Larry Shepard
Kentland,Indiana
Summary
Proven leader in CNC and Tool Room management at Task Force Tips, LLC, I've significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and reduced costs through innovative inventory systems and vendor negotiations. Skilled in CAD software and fostering teamwork, this approach has led to notable improvements in production timelines and safety standards, embodying adaptability and results-driven professionalism.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
CNC and Tool Room Manager
Task Force Tips, LLC
08.2015 - 06.2024
- Managed 46 CNC Production and Tool Room staff, fostering supportive team environment and promoting professional development.
- Streamlined machining processes through continuous improvement , enabling faster response times to production needs.
- Enhanced machining efficiency by implementing inventory management systems and procedures.
- Reduced downtime for production lines by ensuring timely maintenance and repair of equipment.
- Conducted regular quality checks on equipment, identifying any necessary repairs or replacements before they impacted production timelines.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback that contributed to overall team growth and development.
- Fostered effective leadership development for Production Managers, Supervisors and Leads.
- Leveraged vendor relationships to negotiate favorable pricing on new tool acquisitions, saving company resources over time.
- Developed training programs for new employees to ensure proper handling and maintenance of tools.
- Established preventive maintenance schedules, prolonging lifespan of CNC equipment and reducing costs associated with replacements.
- Facilitated preventive maintenance on equipment utilizing CMMS programs.
- Organized and led safety training for employees, promoting culture of safe tool usage within company.
- Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
- Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
- Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
- Collaborated with manufacturing and supply chain management.
- Tracked production and quality control systems to proactively identify deficiencies.
Manufacturing Engineer
Task Force Tips, LLC
09.2002 - 08.2015
- Promoted Design for Manufacturability philosophy.
- Established and coordinated sub-contracting and outsourcing requirements for machining and processes to overcome in-house production issues.
- Reduced production downtime through proactive maintenance scheduling and timely equipment repairs.
- Completed purchase analysis to analyze engineering drawings and specifications.
- Identified problems and specific resolutions to fix defective, damaged, or malfunctioning parts, assemblies, equipment and systems.
- Reviewed products for compliance with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) requirements.
- Performed tolerance analysis to support success in high-volume CNC manufacturing.
- Coordinated selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, and operation of product designs.
- Managed manufacturing projects and program services to handle engineering and project metrics.
- Designed documents and statements of proposals, lead times, technical costs and budgets and statements of work to manage supplier development efforts.
- Performed concurrent design and manufacturing engineering and other functions to reduce time required to bring product to market.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges.
- Managed supplier development efforts through engineering design, technical producibility, manufacturing reviews and development of solutions.
- Served as technical liaison between customer, manufacturing, quality assurance and vendor and supplier personnel to resolve technical and quality issues.
- Used lean manufacturing principles to develop, evaluate and improve manufacturing methods.
- Oversaw development and implementation of product testing system.
- Increased capacity utilization by identifying bottlenecks within production process and implementing targeted improvements.
- Analyzed mechanical requirements to determine feasibility of design.
- Implemented cost-saving measures by identifying opportunities for reducing material waste in production process.
- Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that resulted in significant reductions in lead times and increased customer satisfaction levels.
- Developed technical documentation, including standard operating procedures, work instructions, and engineering drawings to support manufacturing operations.
- Conducted root cause analysis on defective products, leading to targeted improvements in manufacturing processes.
- Assisted in supplier selection and evaluation processes, contributing to improved supply chain performance.
- Trained and mentored junior engineers, fostering culture of continuous learning and professional development within team.
- Led Kaizen events focused on continuous improvement within various areas of manufacturing environment.
- Designed and built process tooling, insert molds and arbor press tooling.
- Optimized assembly line layouts to maximize productivity and improve overall workflow efficiency.
- Contributed to achieving safety targets by proactively addressing potential hazards and promoting a strong safety culture throughout facility.
- Improved manufacturing efficiency by streamlining production processes and implementing lean methodologies.
- Provided engineering support during new product launches, coordinating efforts between design, production, and quality control teams.
- Resolved technical and quality issues by collaborating with customer, manufacturing, quality assurance, vendors and supplier personnel.
- Identified appropriate methodology to shorten cycle time and achieve target margins.
- Developed products and prototypes for various types of product designs.
- Performed tolerance analysis to support success in high-volume CNC manufacturing.
- Supervised product development and introduction of prototypes for international firefighting industry.
Tool Designer and Tool Maker
Six Sigma Mold, Inc.
06.1995 - 09.2002
- Maintained detailed documentation of all projects, ensuring accurate records for future reference or modification needs.
- Optimized existing tools by identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary modifications.
- Evaluated completed projects post-production to identify opportunities for further optimization or process improvements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of tool designs into overall product development.
- Developed comprehensive tool designs for complex projects, resulting in optimized performance and reduced production time.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and within budget constraints.
- Presented detailed tool design proposals to clients, effectively communicating technical concepts and garnering project approval.
- Designed custom tools tailored to specific client requirements, ensuring optimal functionality and satisfaction.
- Utilized advanced CAD software to create precise 3D models of tools, facilitating efficient production processes.
- Operated CNC Mills and EDM equipment by closely monitoring production progress and readjusting setup to produce high-quality work.
- Double-checked machinery and shop mathematics for each job and coordinated equipment and supplies to achieve targets.
- Replaced dull or inefficient equipment parts to enhance machinery performance and improve production yields.
- Contributed to cost savings by reworking existing tools instead of purchasing new ones when possible.
- Utilized CAD software to create detailed drawings of parts before manufacturing them using CNC machines or manual methods as required.
- Streamlined processes through development of custom jigs, fixtures, and templates for easier production tasks.
- Collaborated with engineers to design, build, and test new tools for better performance in various applications.
- Developed new project tooling to meet exact tolerances.
- Consistently met deadlines for project completion through effective time management and organizational skills.
- Improved production efficiency by maintaining and repairing precision tooling components.
- Maintained clear communication with team members throughout projects to ensure all requirements were met accurately and efficiently.
- Ensured accurate measurements for tool making with use of micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments.
- Conceptualized and designed new products using computer software and 3D imaging to assess validity.
- Coordinated and planned operation sequences based on blueprint and model schematics.
- Computed dimensions, shapes and specific sizes for dies based on design outlines.
- Selected specific metals and other materials for tools depending on heat tolerance and durability, according to tool functions.
- Assessed need and resourcefully designed jigs, fixtures and templates to aid in production efficiency.
- Adjusted and ground dies, tools and parts after production to assure quality control and usability.
- Polished and refined tool surfaces, both flat and contoured using abrasive stones, power grinders and emery cloths.
- Created blueprints for new tool designs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University
Associate of Science - Mechanical Drafting Technology
Vincennes University
Vincennes, INSkills
- Cost Reduction
- Microsoft Office
- Safety Procedures
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Daily Operations Management
- Worker Supervision
- Operations Control
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Organizational Skill
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
- Decision-Making
- Team Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Safety Management
- Team building
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Staff Supervision
Timeline
CNC and Tool Room Manager
Task Force Tips, LLC
08.2015 - 06.2024
Manufacturing Engineer
Task Force Tips, LLC
09.2002 - 08.2015
Tool Designer and Tool Maker
Six Sigma Mold, Inc.
06.1995 - 09.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management
Ashford University
Associate of Science - Mechanical Drafting Technology
Vincennes University
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