotic with corn plant. Oversaw major rebuild of Crown extractor, including new floor, internal chain, and sprockets. Helped find environmental solutions to VOC emission issues and improve wastewater treatment issues.

Fostoria, Ohio, United States

Oversaw entirety of production operations for a medium sized soybean plant with crush / solvent extraction plant. Maintained production rates at rated capacity or at commercial demand while operating within production budget and in safe manner. Acted as primary manager of HR and environmental issues while working within a smaller management team. Implemented multiple PLC automation improvements and process improvements, including addition of buddy pumps and valves for easier LOTO. Led construction of a large oil storage tank.

Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada

Oversaw entirety of production operations for large canola processing plant, including crush / solvent extraction plant, vegetable oil refinery, and cogeneration facility that produced all steam and typically all electricity used at facility. Maintained production rates at rated capacity or at commercial demand while operating within production budget and in safe manner. Oversaw installation of a new rotary flake conditioner, which increased plant capacity. Returned mothballed vegetable oil refinery to service to meet commercial demands. Helped eliminate plant bottlenecks.

Velva, North Dakota, United States

Oversaw entirety of production operations for large canola processing plant with crush / solvent extraction plant. Maintained production rates at rated capacity or at commercial demand while operating within production budget and in safe manner.

Mankato, Minnesota, United States

Managed day-to-day operations of soybean crush plant including daily production issues, as well as scheduling, training, and development of operators and supervisors. Implemented many PLC automation improvements as well as internal tank inspections and floor replacements.

Fremont, Nebraska, United States

Managed day-to-day operations of soybean crush plant including daily production issues, as well as scheduling, training, and development of operators and supervisors. Automated entire extraction plant.

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Oversaw various process improvement projects in soybean crush and cogeneration plants. Worked as maintenance supervisor for a limited time. Helped start up a new extractor and distillation system. Learned PLC programming and HMI systems.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Managed various process improvement projects in malting plant. Worked as management lead on weekends and backed up head maltster. Learned about gas powered hydraulic pumps for fan drives with heat recovery for kilning of malt.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Oversaw various process improvement projects in malting plant. Worked as management lead on weekends and backed up head maltster. Acted as part of small local management team keeping plant operational after union workforce left on strike. Learned all plant roles and trained temporary employees to ensure plant operation.