JAMES MC LAUGHLIN
Franklin
Summary
Dynamic Continuous Improvement Manager with a proven track record at Altium Packaging, driving over $750,000 in savings through Lean methodologies and project management. Expert in team leadership and employee training, fostering a culture of excellence and operational efficiency. Committed to delivering exceptional results while enhancing productivity and quality across manufacturing operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Multi Plant- Continuous Improvement Manager
Altium Packaging
Franklin
05.2022 - 01.2026
- Continuous Improvement, TPM and project management in the Packaging and Containers Manufacturing Industry.
- Drove implementation of the Altium Production System (APS) across several pillar / elements of Operational Excellence: Safety, Quality, Autonomous Maintenance, Planned Maintenance, Focused Improvement, Continuous Skills Development & Work Process Improvement resulting in over $750,000 is savings in FPY, DT, RUV, OEE, Labor, etc.
- Responsible for the implementation of APS to my assigned plants, providing leadership and coaching that result in excellence in productivity while maintaining the well-being of all plant employees.
- Educate, communicate, and work with all levels of manufacturing employees including senior leadership, plant leaders, and shopfloor employees on all 3 shifts.
- Trained 100% of staff on APS, Focused Improvement & Autonomous Maintenance at my assigned plants on schedule.
- Lead team to meet daily production goals as needed. Plan, lead, and facilitate meetings/working sessions.
- Direct and lead multiple initiatives at once, Build and implement detailed project plans.
- Operate, perform PMs, and repair Blow Mold Machines, Trimmers, Grinders, Baggers, Blenders, and packaging equipment.
- Assist plant management in annual budgeting, planning and setting cost savings targets.
Sales Operations Manager/ Project Manager
Small Business Start-Up
Norfolk
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Introducing New Products to Market.
- Provided excellent customer service to achieve customer delight.
- Managed all aspects of New Product introduction life cycle and drove accountability to complete deliverables on schedule.
- Created project plans, schedules, and managed multiple programs and projects at once.
- Created and implemented sales and marketing plan that grew the business by 800% in 12 months.
- Recruited and hired staff to meet business demand, developed and executed employee training programs.
- Managed merger and acquisition of similar local business, managed capital investment projects.
- Developed standard business and operations processes and procedures.
- Developed, implemented, and reviewed employee standard work.
- Managed large sales accounts throughout New England.
- Established and monitored KPIs.
- Managed capital investment projects for business.
Operations/ New Product Project Manager, Milford Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed all aspects of New Product introduction life cycle and drove accountability to complete deliverables on schedule.
- Facilitated Design for X on new medical device design introduction.
- Developed and executed manufacturing plans for engineering, alpha, beta, and preproduction builds of new products.
- Created project plans, schedules, and managed multiple programs and projects at once.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop testing, validation, system readiness, and assembly plans and reports.
- Oversaw product release and First Customer ship of new medical devices and specialty measurement equipment.
- Developed sustainable packaging solutions and facilitated packing testing for new products and product refurbishment programs.
- Assigned & completed project deliverables for all phases of medical device development & release to market both IVD/ Non IVD.
- Utilized oral communication skills for regular reporting and presentations.
- New Product Introduction. Released new medical devices to market on the fast track of seven months vs. multiple years.
- Worked with Information Technology to develop database to capture opportunities for improvement in the new product introduction process using Jira.
Training/ Lean Project Manager, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led Business Process Improvement projects to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
- Managed Lean Six Sigma project to identify opportunities to improve material availability for Milford Operations and the team presented management with one hundred prioritized OFIs.
- Trained all of machining operations in SAP SuccessFactors LMS and assisted with the roll out to combine all training records into one user friendly system.
- Trained machining operations on Audit Readiness, administered test, documented training in LMS, and followed up with additional training as needed.
- Implemented improved onboarding process for operations (From getting req approved through employee's 1st year).
- Developed blended on-the-job training program, TWI, JBS, and work instructions for Machining Operations (over 120 new documents) and managed document control for all training records.
- Led Six Sigma process improvement teams for Milford Operations to achieve Operational Excellence.
- Performed Gemba Walks in Machining Operations.
- Trained, coached, and mentored all levels of the organization in: Lean concepts, Lean Six Sigma, project management, computer applications, documentation, and developing procedures and training materials.
- Developed and delivered regular training in FDA (Class 1 Medical Devise), GDP, ISO 9001 & 13485, Regulatory Affairs, and compliance, cGMP; performed internal auditing.
- Facilitated the training for management and manufacturing operations staff to improve business knowledge and job performance.
- Created blended training and assisted in automation of two manufacturing cells that utilized robotics for CNC machine loading and part assembly.
- Completed 2019 Hoshin Kanri planning for operations. Created all programs and projects and assigned resources utilizing IBM Connections ProjExec.
- Developed the course content for classroom, interactive, and OJT in Machining Operations, Machining Inspection, and Metrology.
- Implemented and trained staff on process improvement techniques such as Process Mapping, VSM, SIPOC, VOC, VOP, DMAIC, 8D, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Kanban, TPM, 5 Whys, Brainstorming, and Pareto.
- Provided regular oral and written communication and presentations to management and peers on training initiative and Ci projects.
Lean Manufacturing Supervisor, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Grew the Valve Cell 18% 2016 over 2015 to $9M in production credits as the department manager.
- Brought over $500K in capital to Milford Machining operations while maintaining budget and schedule.
- Led Lean Six Sigma process improvement project to improve the stator yield. The team exceeded the project goal of $112K in scrap reduction while maintaining scope, cost & budget.
- Translated top-level corporate priorities down to the front-line workers objectives to develop clear attainable goals to meet personal, corporate, and customer needs.
- Complete strategic planning on an annual basis to best allocate resources to meet objectives.
- Trained, mentored, and motivated department personnel to achieve specific needs of their career and business.
- Utilized MRP and other business systems to meet AOP.
- Trained department staff on fundamentals of Lean, Lean tools, and how to apply to their current role to improve safety, quality, cost, flow, and ease of work.
- Managed $9M/yr. manufacturing cell and cleanroom that produced precision valves, adhered to quality standards, monitored KPIs.
- Created and maintained all training records for the department.
- Solved problems related to workflow, quality, productivity, and personnel.
- Created culture of Ci, respect for people, collaboration, teamwork, continual learning, and knowledge sharing with partners.
- Manage department quality and vendor with Trackwise QMS.
- Developed and implemented Visual Controls as part of the Ci system.
- Implemented Lean tools, TPM, TWI, Kaizen, 5S, Leader Standard Work, Operator Standard Work, & Idea System w/ recognition.
- Met with staff and held regular one on ones regarding Standard Work review, coaching, and mentoring.
- Identified and implemented cost savings and quality improvements for the department.
- Collaborated across teams to coordinate and share information on new ideas as necessary.
- Provided regular updates on department Lean deployment to management and peers.
- Hired and or promoted fifteen employees during my time as a supervisor to support business growth and succession planning.
- Managed over twenty direct reports at one time, including utility operators, clean room technicians, machine operators, machinists, production technicians, and section leads.
- Created training plans and developments plans; wrote and delivered performances reviews for all direct reports for three cycles.
Senior Production Technician, Valve Cell Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Managed Kaizen event to streamline the stator lapping and polishing process which saved $35K in standard reduction.
- Developed and implemented skills matrices and TWI training documentation in multiple areas of machining operations.
- Selected by senior staff as one of the Lean Leaders for the Milford site and was engaged in and led many Lean initiatives.
- Partnered with production engineering to improve the lapping and polishing process of precision valves which helped enable Waters to satisfy customer demand of newly insourced product family.
- Trained, mentored, and assisted department personnel to achieve specific needs aimed at their career within the department.
- Created and maintained training records for the department, as well as documentation, SOPs, and Process Sheets to produce machine components.
- Demonstrated proficiency at solving issues related to workflow, quality, productivity, personnel, and equipment repairs.
- Implemented department huddle board, action board, and Visual Controls.
- Participated in regular department Gemba walks with upper management to show improvements and get feedback and support.
- Taught basic statistical process improvement methods during department huddle meetings.
- Developed and ensured adherence to Leaders Standard Work.
- Identified and implemented cost savings and quality improvements for the department.
- Partnered with outside vendors to purchase and continuously monitor cost of machinery, tooling, chemicals, equipment, & supplies.
- Led process improvement as a Production Technician to implement new media with Chemical Machining Properties on SST stators and saved over $75K in standard reduction and improved product quality.
- Completed a current state value stream map on a precision valve product family and identified many OFIs. Re-designed the stator product family value stream, implemented improvements, improved flow, and built a Kanban pull system. The team reduced scrap, reduced cycle time, eliminated all line downs, and created customer delight.
CNC Operator A, Valve Cell- Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Produced machine components using CNC machines, precision lapping, and finishing machines.
- Read complex blue prints and interpret Geometrical Tolerancing & Dimensioning to ensure parts meet specification.
- Inspect machined component's using tools like Calipers, Micrometers, Gauges, CMMs. Profilometers, Vision Systems & Optical Comparators.
- Led the Precision Lapping & Polishing lab to meet its daily, weekly, monthly production and quality metrics.
- Analyzed lapped and polished surfaces with non-contact optical methods live Zygo scanning white light interferometer, Tropel Flatmaster.
- Led 5S and Lean manufacturing initiatives for the department.
- Utilized lean tools to reduce cost, improve processes, and create smooth flow of material through manufacturing operations.
- Partnered with manufacturing engineering and design engineering on part design and process development, Design for X.
Production Operator, Tubing, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Maintained high level of productivity while continually improving processes and documentation.
CNC Operator B, NC, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
Milford
01.2001 - 01.2009
CNC Operator
SCHWARZKOPF TECHNOLOGIES
Franklin
Machinist
AMERICAN PRODUCTION MACHINE COMPANY
Norwood
Machinist
GORMAN MACHINE COMPANY
Brockton
Education
Associate degree - Business Management
DEAN COLLEGE
Franklin, MA12-2026
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED -
American Red Cross
Worcester, Ma04.2026
LSSBB Certification -
GoLeanSixSigma
Ewa Beach, HI01.2026
PMI PMP Certification -
PMI Project Management Institute
Newton Square, PA04.2022
LSSGB Certification - Lean Six Sigma
William George Associates
Burlington, MA02.2022
Agile Certified Project Manager -
William George Associates
Burlington, Ma01.2022
Certified Scrum Master -
William George Associates
Burlington, Ma01.2022
Advanced Project Management & PMP Prep -
William George Associates
Burlington, Ma01.2022
CNC Certification -
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MaMachine Shop -
Southeastern Vocational Regional High School
Easton, MaSkills
- Project management
- Continuous improvement
- Team leadership
- Lean methodologies
- Customer service
- Employee training
Computer Software
- Microsoft Windows Operation System
- Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio, Publisher, Outlook, Project, Teams.
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Power BI
- SharePoint
- QuickBooks
- SAP
- SAP SuccessFactors LMS and iperformance
- IBM Connections
- IBM ProjExec
- ICIMS
- Zoom
- Minitab
- TrackWise QMS
- ToolingU
- Confluence
- Jira from the Atlassian product suite
- Xalt
- JDE
- Sourcepoint
- BusinessObjects
Continuous Improvement Training
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, GoLeanSixSigma
- Lean Certificate, GBMP, Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, Boston, MA
- Lean Bronze Certification, SME, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Southfield, MI
- Managing Kaizen Events, LEI, Lean Enterprise Institute, Boston, MA
- Value Stream Mapping, LEI, Lean Enterprise Institute, Boston, MA
- TWI Job Instruction Training, GBMP, Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership
- Shingo Model Cultural Enablers, GBMP, Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership
- GBMP Northeast Lean Conference, Annual conference and workshop participant
Timeline
Multi Plant- Continuous Improvement Manager
Altium Packaging
05.2022 - 01.2026
Sales Operations Manager/ Project Manager
Small Business Start-Up
09.2020 - 09.2021
Operations/ New Product Project Manager, Milford Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2019 - 01.2020
Training/ Lean Project Manager, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2017 - 01.2019
Lean Manufacturing Supervisor, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Production Technician, Valve Cell Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2014 - 12.2014
CNC Operator A, Valve Cell- Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2009 - 01.2014
Production Operator, Tubing, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2009 - 12.2009
CNC Operator B, NC, Machining Operations
WATERS CORP.
01.2001 - 01.2009
CNC Operator
SCHWARZKOPF TECHNOLOGIES
Machinist
AMERICAN PRODUCTION MACHINE COMPANY
Machinist
GORMAN MACHINE COMPANY
Associate degree - Business Management
DEAN COLLEGE
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED -
American Red Cross
LSSBB Certification -
GoLeanSixSigma
PMI PMP Certification -
PMI Project Management Institute
LSSGB Certification - Lean Six Sigma
William George Associates
Agile Certified Project Manager -
William George Associates
Certified Scrum Master -
William George Associates
Advanced Project Management & PMP Prep -
William George Associates
CNC Certification -
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Machine Shop -
Southeastern Vocational Regional High School