Kenneth Hodgson
Cleveland,TN
Summary
Adept at driving process improvements and fostering team collaboration, I significantly enhanced production efficiency and reduced waste at Volkswagen Chattanooga. Leveraging skills in data analysis and project management, I achieved notable success in equipment optimization and continuous improvement initiatives, underscoring my commitment to excellence and innovation in engineering. Production management professional knowledgeable about allocating resources, optimizing production and increasing output with hands-on and dedicated approach. Articulate and professional problem-solver with good relationship-building abilities. Proficient in planning and implementing innovative production strategies. Dedicated Maintenance Supervisor offering 7 years of successful team management in maintenance-driven roles. Adept at scheduling facilities maintenance to minimizing downtime and safety hazards. Well-versed in equipment troubleshooting and repair with focus on quality and efficiency.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Process Engineer
Volkswagen Chattanooga
08.2018 - 10.2024
- Provided technical assistance to production team when issues arose.
- Evaluated new technologies and equipment upgrades to enhance overall process capabilities, ensuring market competitiveness.
- Coordinated with suppliers to resolve raw material issues affecting production schedules.
- Optimized manufacturing processes by implementing continuous improvement initiatives and lean methodologies.
- Implemented standardized work instructions, enhancing operator understanding of critical tasks and improving workflow consistency.
- Managed capital projects for the installation of new equipment or modifications to existing systems, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining plant reliability and minimizing operational disruptions.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams on preventive maintenance programs aimed at extending the lifespan of critical equipment components.
- Managed third-party contractors, inspecting completed work and ongoing efforts to confirm quality and adherence to prescribed guidelines.
Paint Shop Assistant Manager
Volkswagen Chattanooga
07.2016 - 08.2018
- Managed daily operations of the production floor, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Assisted in reducing production costs by streamlining processes and eliminating waste.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth.
- Established position requirements, schedules and production team processes.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives, leading to greater overall productivity across the organization.
- Implemented performance, quality and efficiency measures to achieve aggressive production goals.
- Analyzed data trends to inform future decision-making processes related to scheduling adjustments or workflow improvements.
Supervisor of Operations
Volkswagen Chattanooga
06.2011 - 07.2016
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, offering constructive feedback designed to promote growth within their roles.
- Managed scheduling and workload distribution, maximizing productivity without overwhelming team members or compromising quality of work.
- Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction with consistent attention to detail and effective communication skills.
- Established clear expectations for team members, fostering a positive work environment through open communication and accountability.
- Adapted quickly to changing business needs, ensuring the operations team was always prepared for any shifts in demand or industry trends.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new hires, improving overall team productivity and performance.
- Resolved conflicts between employees swiftly and professionally, maintaining a harmonious workplace atmosphere conducive to collaboration.
- Oversaw inventory management, maintaining optimal stock levels while minimizing waste and excess costs.
- Proactively identified potential problems before they escalated, addressing them swiftly and effectively to minimize negative impact on daily operations.
Sales Engineer
Pro RAC
04.2009 - 06.2011
- Established long-term relationships with key clients for repeat business and referrals, cultivating a strong network within the industry.
- Identified sales opportunities by assessing environment and devising and implementing winning strategy.
- Identified and supported resale opportunities to achieve sales plans.
- 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, social media outreach, and attending industry events.
- Increased sales revenue by consistently meeting and exceeding sales targets through effective client presentations and product demonstrations.
- Collaborated closely with internal teams to deliver top-notch customer service, ensuring seamless implementation of products and services.
Paint Engineer
Delbar Products/ Ficosa North American
04.2007 - 04.2009
- Established strong working relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills, fostering trust and collaboration.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements.
- Optimized engineering processes by implementing innovative solutions and streamlining workflow.
- Developed cost estimates and project specifications for proposals.
- Provided input to team lead regarding areas for process and procedural improvement.
- Achieved successful project outcomes by maintaining accurate documentation and meeting strict deadlines.
Paint Foreman
Delbar Products
11.2001 - 04.2007
- Oversaw the entire Paint Application Process, including automated equipment, touch up painters, tpm schedules, and clean up crew
- Provided ongoing training to staff members, increasing overall team productivity and knowledge base.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for growth.
- Evaluated new products entering the market for potential inclusion within the department''s offerings, ensuring a comprehensive and competitive product line.
- Facilitated cross-training opportunities among staff members, enabling greater flexibility in task assignments during peak times or absences.
- Established high standards of quality control, ensuring consistency across all products offered in the paint department.
- Led daily team meetings to discuss progress towards goals, address any concerns or challenges, and plan for future improvements in the department''s operations.
Maintenance Supervisor
Delbar Products
04.2000 - 11.2001
- Coordinated the successful teardown and rebuild of all Paint Shop Equipment for installation in the new facility.
- Oversaw the construction and commissioning of the new Paint Shop as the on sight manager coordinating with all the contractors
- Coordinated preventative maintenance schedules, verifying equipment safety and function.
- Streamlined work order processes for increased efficiency in addressing maintenance requests and tracking progress.
- Supervised multiple teams of employees and scheduled shifts.
- Supervised a team of technicians, providing guidance on complex repair tasks and fostering professional development opportunities.
- Managed inventories of spare parts and tools to ensure the availability of necessary resources for timely repairs.
Paint Technician
Delbar Products
11.1993 - 04.2000
- Ensured customer satisfaction through prompt and effective communication, addressing any concerns or issues efficiently.
- Adhered to environmental regulations by properly disposing of hazardous materials and maintaining ventilation equipment.
- Communicated effectively with management, providing updates on progress and addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
- Assisted in training new technicians to improve overall team performance and productivity levels.
- Developed expertise in multiple paint systems, increasing versatility as a technician and expanding service offerings for clients.
- Streamlined painting processes by developing customized spray patterns for various vehicle models.
- Reduced material waste with efficient paint application methods, contributing to cost savings.
- Optimized equipment usage by performing regular maintenance checks, prolonging tool life and minimizing repair costs.
- Maintained equipment, and a clean and organized workspace, promoting safety and efficiency in the paint booth.
Education
High School Diploma -
Maynard Evans High School
Orlando, FL06-1990
Skills
- Data Analysis
- Process Development
- Team Collaboration
- Production Planning
- Waste Reduction
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Equipment optimization
- Root Cause Analysis
- Automation Technologies
Accomplishments
- Achieved 1st green light corrosion audit release by completing New model ID4 programming on Fanuc and Durr corrosion lines with accuracy and efficiency. Doing the project also saved VW $1,000,000 in programming cost on the project.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved original corrosion programming issues which led to improved quality audits and material savings of $200,000 yearly.
- Achieved $180,000 yearly savings in masking cost through CIP programming effectively helping with improved ergonomics and a reduction in manpower.
Timeline
Process Engineer
Volkswagen Chattanooga
08.2018 - 10.2024
Paint Shop Assistant Manager
Volkswagen Chattanooga
07.2016 - 08.2018
Supervisor of Operations
Volkswagen Chattanooga
06.2011 - 07.2016
Sales Engineer
Pro RAC
04.2009 - 06.2011
Paint Engineer
Delbar Products/ Ficosa North American
04.2007 - 04.2009
Paint Foreman
Delbar Products
11.2001 - 04.2007
Maintenance Supervisor
Delbar Products
04.2000 - 11.2001
Paint Technician
Delbar Products
11.1993 - 04.2000
High School Diploma -
Maynard Evans High School
Similar Profiles
Ruby AlsobrookRuby Alsobrook
Team Leader at Volkswagen ChattanoogaTeam Leader at Volkswagen Chattanooga
Justin HullJustin Hull
Production Supervisor at Volkswagen ChattanoogaProduction Supervisor at Volkswagen Chattanooga
MICHELLE RIVERAMICHELLE RIVERA
Production Worker/ Welder at Volkswagen ChattanoogaProduction Worker/ Welder at Volkswagen Chattanooga