JUSTIN KEITH
Henderson,IL
Summary
Value stream and operations leader who manages scheduling, team coordination, and performance tracking across CNC, machining, grinding, and assembly areas. Known for driving OTD and OEE review routines, solving production issues quickly, and building stronger teams through training, engagement, and process improvement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervisor
Inpro/Seal
Rock Island, IL
04.2021 - Current
- Supervised production workflows for Inpro/Seal manufacturing operations
- Coordinated team schedules across assembly, shipping, and quality areas
- Monitored safety practices and enforced plant procedures
- Value stream management including CNCs, manual lathes, mills, EDM, lapping, grinding and assembly. Collaborated with multiple departments to maintain value stream OTD at 93% by addressing daily misses. Adapted daily to scheduling changes, machine issues, and attendance challenges. Managed cross-training for value stream employees, achieving 2 trained for each area and 3 trained at 78% of assets. Facilitated weekly discussions on production performance to review OEE and determine action items with supervisors and team leaders. Ownership in development and implementation of different employee engagement activities such as family day, chili cookoff, holidays and cookouts. Worked as interim operations manager while current operations manager assisted as factory manager.
Quality Engineer II
Caterpillar
Mapleton, IL
01.2016 - 08.2020
- Oversaw seal finishing operations for 4 months following relocation from another facility, leveraging previous experience to ensure smooth transition. Collaborated with subject matter experts and supply chain to improve overall throughput by 80%. Oversaw incoming quality schedules from suppliers. Collaborated onsite with supplier for 6 weeks, enhancing delivery performance to our company by 30%. Led project to rework material on existing equipment in grind area, achieving $700k in cost avoidance. Managed team that rolled out built in quality for the factory resulting in an $800K scrap reduction by eliminating the root causes of issues and training the team not to pass on defects adding additional cost. Completed ISO quality auditor training.
- Led Caterpillar quality reviews for manufacturing processes and product standards.
- Conducted root cause analysis for nonconformance and customer complaints.
- Developed corrective actions using CAPA, FMEA, and control plan methods.
Supervisor
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
08.2010 - 01.2016
- Managed multiple manufacturing areas: forge, heat treat, machining, grinding, resulting in improved operational efficiency. Received divisional reward for safety RIF reduction (0 over 3 years). Led project development to insource work done outside utilizing current equipment resulting in a cost reduction of $1.8 million. Led grinding team to improve customer delivery from 70% on time delivery to achieving and maintaining 100% on time performance. Led project to eliminate wash operation, removing all risk of injury, reducing inventory and lead time, and achieving cost reduction of $800K.
- Supervised production teams in bearing seal assembly and inspection
- Coordinated daily workflow to meet shop floor schedules
- Enforced safety procedures and housekeeping standards across manufacturing areas
Team Lead
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
08.2008 - 08.2010
- Led forge team, managing die shop operations to ensure smooth workflows. Executed cost reduction strategy for forge die inventory, achieving $200k savings. Led outsourcing project during blast rebuild resulting in over 10,000 pieces shipped and returned daily for 3 months without missing a customer order. Managed all areas of forge operations, enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Coordinated daily shift assignments for Caterpillar production team to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Conducted training sessions for Caterpillar operators on safety standards, quality checks, and standard work procedures.
- Observed and tracked the status of Caterpillar equipment, reporting maintenance requirements to supervisors for timely action.
Forge Press Operator
Caterpillar
East Peoria, IL
08.2005 - 08.2008
- Operated hydraulic presses and shear lines, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to quality standards during production. Led line operations, managed changeovers efficiently, and provided support to fellow operators to maintain seamless workflow.
- Operated a forge press at Caterpillar to produce heavy equipment parts efficiently.
- Monitored die alignment and press settings during forging cycles.
- Inspected heated metal pieces for defects and surface flaws.
Education
Associate in Business -
University of Phoenix-Online Campus
Phoenix, AZ01-2013
Skills
- Value stream management
- Operations management
- Production planning
- Production scheduling
- OEE analysis
- Manufacturing process
- Quality assurance
- Lean manufacturing
- Process improvement
- Cross training
- Change management
Personal Information
- Availability: Willing to relocate: Anywhere
- Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer.
- Visa Status: Authorized to work in the US for any employer.
Timeline
Supervisor
Inpro/Seal
04.2021 - Current
Quality Engineer II
Caterpillar
01.2016 - 08.2020
Supervisor
Caterpillar
08.2010 - 01.2016
Team Lead
Caterpillar
08.2008 - 08.2010
Forge Press Operator
Caterpillar
08.2005 - 08.2008
Associate in Business -
University of Phoenix-Online Campus