Mike Traficante Email & Phone Number

Bloomsburgh, Pa

Autoneum is a global leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles. The company develops and produces multifunctional, lightweight components and systems for interior floor and engine bay as well as the underbody.Sr. TEXTILE PODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERResponsible for developing and launching cost-effective automotive interior flooring solutions for global OEM’s starting from RFQ stage through start of production. Responsible for design of product construction, validation testing, product approvals and color matching. Additionally responsible for developing optimal process settings for production during initial launch and troubleshooting problems related to product or process. Well versed on qualification procedures and specifications for Ford, GM, FCA, Daimler and BMW

Vycom is a leading manufacturer of engineered foamed and rigid PVC and Polyolefin sheet products for graphics & display, marine, semi-conductor, clean room, and medical device industries.Process Engineer assigned to daily operations support of 4 PVC sheet extrusion lines with responsibilities for optimizing line performance through root-cause analysis of major scrap and downtime drivers and implementing corrective actions; conducting cost-saving resin formulation trials; improving performance of existing product offerings to meet customer demands; developing new products to meet business strategies for new market penetrations. Major Accomplishments:• Developed system to capture daily operations metrics (yield, uptime, scrap rates and leading causes) where previously none existed. Concept was adopted by all operating units of organization.• Increased recycle usage 10 -15% on all production lines.• Reduced foamed PVC sheet thickness (gauge) variation – the leading cause of customer complaints and credits -- from 11% to <7% resulting in monthly customer credit reduction of approximately $25K. • Implemented optimized extrusion die set-up method that reduced process scrap 6%.• Evaluated and qualified new raw materials and pigments yielding an annual cost savings of $500K+. • Assisted in reducing monthly inventory variances from $100K/month to <$10K through accurate reporting of daily production metrics and by spearheading 5s blitz of warehouse to improve inventory count accuracy.• Compiled and published product specifications manual for both stock and customer-specific products

Selected for this newly-created position with responsibilities for creating and implementing a comprehensive technical training program, assisting/mentoring process engineers with troubleshooting issues, and aiding in the start-up/commissioning of new production lines and ancillary equipment.Responsibilities:Support project engineering group on the design and installation of new equipment.Participate in new equipment start-ups by working closely with OEM's process and controls engineers to debug equipment hardware and software issues in order to streamline operations.Prepare detailed operations manuals and train other engineers and operators on the use of new equipment. Create and maintain a task-specific work instruction data base covering all job tasks associated with the daily operations of the production equipment.Work with line managers and process engineers to identify and address specific training needs. Routinely conduct basic equipment operation and in-depth troubleshooting seminars. Major Accomplishments:Key team player in the successful start-up of four (4) full-scale production lines as well as the installation and start-up of numerous other line upgrades.Established procedures and created 250+ task-specific written work instructions and operations manuals where none existed previously. Developed a new hire training program used to teach basic job responsibilities to new operators and ease their transition into new job/company. Provided training for 50+ new operators yearly.Led team of Production Managers and Process Engineers charged with creating a skill-based pay program for operators in each of five (5) different pay grades.Created formal assessment program for the advancement of operators in all pay grades.Mentored and assisted process engineers.

hired to support the operation of FQN's first production line at its newly-opened spunbond nonwoven fabric manufacturing facility; Over-see daily operation of the production line and operating staff. Providing 24/7 support as needed.Optimize process settings and develop comprehensive operating parameters on a product-by-product basis.Develop and implement continuous improvement programs in safety, quality, and productivity.Troubleshoot quality and process related issues.Daily monitoring of product quality and key process variables using SPC techniques.Training of operations staff.Oversee required line maintenance/planning maintenance outages and maintaining records.Conduct R&D trials and raw material qualifications. Major Accomplishments:Assisted in commissioning the first production line on site. Increased yield and uptime from approx. 75% each to approx. 90% each within two (2) yrs. Developed a standardized operating parameter format and downtime/scrap code system still in use.Led scrap material reclamation project and raised reclaim usage from 0% to 10+%.Actively participated in conducting trials and developing products that helped secure business with company's initial customer base.Developed and conducted a series of training classes aimed at educating a new work force on the operation of the production equipment and troubleshooting production issues. Success in this area led to the creation of the Technical / Training Coordinator position.

Promoted to major accounts technical representative responsible for securing new business opportunities in the textile market. Worked closely with Aristech's sales and marketing team to meet business objectives while also working closely with existing and potential customers to develop and qualify new products. Approximately 25% travel.Designed and purchased new pilot processing equipment used for product evaluations and customer trials. Assumed responsibility for commissioning and de-bugging, as well as the daily operation of this equipment. Scheduled and implemented the development projects of four (4) professionals and oversaw the daily activities of three (3) technicians.

Technical Service and Product Development Engineer responsible for developing and evaluating new products and for specifying product parameters prior to commercial production. Conducted resin performance trials on pilot processing lines gaining an in-depth knowledge of many plastics processing methods such as extrusion, fiber spinning, and film production. Well versed in the use of analytical techniques used to characterize resins including DSC, FTIR, and HPLC. Provided technical support for customers by attending qualification trials, providing process assistance, and recommending resin changes to solve problems. Developed close relationships with customers' technical staff in order to maintain working knowledge of processes, products, and evolving polymer needs. Approximately 30% travel.