Catherine Crapo
Grand Haven
Summary
Dedicated professional with aptitude for learning, excellent intrapersonal communication skills, strong leadership abilities, creative problem solving skills, and recognized for consistently going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Process Technician
ITW Dahti Seating
11.2024 - Current
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address production challenges effectively.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through regular audits and inspections.
- Implemented several continuous improvement ideas to help the technicians and the floor work more effeciently.
- Provided technical support to all projects and provided research for all developmental teams.
- Successfully sampled and launched 3 new product lines in the last year, including 17 new molds.
- Optimized parameters of devices for ease of production, to reduce costs or improve usability.
- Updated documentation such as technical manuals and equipment maintenance records.
- Responsible for all production scheduling of the injection molding machines and assembly automation machines.
Lead Process Technician
Pliant Plastics Corporation
10.2022 - 03.2024
- Oversaw daily production operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Mentored junior technicians, fostering skill development and problem-solving techniques leading them towards professional growth opportunities.
- Assisted in root cause analysis investigations for major incidents or recurring problems affecting operations efficiency.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives for sustained operational excellence and cost reduction.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow and reduced downtime.
- Analyzed equipment performance data to identify maintenance needs and optimize operations.
- Led initiatives aimed at waste reduction and sustainable practices in manufacturing processes.
- Actively participated in Lean Manufacturing initiatives resulting in reduced waste generation while enhancing resource utilization efficiency.
- Improved production efficiency by optimizing process parameters and equipment settings.
- Cultivated strong working relationships with stakeholders, including operators, engineers, and suppliers for effective communication and collaboration in process enhancement efforts.
- Developed standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices across all shifts.
Team Lead
West Michigan Molding
05.2020 - 10.2022
- Led team to improve project efficiency through streamlined operations and task delegation.
- Developed training programs for new hires, enhancing onboarding experiences and reducing ramp-up time.
- Implemented process improvements that increased workflow productivity and reduced operational bottlenecks.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
Team Lead
Bradford Company
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Lead cell on daily production, instruct team members on their part of daily production, read production blueprints and organize team accordingly.
Machine Technician
SWM International
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Start up and run polyurethane extrusion lines; maintain lines while ensuring quality of product; consistently check on size, thickness, and finish of film; process conditions checked and logged daily per job
Third Shift Supervisor
Apex Resource Technologies
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Train operators on proper procedures, operate plastic injection molding machines, clean/repair machines and molds, supervise staff of 6 operators, daily paperwork for shift
Customer Service Associate
Country Curtains
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Take customer orders over the phone for catalog sales, answer customer questions over the phone, handle customer service issues related to orders and website
Education
Bachelors - Mechanical Engineering
UMass Amherst
12.2017
Bachelors - Business
Becker College
05.2012
Skills
- Operational excellence
- Team management
- Lean Six Sigma Certified
- Process troubleshooting
- Production scheduling
Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Timeline
Lead Process Technician
ITW Dahti Seating
11.2024 - Current
Lead Process Technician
Pliant Plastics Corporation
10.2022 - 03.2024
Team Lead
West Michigan Molding
05.2020 - 10.2022
Team Lead
Bradford Company
01.2019 - 01.2020
Machine Technician
SWM International
01.2017 - 01.2019
Third Shift Supervisor
Apex Resource Technologies
01.2014 - 01.2017
Customer Service Associate
Country Curtains
01.2013 - 01.2017
Bachelors - Business
Becker College
Bachelors - Mechanical Engineering
UMass Amherst
INTERNSHIPS
- Engineering Intern, Apex Resource Technologies
- Worked in the Research and Development Department, Drafting and Design Department, and Tool Shop Department. Worked on a series of projects revolving around innovative mold design, retooling an obsolete mold to extend the use of a mold, reducing excess by-product during the injection process, introducing automated technology to reduce cycle times and machine operator dependence