Richard Kraft Email and Phone Number

Managing packaging innovation projects for PepsiCo for cold-fill CSD projects.

Managed innovation projects for the Gatorade Pro series line of performance products. Developed packaging components specifically for a new line of protein powder.

Qualified the primary (Multi-layer HDPE) and seconday packaging components for a new green-field filling location for Naked Juice (cold-fill ESL 100% juice, City of Industry, CA). Qualified additional bottle vendor for supply assurance. Converted and entire Naked Juice line of products to a 100% recycled PET bottle in 2010 with an completely re-engineered bottle sterilization system. Sole packaging support for Naked Juice and managed an annual R&D packaging budget of over $1.3MM in 2010 and 2011.

Manage a small group of engineers in the Technical Services organization. Programs included capacity expansion and cost savings projects for primary and secondary packaging components.

Worked in the innovations group evaluating potential new technologies. If the potential technology looked liked if may fit within our interest area. I would complete and cost of entry model to determine of the technology had any chance of successful implementation.

Managed multiple Project Engineers involved in the development of hot-fillable PET containers. The engineering responsibilities included managing new product development programs using internal and external resources, maintaining project schedules and budgets. Managed the development activities, as well as strategic program planning. Extensive project management skills demonstrated in developmental and commercialization of projects, including product design, manufacturing, and commercial qualifications. Extensive customer interaction regarding overall package development and Overall Project Management. Trained R&D lab personnel in the processing and testing of hot-fillable containers. All project activities include creating preliminary designs for conceptual projects and managing these projects from the developmental stage through the final customer acceptance of production containers.

Lead cross-functional team of a research and development department working on applications of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) homopolymer and copolymers to improve the barrier and hot-fill capability of polyester food packaging. Responsibilities included production of experimental resins and also leading the technical team support in the areas of solid-state polymerization, melt compounding of blends, and all aspects of polymer characterization. Additional support was provided by communicating technical and experimental information to a non-technical marketing department. Previous assignments included responsibilities in the polymerization and characterization of lab-scale quantities of materials such as: polyesters, polysulfones, polyamides, polyolefins, and polystyrenes in support of the R&D efforts.

Responsible for all production, maintenance, and warehousing requirements. Supervised 12 production employees in the manufacture of HDPE extrusion blow molded containers.

Shift Supervisor of a staff ranging from 25 to 60 production employees, depending on production requirements. Responsible for all production, warehousing, and maintenance requirements of seven extrusion blow molders.