Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michael Kerns

Markle,IN

Summary

Dynamic Leader with extensive experience at Wayne Metals LLC, adept at implementing quality improvement plans and driving team collaboration.

Results-oriented Manufacturing Manager polished in developing quality improvement plans and monitoring employee performance to cultivate adherence to company standards. Focused and driven with aptitude for process improvement. Dedicated to going above and beyond to mitigate risk and improve quality.

Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Manufacturing / Quality and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quality Engineer

Wayne Metals LLC
01.2025 - Current
  • Developed inspection plans based on design specifications, ensuring all critical dimensions and performance criteria were verified throughout the manufacturing process.
  • Improved customer satisfaction levels with timely resolution of non-conformance issues and effective corrective actions.
  • Performed quality inspections and drafted reports to detail non-conforming material issues.
  • Contributed to root cause analysis to determine core reason for failures and errors.

Quality Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
11.2017 - 01.2025
  • Managed root cause analysis investigations, determining underlying issues in product failures and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Managed and archived quality documentation and participated in internal and external quality audits.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration, ensuring seamless communication between departments regarding quality matters.
  • Evaluated quality problems and performed assessments to identify and resolve issues.

Interim Quality Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
09.2017 - 11.2017

Quality Engineer

Wayne Metals LLC
06.2012 - 09.2017

Plant B improvement project.


Piper Drive Quality implementation.

Inspection & CMM Programmer

Wayne Metals LLC
11.2009 - 06.2012
  • Performed statistical analyses on collected data to identify areas requiring further investigation or improvement initiatives.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inspection results, enabling data-driven improvements in manufacturing processes.
  • Optimized measurement accuracy by routinely calibrating and maintaining the reliability of CMM equipment.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards by conducting thorough audits of existing CMM processes and documentation.

Manufacturing Manager

Ottenweller
06.2007 - 11.2009
  • Supervised production team, keeping production schedules on track to meet tight deadlines.
  • Conducted root cause analysis investigations to identify areas for improvement in manufacturing processes, leading to increased efficiency and fewer defects.
  • Managed a team of production staff, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging professional growth.
  • Coordinated efforts between engineering, design, procurement, and quality assurance departments to streamline product development cycles and improve overall productivity.

Area Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
03.2004 - 06.2007
  • Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.


Business Unit / Area Manager

Zollner Pistons
03.1992 - 07.2003
  • Led a team to achieve company goals and exceed targets consistently, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring timely completion of tasks and projects.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans for growth.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among team members, promoting open communication and fostering a positive workplace culture.
  • Improved overall efficiency by identifying areas in need of improvement and implementing necessary changes.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Architectural Engineering

ITT Technical Institute
Fort Wayne, IN
01-1987

Skills

  • Control plan development
  • Quality processes
  • Non-conforming material reports
  • Quality improvement plans
  • Quality management system
  • Lean manufacturing tools
  • Team leadership
  • Process mapping
  • Failure modes and effects analysis
  • Risk management
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Team collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Lean six sigma
  • Production traceability
  • Issue resolution
  • Project scheduling
  • Process automation
  • Financial analysis
  • Decision-making

Accomplishments

2005 - D11 Certified Welder

2012 - Making Performance Matter - Transition to Management

2013 - DMAIC Green Belt Training

2016/2017 Wayne Metals Leadership Training

2017/2018 Wells County Leadership Academy - Level l

2018/2019 Wells County Leadership Academy - Level ll






Certification

  • Indiana Driver's License
  • Six Sigma Certification

Timeline

Quality Engineer

Wayne Metals LLC
01.2025 - Current

Quality Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
11.2017 - 01.2025

Interim Quality Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
09.2017 - 11.2017

Quality Engineer

Wayne Metals LLC
06.2012 - 09.2017

Inspection & CMM Programmer

Wayne Metals LLC
11.2009 - 06.2012

Manufacturing Manager

Ottenweller
06.2007 - 11.2009

Area Manager

Wayne Metals LLC
03.2004 - 06.2007

Business Unit / Area Manager

Zollner Pistons
03.1992 - 07.2003

Associate of Applied Science - Architectural Engineering

ITT Technical Institute
Michael Kerns