Andrew Presswood
Lee's Summit,MO
Summary
Director of Launch with deep experience leading product launches from design through production. Global Tool design and management. Global Sourcing and Vendor Management. Skilled in launch planning, project management, vendor coordination, and cross-functional problem solving. Known for driving readiness, reducing risk, and improving launch outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Launch
Sika
Grandview, Missouri
02.2021 - Current
- Led Sika product launch plans from part design, sourcing, tool design, tool validation, to production.
- Coordinated cross-functional launch readiness reviews to assess plant feasibility, cost, and CAPEX requirements, ensuring alignment across teams.
- Oversaw global tool builds to ensure quality and consistency. Manage part MRD, Import, and Export.
- Resolved launch issues by collaborating with logistics, quality, and production teams to facilitate timely product rollout.
- Trained team members on launch processes, change requests, and product rollout procedures.
- Conducted post-launch reviews to identify areas of improvement for future product launches.
- Identified potential risks associated with product launches and developed mitigation plans.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to enhance collaboration and streamline the launch process.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly and offered constructive feedback for improvement.
- Maintained up-to-date launch trackers and project documentation using SAP and Excel.
Tooling Manager
Sika
Grandview, Missouri
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed tooling maintenance for Sika production lines.
- Approved tooling changes for Sika manufacturing equipment.
- Coordinated mold and die repairs with maintenance teams and external repair shops to minimize downtime and ensure timely production.
- Reviewed tooling issues with production and engineering staff.
- Scheduled preventive service for plant tools and fixtures.
- Trained technicians on safe tool handling and setup.
- Tracked inventory levels of tools and replacement parts to ensure availability. and replacement parts.
- Worked with suppliers on tooling purchases and repairs.
- Ensured adherence to quality standards while maintaining cost efficiency in all processes related to tooling activities.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities by improving utilization of labor, materials, and supplies related to tools.
- Performed root cause analysis for defects discovered during production runs involving tools or equipment.
- Participated in vendor selection process by evaluating proposals from multiple suppliers based on pricing structure and delivery timelines.
- Analyzed weekly and monthly reports on tool usage and downtime to enhance productivity in the manufacturing facility.
- Provided technical assistance in troubleshooting tooling issues on the shop floor.
- Developed and maintained tooling specifications for new product launches.
Tooling Engineer
Sika
Grandview, Missouri
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Designed tooling for Sika manufacturing processes.
- Facilitated tooling trials for new programs, ensuring alignment with production requirements.
- Assessed drawings and specifications for tooling changes, ensuring compliance with design standards and functionality.
- Troubleshot tooling issues on plant equipment and fixtures.
- Collaborated with engineers and technicians on process improvements.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure that all aspects of the tooling design are optimized for the intended application.
- Assisted in resolving problems encountered during startup or commissioning phases of new projects.
- Identified alternative sources for materials to enhance the manufacture of custom tools.
- Designed fixtures and jigs for machining operations, ensuring accuracy and repeatability of parts produced.
- Created CAD models of complex components with detailed drawings for fabrication of tooling components.
- Evaluated current tooling technologies, recommending upgrades or replacements as needed to increase productivity and reduce costs.
- Trained personnel in the use of specialized tools such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses.
- Trained staff on safe tooling use and inspection practices.
- Maintained records on all tooling activities, including maintenance schedules, repairs, and modifications made over time.
- Provided technical support on troubleshooting issues related to tooling operation during production runs.
- Monitored machine performance during production runs, making adjustments as necessary to maintain quality standards.
- Managed inventory control systems related to ordering new materials or tracking usage levels within the facility.
- Developed vendor relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality raw materials and services for tooling production.
Tool shop manager
Splintek
Kansas City, Missouri
03.2015 - 09.2017
- Managed daily shop operations for Splintek medical product workflows.
- Maintained shop records and operational reports to ensure accurate tracking of production workflows.
- Designed new products and tested materials to enhance product functionality and performance.
- Built Prototype tooling for each part revision.
- Led tool makers and machinist to build test tooling and fixtures.
- LED R&D chemist on new material research and testing
- Work with Patent attorneys to obtain patents on new parts
- Design, source, and launch new production tools for each product launch.
- Programmed CNC equipment for precise production of tight tolerance tooling and components.
Tool and Die Maker
Dickerson Tool and Engineering
Chillicothe, Missouri
07.2002 - 03.2015
- Built precision dies and fixtures in the Dickerson Tool and Engineering shop.
- Interpreted blueprints, sketches, and engineering drawings for tooling work.
- Machined tool steel using mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM equipment.
- Fitted, assembled, and adjusted dies for pressroom production use.
- Inspected tooling with micrometers, calipers, and gauges for accuracy.
- Repaired worn dies and replaced damaged components in-house.
- Collaborated with engineers and machinists on tool changes and shop improvements.
- Trained junior toolmakers on safe setup, layout, and maintenance practices.
- Train new employees on the proper use of machine shop equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance on tooling equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Fabricate die parts from drawings or sketches using a variety of materials including steel, aluminum and plastics.
- Inspect finished dies for accuracy and conformance to specifications.
- Utilize precision measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers and dial indicators to verify dimensions of completed products.
- Troubleshoot existing tooling issues and make necessary repairs or adjustments.
- Worked effectively within extremely tight tolerances to produce precision results.
- Analyze blueprints, work orders and other documents to determine material requirements for projects.
- Set up and operate all types of machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders and jig borers to perform precision machining operations.
- Program CNC equipment for high precision part production
- Use CMM and CAD software to reverse engineer components
Education
High School Diploma -
Silex High School
Silex05-1998
Some College (No Degree) - Communications
Missouri Western State University
Saint Joseph, MOSome College (No Degree) - CAD/Robotics
North Central Missouri College
Trenton, MOSkills
- Product launch
- Launch planning
- Tool validation
- Project management
- CAPEX review
- SAP tracking
- Quality control
- Process improvement
- Vendor management
- Inventory control
- Cross-functional communication
- Problem solving
- Decision-making
- Team leadership
- Staff training
- Task prioritization
- Excellent communication
- Team building
- Policy administration
- Recruitment and hiring
Timeline
Director of Launch
Sika
02.2021 - Current
Tooling Manager
Sika
08.2019 - 02.2021
Tooling Engineer
Sika
09.2017 - 08.2019
Tool shop manager
Splintek
03.2015 - 09.2017
Tool and Die Maker
Dickerson Tool and Engineering
07.2002 - 03.2015
High School Diploma -
Silex High School
Some College (No Degree) - Communications
Missouri Western State University
Some College (No Degree) - CAD/Robotics
North Central Missouri College