Nicholas Juhl
Milaca,MN
Summary
Plant Manager with over 10 years of experience managing production workers, engineers, and maintenance technicians. Skilled in implementing continuous improvements and equipment projects to optimize and upgrade plant operation productivity and eciency. Reduced equipment breakdowns by 100% through proactive maintenance strategies and regular inspections. Strong leadership and negotiation skills.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PLANT MANAGER - ENGINEERING / MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTS
EVER CAT FUELS
09.2014 - Current
- Managed a team of 21 production workers, engineers and maintenance technicians providing leadership, training, and guidance to optimize productivity and meet production targets
- Supervise, schedule, and direct maintenance work and coordinate with other supervisors to accomplish daily maintenance requirements for mobile equipment, stationary equipment, plant buildings, and other ancillary facilities
- Inventory and order parts, tools and equipment required for repairs, replacement and ongoing plant improvements
- Lead the engineering department to implement continuous improvements and equipment projects to optimize and upgrade the plant operation productivity and efficiency
- Troubleshoot, repair and maintain all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical equipment at a bio-diesel refinery plant
- Fabricate, weld and install new equipment, supports, bases, stands, piping and electrical and make modifications to existing system
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize equipment lifespan
- Oversaw the maintenance and repair of all plant equipment, including HVAC systems, boilers, electrical systems, and production machinery
- Managed a team of 3 maintenance technicians, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations
- Reduced equipment breakdowns by 100% through proactive maintenance strategies and regular inspections
- Implemented an inventory management system to ensure availability of spare parts for timely repairs
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to plan and execute major equipment installations or upgrades
- Maintained accurate records of maintenance activities, including work orders, repairs performed, and costs incurred
- Conducted regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards or non-compliance issues in accordance with OSHA regulations
- Led troubleshooting efforts during equipment failures or malfunctions to minimize production disruptions
- Coordinated with external vendors for specialized repairs or services beyond the scope of internal capabilities
- Developed budgets for the maintenance department and effectively managed expenses within approved limits
- Improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by 50% through continuous improvement initiatives such as root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
- Ensured compliance with environmental regulations related to waste disposal practices within the plant premises
- Identified opportunities for process optimization by analyzing data on machine performance metrics
- Collaborated with engineering teams on design modifications or enhancements based on feedback from maintenance staff
- Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine tasks ensuring consistency in execution across the maintenance team
- Implemented a predictive maintenance program utilizing condition monitoring techniques to identify potential equipment failures before they occur
- Led continuous training programs for the maintenance team to enhance technical skills and knowledge
- Managed relationships with equipment suppliers, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of parts or services
- Developed and maintained a spare parts inventory system, optimizing stock levels to minimize costs while ensuring availability
- Collaborated with production managers to schedule maintenance activities during planned downtime periods
- Conducted regular audits of safety procedures and protocols, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions
- Oversaw all aspects of production plant operations, including planning, organizing, and coordinating activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic plans for continuous improvement initiatives
- Implemented preventive maintenance programs for machinery and equipment to minimize breakdowns and maximize uptime
- Led efforts to improve safety protocols by conducting regular inspections, implementing safety training programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers/vendors to secure favorable pricing terms while maintaining high-quality materials for production processes
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders including customers, suppliers/vendors, regulatory agencies, etc., fostering collaboration and driving business growth opportunities
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive maintenance schedule for equipment resulting in a 100% decrease in unplanned downtime
- Managed capital expenditure projects from inception to completion within budgetary constraints
- Mentored and coached team members to foster professional growth and improve overall team performance
- Drove continuous improvement culture throughout the plant by encouraging employee suggestions for process enhancements
TOOLING TECHNICIAN/WELDER 3
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
02.2014 - 07.2014
- Designed, built and maintained fixtures and jigs for metal manufacturing production shop
- Built and designed custom tools and racking and maintained and repaired various manufacturing equipment as needed
- Tested and trained welders
- Collaborated with production manager and production specialist to implement changes or improvements in shop in order to increase productivity and efficiency
TRUCK DRIVER/OPERATOR (PRIMARILY IN EASTERN MONTANA)
AEVENIA INC.
07.2013 - 11.2013
- Crew leader and operator of hydro-vac truck, whose job it was to locate utilities for underground fiber communication cable installation
- Operated other equipment and performed general labor as needed
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/TRUCK DRIVER
OLSON CONSTRUCTION/INDEPENDENT SCRAPER SERVICES
01.2012 - 07.2013
- Truck Driver / Semi, belly dump, end dump, flat bed, live bottom, side dump, low boy and dump truck
- In the spring and fall, operated pull type scraper to perform field drainage and ditching
- Operated bulldozer, excavator, payloads and said steer as needed
- Assisted with mechanical repairs and welding
- Commercial snow removal in the winter months
TRUCK DRIVER - ROAD CONSTRUCTION
MINN-DAK ASPHALT INC
06.2011 - 11.2011
- Drove water truck tankers, both semi and straight truck, along with belly dump hauling hot mix and aggregates for road construction and paving
- Performed truck servicing, repair, maintenance and welding
QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR/PRODUCTION WELDER
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Acted as Quality Control Inspector for metal fabrication welding products
- Performed production welding, designing and building welding fixtures
- Drove truck, as necessary
- Performed general metal fabrication shop duties
SERVICE TECHNICIAN PLUS/QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT
NORTHWEST MANUFACTURING
11.2004 - 07.2005
- Repaired and serviced warranty outdoor wood furnaces
- Assisted quality control manager
- Created work instruction manuals for production
SALES ENGINEER/HEAD OF PRODUCT TESTING/DESIGN ENGINEER
FORSBERG'S INC.
01.1990 - 04.2002
- Performed in-house and outside sales, technical customer service, on-site and telephone troubleshooting, startup and training of new equipment traveling throughout the U.S., Canada and abroad
- Promoted Forsberg's products at trade shows
- Assisted in marketing and advertising and fielded emails involving technical sales and product queries
- Designed, tested and implemented special custom machine add-on per customers' requests
- Collaborated with engineering and R&D team on new machine design, testing and improving and upgrading existing machines
- Assisted with design and creation of company website, product brochures and photography
- Prior to Sales Engineer position, headed up the Drafting and Design Department supervising 3 draftsmen, in addition to designing and drafting materials
- Responsible for all company drafting requirements for product development, engineering and production
- Instrumental in bringing CADD into the drafting department
Education
1 YR IN GENERAL STUDIES -
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN04.2004
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION IN WELDING -
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN05.1983
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED -
Lincoln High School
Thief River Falls, MN05.1981
Skills
- Maintenance & Repair
- Heavy Equipment
- Onsite Installation & Service
- Continuous Improvement
- Commercial Truck
- Metal Fabrication Processes
- Supervision & Training
- Driving
- Prototype Fabrication / R & D
- Technical Sales Engineer
- Welding
- Engineering Technician
- Flatbed
- Tractor-trailer
- Commercial driving
- Dump truck
- Lowboy
- Water truck
- Backhoe operation
- Forklift
- Facilities maintenance
- Project management
- HVAC
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Groundskeeping
- Agriculture
- Mechanical knowledge
- Drafting
- Box Truck
- Snow Plowing
- CAD
- Manufacturing
- Service Technician Experience
- Carpentry
- Lawn Care
- Outside Sales
- Production Management
- Equipment Repair
- Plant Management
- Delivery Driver Experience
- Electrical Experience
- Product Development
- Loader Operation
Certification
- License, Class A CDL Drivers, Minnesota
- OSHA 10, Aevenia Safety Training, 07/13
- Certification, CPR, Aevenia Safety Training, 07/13
- Certification, Certified Firefighter II, Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board
- Air Brake Endorsement
- Driver's License
- CDL
References
References available upon request
Timeline
PLANT MANAGER - ENGINEERING / MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTS
EVER CAT FUELS
09.2014 - Current
TOOLING TECHNICIAN/WELDER 3
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
02.2014 - 07.2014
TRUCK DRIVER/OPERATOR (PRIMARILY IN EASTERN MONTANA)
AEVENIA INC.
07.2013 - 11.2013
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR/TRUCK DRIVER
OLSON CONSTRUCTION/INDEPENDENT SCRAPER SERVICES
01.2012 - 07.2013
TRUCK DRIVER - ROAD CONSTRUCTION
MINN-DAK ASPHALT INC
06.2011 - 11.2011
QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR/PRODUCTION WELDER
CUSTOM PRODUCTS
09.2010 - 06.2011
SERVICE TECHNICIAN PLUS/QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT
NORTHWEST MANUFACTURING
11.2004 - 07.2005
SALES ENGINEER/HEAD OF PRODUCT TESTING/DESIGN ENGINEER
FORSBERG'S INC.
01.1990 - 04.2002
1 YR IN GENERAL STUDIES -
Northland Community and Technical College
CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION IN WELDING -
Northland Community and Technical College
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED -
Lincoln High School
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