Kent Foster

• Supervise tool and die team, coordinating preventive maintenance tasks and responding to press calls to maintain operational efficiency.
• Identify and procure die repair components and tool room supplies to ensure operational efficiency.
• Execute purchase order creation and order placement as necessary.
• Perform die repairs, troubleshooting in press, operate Tool Room equipment to machine die details, and perform TIG welding tasks.
• Execute process confirmations to ensure compliance with operational standards.

• Performed stamping die repairs in and out of the press
• Proficient at operating all Tool Room equipment , lathes, radial arm drill, automatic & manual surface grinders, conversational & manual milling machines, Mig & TIG welder, air arc gouging, brake press, & shear.
• Helped train apprentices
• Machined die details as needed

Operated machine shop equipment lathes, vertical mills, surface grinders

Duties included re-qualifying powdered metal press components to tight tolerances as well as machine new ones to support press rebuilds and service needs.

I started as a Tool & Die team member then promoted to T&D Area manager for the last 4 years.

Service/repair Progressive & Transfer Dies

Assist in troubleshooting and repair of robotic weld assembly tooling

Developed and managed supply base for perishable tooling and die supplies

• Assembled and adjusted dies to meet specifications for progressive stamping processes.
• Collaborated with engineering teams to enhance die designs for improved efficiency and performance.
• Trained junior toolmakers on best practices in tool and die making techniques and safety protocols.
• Diagnosed and repaired malfunctioning tooling equipment, minimizing operational interruptions.