Douglas S. Hettinger
Mattoon,Illinois
Summary
Experienced Plant Manager adept at improving output, maximizing quality and boosting employee satisfaction with hands-on management style. Recognized as effective business manager and motivational leader. Successful manufacturing management career spanning 24 years.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Plant Manager
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
10.2024 - Current
- Manage Assembly and Machining operations of approximately 400 people across three shifts to meet customer requirements.
- Working in the corporate facility, support and work with departmental leaders to support product development, financial, and logistic activities.
- Support continuous improvement activities and monitor financial objectives for the operation of the manufacturing operations.
- Monitor and assess risk while determining the long-term strategy to meet company objectives.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Reduced downtime for maintenance by establishing a proactive preventive maintenance program.
- Promote a collaborative work environment to motivate and engage staff to achieve company objectives.
- Manage budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of funds for operational efficiency.
Production Manager – Machining
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
09.2015 - 10.2024
- Lead a department of approximately 300 people across three shifts to meet customer demands for internally produced machined components.
- Responsible for all aspects of planning and execution of the production schedule.
- Direct reports include the Production Superintendent, Maintenance Team Leader, and Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader.
- Managed internal operational standards and productivity targets.
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals.
- Increased overall productivity by identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing effective solutions.
- Conducted root cause analysis on production issues, devising corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Monitored team budgets to keep projects on task and avoid waste.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget constraints.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products according to customer requirements.
- Created streamlined production schedules and collaborated with production employees to communicate objectives and goals.
- Introduced automation and technological advancements to the production floor, leading to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall procurement costs without sacrificing quality.
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs for equipment, extending their lifespan and minimizing downtime due to malfunctions.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open communication between team members and regularly soliciting feedback on operational procedures.
Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader-Machining
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
04.2010 - 08.2015
- Lead in the development of department policies, support team members, develop staffing and budgetary plans, and perform regular engineering tasks.
- Increased engineering team efficiency by streamlining communication and implementing agile methodologies.
- Cultivated a culture of excellence by setting high expectations and consistently recognizing and rewarding top performance.
- Enhanced collaboration among team members by fostering an open work environment and promoting constructive feedback.
- Balanced competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
- Participated in formal internal design reviews of proposed products and components.
- Collaborated with other departments to facilitate successful project completion.
- Documented and developed engineering procedures and processes.
- Trained and mentored junior engineers, providing guidance and direction.
- Designed and implemented quality control processes to facilitate customer satisfaction.
Product Engineering Project Leader
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
01.2009 - 03.2010
- Developed comprehensive project plans that outlined clear goals, timelines, and milestones for all stakeholders involved.
- Collaborated with team members to develop, identify, and accomplish assigned goals and objectives.
- Managed team meetings and discussed project's goals and objectives.
- Managed scope changes effectively, minimizing potential disruptions to timelines or budgets while still meeting client expectations.
- Partnered with project team members to identify and quickly address problems.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader-Assembly
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
09.2006 - 12.2008
- Lead in the development of department policies, support team members, develop staffing and budgetary plans, and perform regular engineering tasks.
- Coordinated effectively with other departments to ensure seamless integration of engineering solutions into broader organizational objectives.
- Balanced competing priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
Manufacturing Engineer
Hydro-Gear
Sullivan, IL
01.2002 - 08.2006
- Improved manufacturing efficiency by streamlining production processes and implementing lean methodologies.
- Provided engineering support during new product launches, coordinating efforts between design, production, and quality control teams.
- Evaluated manufacturing equipment performance regularly, recommending upgrades or replacements as needed to maintain optimal efficiency.
- Optimized assembly line layouts to maximize productivity and improve overall workflow efficiency.
- Managed capital projects from concept through completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
- Promoted Design for Manufacturability philosophy.
- Increased capacity utilization by identifying bottlenecks within the production process and implementing targeted improvements.
Sales Engineer
Sandvik Coromant
Chicago, Illinois
05.2000 - 11.2001
- Support customer/distributor based in the Chicago market, product application, time studies, application evaluation, and CNC programming recommendations.
- Developed customized proposals that demonstrated a clear understanding of client requirements and offered compelling solutions to meet their unique needs.
- Generated new leads through cold calling and attending industry events.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction by proactively addressing concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional service.
Specialist, E-4
Illinois Army National Guard
Urbana, IL
10.1994 - 10.2001
- TOW Missile Gunner
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
Ingersoll-Rand, Blaw-Knox division
Mattoon, IL
05.1999 - 05.2000
- Database design and management, cost justification, routing control, ISO 9000 document management
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois 01.1996 - 05.2000
Skills
Operations Management
Safety Management
Team building and development
Lean manufacturing principles
Continuous Improvement
Project Management
Cost Control
Project Coordination
Problem-solving abilities
Production Planning
ISO Compliance
Production equipment maintenance
Activities
- Member of the Eastern Illinois University School of Technology Advisory board since 2010, serving terms as both Vice Chair and Chairperson.
- Member of the Illinois Army National Guard 1996-2000
Timeline
Plant Manager
Hydro-Gear
10.2024 - Current
Production Manager – Machining
Hydro-Gear
09.2015 - 10.2024
Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader-Machining
Hydro-Gear
04.2010 - 08.2015
Product Engineering Project Leader
Hydro-Gear
01.2009 - 03.2010
Manufacturing Engineering Team Leader-Assembly
Hydro-Gear
09.2006 - 12.2008
Manufacturing Engineer
Hydro-Gear
01.2002 - 08.2006
Sales Engineer
Sandvik Coromant
05.2000 - 11.2001
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
Ingersoll-Rand, Blaw-Knox division
05.1999 - 05.2000
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Business Administration
Eastern Illinois University
01.1996 - 05.2000
Specialist, E-4
Illinois Army National Guard
10.1994 - 10.2001