Bob Sutter Email & Phone Number

Portland, Michigan, US

Portland, Michigan, US

Passionate Solution Creator | Cohesive Team Builder | Empowering Global Leader

• Responsible for global Product Engineering, Quality, Prototype, and Tool and Die operations that supported ongoing global growth and strategic KPI’s while ensuring global standardization of products and processes.
• Led the development of our global JV partners in three different countries (Germany, India, Korea)
• Created a product strategy for core mechanisms and seating structures aligned with JV partners
• Developed key global suppliers and spearheaded our global supplier development initiative
• Formalized the VA/VE process within the company meeting goals of 5% savings per year
• P&L responsibility for a small tool and die shop; doubled annual revenue

• Established and solidified the reputation of the Product Engineering department by developing intellectual property and commercializing products that supported profitable growth.
• Managed ongoing development of our core head restraint mechanism technology (FMVSS 202a)
• Opened and supported a new design and analysis branch in Hyderabad, India TS
• Developed relationships with key personnel at targeted global growth customers
• Coordinated and managed all of the company’s patent and intellectual property affairs

• Implemented various CAD/CAE packages to support the design and analyses of targeted products
• Identified and installed product testing capabilities aligned with our product portfolio
• Developed and grew the core team that supported our strategic vision of product diversification
• Developed GD&T standards to strengthen the core knowledge for the entire organization

• Initiated the creation and growth of the Product Engineering department to support internal and customer focused product development, product launches, and product diversification.
• Supported the startup of a new manufacturing facility in Georgia
• Successfully launched the first eight programs out of this facility
• Managed the successful launch of our largest value added assembly for a key growth customer
• Facilitated the transition from a stamp and ship product base to higher value added assemblies
• Launched multiple programs worth over $4 million dollars in annual revenue out of two facilities

Auburn Hills, MI, US

• Created a new prototype procurement process that grew into a profit center for the company
• Assisted in reopening a shuttered facility to produce a Mg Brake Pedal Assembly for Chrysler
• Partnered with Key Account Managers to provide technical and liaison support into OEM facilities
• Led the first cross functional team creation of a PFMEA