Jose Garza
190 Glenn Allen Rd Mooresville ,NC
Summary
Accomplished Automation Engineering Project Manager with a proven track record of success. Utilizes a combination of quantitative, qualitative, and interpersonal skills to consistently achieve exceptional results. Demonstrates expertise in process improvement, issue ownership, effective resolutions, and cultivating long-term business relationships. Dedicated engineering professional with a strong focus on project management, leadership, and technical oversight. Guides teams through complex projects while ensuring adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in resource management, risk assessment, and strategic planning, employing a results-driven approach that maximizes efficiency and impact. Recognized for reliability and a steadfast commitment to achieving project goals.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Automation Engineering Project Manager
Sabert
01.2023 - Current
- Work with plant leadership to design, develop and deploy automation solutions
- Use my vast experience in automation, process control and single use disposable container manufacturing to create a robust, sustainable and efficient system to help move forward the company’s goal of improving safety, reducing cost, and improving efficiency
- The average automated system has a proven record of saving 4 FTE per shift or $960,000.00 per thermoforming cell
- Responsible for automation capitol projects for Sabert United States plants
- Corporate Engineering manager responsible for design, development, and deployment of automation systems and processes
- Analyze equipment efficiency, identify, and implement downtime reduction activities
- Manage capital projects for automation from design concept, capital request, design review, FAT, SAT, and implementation
- Develop standards and processes for production and automation equipment
- Lead and supervised engineering teams and dotted line leadership to plant technicians and management
- Provided technical leadership for company to effectively steer strategic plans and future projects.
- Kept projects on schedule and within budget while serving as project leader.
- Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters.
- Created full-scope cost estimates for bid builds and design-build projects.
- Fostered a culture of collaboration among team members by initiating regular team-building activities and encouraging open communication, resulting in an increased sense of ownership over project outcomes.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to keep material costs within set budgets.
Automation Electrical Engineer /Senior Technical Project Manager
GenPak, LLC
01.2020 - 01.2023
- As Automation Project Manager I was responsible for plant equipment evaluation and consolidation, new plant startup, and automation implementation
- GenPak is a world leader in foam products, my time at GenPak was focused on greenfield startup project in the flagship plant in Charlotte North Carolina
- We designed, developed and deployed full automation
- We wrote the scope for 8 inline thermoforming lines in multiple cities and states
- Created standard work/5S, PM programs and cost savings projects
- Responsible for automation and plant capital projects for GenPak United States plants
- Reduced Plant labor by 60% using gantry, robot, case erectors and palletizing systems
- Corporate Engineering team member for cost reduction project and implementation
- Analyze equipment efficiency, identify, and implement downtime reduction activities
- Design and develop new automation for inline thermoforming, packaging, and palletizing equipment
- Implemented ABB, Yaskawa, and Fanuc robotics automated solutions
- Manage projects for automation from design concept, capital request, design review, FAT, SAT, and implementation
- Responsible for developing automation teams for current and future plants and projects
- Designed automation pellets to pallet automated cells
- GenPak is a manufacturer and distributor of disposable packaging products servicing foodservice
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical components in automated systems.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting automation issues, minimizing production delays and increasing customer satisfaction.
- Led training sessions for operators on proper use of automated equipment, maximizing efficiency and reducing human error incidents.
- Established strong vendor relationships for sourcing high-quality components at competitive prices.
- Stayed informed on emerging trends in the field of automation engineering, ensuring cutting-edge solutions were implemented where applicable.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with automated equipment and implemented appropriate safety measures.
- Spearheaded the migration from manual processes to fully automated systems, resulting in significant cost savings and improved output quality.
Senior Automation / Process Improvement Project Manager / Continuous Improvement Manager
Pactiv Corporation/Reynolds Corp.
01.2004 - 01.2020
- Responsible for the startup of the plant
- Startup equipment, lead contractors, install thermoforming equipment and automation equipment
- During the time spent at Pactiv I was successfully assisted with the greenfield startup of the plant from zero to 700 FTE
- We installed and worked on injection molding, thermoforming and inline profile extrusion processes
- Responsible for automating 13 Thermoforming lines
- Lead the team to the startup of the plant with all new lines and automation
- The plant produced over 600K lbs
- Of resin in 24 hrs
- Strengthen overall operator and supervisor proficiency across multiple departments
- Corporate Engineering team member for cost reduction capitol project and implementation
- Maintain Preventive Maintenance records on all manufacturing equipment
- Analyze equipment efficiency, identify, and implement downtime reduction activities
- Manage daily operation of 11 Automation engineering team members
- Worked with corporate engineering on improving and developing new automation and packaging solutions
- Developed HMI screens to improve equipment start up sequence
- Develop standard work and process controls to reduce downtime and improve reliability
- Responsible for cost savings, labor reductions and ROI justification projects
- Completed certification in Fanuc robot programming
- Pactiv is the global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of disposable packaging products servicing foodservice, processors, supermarkets, restaurants, and institutions
Process Improvement Project Manager / Continuous Improvement Lead
Solo Cup Company
01.1996 - 01.2004
- Started as an operator and quickly moved into leadership positions
- I used my experiences to help improve safety, reduce cost, and increase reliability on the thermoforming and extrusion equipment
- I then moved into an automation position to continue improving safety, labor reduction, and quality improvement projects
- As Process Team Lead, my focus was to improve safety, reduce costs, and reduce downtime on production equipment
- Installation and commissioning of new thermoformed and automation
- Promoted from Operator to Lead operator and help developed PM Maintenance programs
- Worked to improve our process and maintain Preventive Maintenance records
- Worked on R & D projects with the Engineering Group
- Worked on Solo Cup projects such as the Traveler Plus Lid, STS, and solo grip cup red and white cups
- Inline Thermoforming Process and Automation Technician / Maintenance Lead
- Operated and trained on Thermoforming equipment
- Responsible for safety, changeovers, & preventive maintenance on end of line packaging equipment
- Solo Cup Company is an American manufacturer of disposable consumer products including beverage cups, disposable plates, and bowls
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
Plant Foreman / Plant Operation Manager
CR Plastics
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Company Overview: CR Plastics is a fast-paced Plastics Company specializing in Custom Prototype Thermoforming, Extrusion, Injection Molding & Custom Plastic Fabrication
- Responsible for all functions of the new plant startup, Hire and train new FTE
- Grew the company to be a successful contract injection molding plant
- We completed orders for Motorola, Corner Guard, Salvation Army and Pampered Chef
- We grew from zero to 20 employees with 4 injection molding presses, 5 custom profile extrusion lines, and a complete plastic fabrication shop
- Helped Startup Plant and was responsible for plant operations
- Supervised 20 employees on 3 shifts
- Installed and commissioned new injection molding machines and automation
- Worked directly with the Owner to plan & install equipment and train employees
- Implemented lock out tag out procedures
- Executed custom short run thermoforming and injection molding products as needed
- Developed workstations and processes for all current and new products
- New product development
- CR Plastics is a fast-paced Plastics Company specializing in Custom Prototype Thermoforming, Extrusion, Injection Molding & Custom Plastic Fabrication
- Increased productivity by identifying bottlenecks and implementing targeted solutions for improvement.
- Assisted in hiring qualified staff members who contributed positively towards the growth of the organization.
- Improved plant efficiency by optimizing production processes and implementing best practices.
- Oversaw the installation of new equipment, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints while maintaining safe working conditions during construction phases.
Plant Foreman / Plant Operations Manager
Associated Plastics
01.1994 - 01.1996
District Supervisor
Browns Chicken and Pasta
01.1990 - 01.1995
Education
Associate of Applied Science -
College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL06.1995
High School Diploma -
Highland Park High School
Highland Park, IL06.1991
Skills
- 6S Lean Manufacturing
- Mentoring and coaching
- Performance improvement
- Workflow optimization
- Project planning and development
- Plant layout design
- Operational excellence
- Lean manufacturing concepts
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Corporate Automation Engineering Project Manager
Sabert
01.2023 - Current
Automation Electrical Engineer /Senior Technical Project Manager
GenPak, LLC
01.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Automation / Process Improvement Project Manager / Continuous Improvement Manager
Pactiv Corporation/Reynolds Corp.
01.2004 - 01.2020
Process Improvement Project Manager / Continuous Improvement Lead
Solo Cup Company
01.1996 - 01.2004
Plant Foreman / Plant Operation Manager
CR Plastics
01.1996 - 01.1999
Plant Foreman / Plant Operations Manager
Associated Plastics
01.1994 - 01.1996
District Supervisor
Browns Chicken and Pasta
01.1990 - 01.1995
Associate of Applied Science -
College of Lake County
High School Diploma -
Highland Park High School
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