Michael DeFranco
Whitehall,PA
Summary
Experienced Forklift Technician and Manager with a strong background in fleet maintenance and safety protocols. Known for effective communication and workflow improvement, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and a significant reduction in accident rates.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Vehicle Maintenance Technician
Victaulic Inc.
Tatamy, Pa
08.2024 - Current
- Performed preventive maintenance on fleet vehicles to optimize performance and reliability.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues and executed timely repairs to minimize downtime.
- Repaired or replaced defective components, including brakes, engines, and electrical systems.
- Conducted routine vehicle inspections to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards.
- Utilized diagnostic tools to identify and resolve vehicle issues efficiently.
- Maintained detailed service records for each vehicle, enabling effective tracking of maintenance history.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance maintenance processes and improve efficiency.
- Tested batteries prior to installation, ensuring optimal charge retention.
- Certified to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, hydraulic issues on Hyundai, Crown, Yale, Hyster, Clark, Nissan, electric and propane forklifts, stand up forklifts and walk behinds.
- Certified to diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical issues with Cart Caddy Transport vehicles.
- Assist Millwrights and Electricians in diagnosing, repairing DISA, Conveyor system, Blast Machine.
- Rebuild gearboxes and valves to standard.
- Replaced defective parts such as bearings, seals, gears, valves.
- Repaired or replaced faulty wiring, switches, relays, and other electrical components.
Forklift Technician
Central Transport, LLC
Bath, Pennsylvania
07.2023 - 08.2024
- Maintained and repaired forklifts to ensure optimal performance at Central Transport.
- Performed skilled work with minimal oversight, including replacing engines, transmissions, and electrical components.
- Utilized diagnostic tools to assess forklift functionality and perform necessary repairs.
- Diagnosed mechanical problems on forklifts using computerized diagnostic tools.
- Troubleshot mechanical and hydraulic problems to minimize operational downtime and maintain productivity.
- Diagnosed electrical wiring problems on lift trucks to restore functionality.
- Repaired hydraulic systems, engines, transmissions, brakes and other components of the forklift.
- Conducted regular inspections on equipment to proactively identify safety hazards and ensure compliance.
- Conducted regular inspections of forklifts to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
- Performed preventative maintenance on all forklifts including changing oil, lubricating moving parts, checking tire pressure.
- Documented maintenance activities accurately for compliance and record-keeping purposes.
- Trained new technicians on equipment handling and safety protocols to enhance team competency.
- Assisted in training other technicians in operating procedures related to forklifts.
- Followed safety procedures with every job and operated tools, gauges, and equipment correctly.
- Adhered to all safety protocols while performing maintenance tasks.
- Maintained a clean work area according to safety regulations.
- Read and followed schematics and diagrams for mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
- Tested repaired equipment to ensure proper operation before returning it to service.
- Performed repairs and maintenance on equipment to ensure functionality.
- Performed timely maintenance on equipment to enhance durability and reliability.
Forklift Technician/ Manager
Nestle Waters USA
Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
06.2015 - 07.2023
- First Nestle Waters facility to operate Automated Guided Vehicles. 1 of 2 Certified technicians in diagnosis and repair of mechanical systems, PLCs, photo eyes and safety sensors. Collaborated with JBT to develop SOP for safety, maintenance, travel routes, establishing and enhancing communication with Pallet Moles.
- First Nestle Waters Facility to establish a fleet of Pallet Moles. Only employee out of 500 employees to be certified in diagnosis, repair of all mechanical issues, PLC repair, photo eye reprogramming. Worked with Pallet Mole engineers, programmers to establish an SOP for maintenance, safety and reliability. Worked with programmers to establish a common language to communicate with Automated Guided Forklifts.
- Managed shop operations, collaborating with corporate fleet manager on strategic equipment leasing decisions to optimize fleet performance.
- Conducted cost analysis on forklift purchases and leasing extensions to ensure financial efficiency.
- Communicated with external companies regarding return logistics for leased forklifts.
- Processed corporate purchase card transactions up to $150,000 for parts and supplies procurement, ensuring efficient budget management.
- Balanced monthly purchases through Amex system to maintain accurate departmental budgets.
- Trained and certified as forklift, boom lift, and scissor lift safety trainer, delivering classroom and hands-on training.
- Managed 2 technicians to uphold safety and maintenance standards.
- Ensured all technicians received continual training and qualifications set forth by Nestle standards.
- Certified in TPM, Lean, 5Why, DMAIC methodologies.
- Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Working Knowledge of SAP
- Assisted Line Mechanics with the repairs of conveyors and carousel elevators, packers, and labelers.
- Initiated revisions to SOP to achieve 65% decrease in accident rate.
- Attained regional safety award for excellence in safety standards.
- Received Nestle's highest rating for enhanced safety measures, streamline efficiency, cleanliness, and vehicle availability.
Education
Automotive Technology - Automotive Engineering
Lincoln Technical Institute
New Jersey07-1993
High School Diploma -
Saint Joseph By The Sea HS
Staten Island, NY06-1984
Skills
- Engine rebuilding and repair
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Hydraulic system maintenance
- Preventive maintenance strategies
- Diagnostic testing and analysis
- Vehicle inspection and assessment
- Customer service
- Fleet maintenance
- Effective communication skills
- Workflow improvement
Armed Forces Experience
- 1985-1989 Attained the rank of Staff Sargent. Meritoriously promoted twice. Received meritorious commendations twice.
- 1990-1993 Conducted operations as part of Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Timeline
Vehicle Maintenance Technician
Victaulic Inc.
08.2024 - Current
Forklift Technician
Central Transport, LLC
07.2023 - 08.2024
Forklift Technician/ Manager
Nestle Waters USA
06.2015 - 07.2023
Automotive Technology - Automotive Engineering
Lincoln Technical Institute
High School Diploma -
Saint Joseph By The Sea HS