Thomas E. Wixted Email & Phone Number

Roselle, Nj, Us

Elgin, Illinois, Us

In this role, I oversaw business operations, including call center, P&L, quality management production, maintenance, facilities, customer service, process flow management, engineering, accounts receivable, budget control, sales, and logistics, for one of the world’s leading developers of cutting and surgical tooling surface enhancements. I managed 5 manufacturing plants in 4 states, supervised a staff of 50 direct and indirect reports, and held responsibility for $13M in annual revenue. I also directed management training, ensured compliance with all KPIs, metrics, best practices, and financial goals, and led all project management efforts. Selected Accomplishments:• Improved efficiency by implementing Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Kanban methodologies.• Enhanced productivity by developing and implementing a standardized plant layout for all facilities.• Planned and led more than 12 capital equipment projects totaling $6M+.• Saved $700,000-plus/yr. by migrating a complex polishing process in-house.• Directed the build and launch of 2 manufacturing facilities, which enabled $2.4M in added revenue. • Met or exceeded goals of 97% quality and 6% EBIT. Improved first yield quality 22%.• Reduced incoming product to final product shipped time from 7 to 3 days by restructuring process flows and installing new equipment, which also eliminated backlogs of work and enhanced quality.• Increased quality 7% by introducing process control parameters, audit procedures, standard operating procedure (SOP) documentation, and preventive maintenance procedures.• Drove quality improvement efforts by emphasizing the sharing of best practices between all facilities.• Maximized quality and performance by rebuilding teams at all facilities and instilling a culture of personal accountability among staff and management.• Saved $100,000/yr. by rightsizing logistics. • Prevented up to $33,000/day in losses by establishing a critical and spare parts inventory.

Pfäffikon, Sz, Ch

I directed production, shipping, receiving, maintenance, facilities, and more at an 18,000 sq. ft. plant for the world’s leading supplier of PVD coatings and surface technologies. I supervised a staff of 27 in a non-union environment and held responsibility for P&L, incoming goods, inspections, parts cleaning, quality, surface preparation, order entry, coating processes, surface polishing, shipping, audit activities, and staff training. I performed supply and resource requirement forecasting, monitored performance, and updated training procedures. I also led quarterly sales and production meetings at the Elgin, IL plant.Selected Accomplishments:• Lead Process Auditor for the Rock Hill, NC facility and Chief PVD Coatings Account Manager for the Star SU Hoffman Estates, IL, location.• Improved efficiency and quality through Lean Six Sigma and 5S initiatives.• Consistently met or exceeded all quality and rework metrics.• Reduced labor costs $65,000 while increasing delivery levels by guiding a shift remodeling effort.• Increased GPDA from 12.6% to 50.6% in 2 months, and maintained at 50% for 4 years.• More than doubled the on-time delivery rate.• Enhanced customer satisfaction by introducing dedicated customer service specialists and order tracking.• Achieved 20% improvement in efficiency by implementing ergonomic workstations.• Reduced chemical inventory 15%, saving $800,000/yr. by minimizing evaporation issues.• Recognized for maintaining a 100% injury-free workplace for 5 years.• Contributed to profit growth by maintaining quality costs to less than 1.3% of annual GSR.• Led plant to Most Improved Plan in North America (2012).• Actively involved in the layout and design of a new coating center in Oklahoma City.• Delivered an EBIT/GPDA ratio of 5.9%, exceeding goal of 5%.• Prepared plant for ISO and BTS audits and maintained a Green status for 5 consecutive years.

Glendale Heights, Il, Us

This was a promotion to run the Service Department for this manufacturer of industrial fans and blowers, including production, service, vendor management, inspections, quality, customer relations, invoicing, shipping, receiving, and repairs. I supervised a staff of 70-plus at an 18,000 sq. ft. facility and served as project leader for field issue investigations, returned product issues, and material quality issues. In addition, I ensured all vendors complied with test and manufacturing specifications. I also monitored vendor performance, coordinated failure analysis and corrective actions by suppliers, and personally responded to all technical questions submitted to the company’s “The Fan Doctor” via email. Finally, I led all claims facilitation relating to Terms and Condition of Sale and Terms of Warranty.Selected Accomplishments:• Implemented and managed the Current Problem Reporting (CPR) system, which included critical supplier management and encompassed the product development, manufacturing, and delivery. • Dramatically reduced return materials costs by implementing the Return Material Authorization system, including failure analysis, root cause analysis, customer credit eligibility, and lessons learned.• Enhanced quality levels by launching the ISO 9002: 2008-compliant Quality Management System.• Improved profitability and standardized the quotation process by introducing a quotation process task list.• Consistently achieved a 100% satisfaction level from customer survey results.• Increased quality and efficiency by creating service owner manuals for customized products.• Met or exceeded the 90% goal for on-time delivery and time-quotes-per-work-center.

Glendale Heights, Il, Us

During this time, I managed Production, Shipping, Receiving, Stock Assembly, Specialty High Bay Assembly, Balancing, Paint Department, Run Test Department, Crating, and Packaging. I oversaw issue resolution for multiple work areas, supervised a staff of 70-plus, and trained new employees. I also maintained training records and maintained and updated ISO procedures.

Palatine, Illinois, Us

Madison Heights, Mi, Us

Madison Heights, Mi, Us