Russell Pontinen
Portage,IN
Summary
OSHA-certified precious metal and fabrication professional with expertise in HMI technologies, MIG and TIG welding, production management, and business development. Proven track record as a machine operator and fabricator, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence in the manufacturing sector. Motivated self-starter ready to leverage extensive experience and certifications to drive corporate success and enhance operational efficiency. Adept at leading teams and fostering collaboration to achieve strategic objectives in fast-paced environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
End Welder
T&B Tube
06.2025 - Current
- Inventory control, Order puller, overhead crane, stager
- Verified the correct coils were pulled and staged
- Verified all measurements were within specifications
- Check quantities for weight per order
- Stage for the next shift
- Troubleshooting any malfunctions with the machine
- Work on changeovers either by the tube size or gauge change
- Communicate with the supervisor on any issues we are having during the day
Shift Lead Maintenance Operator
Quality Pasta
10.2024 - 12.2024
- Support entry, exit, packaging, and shipping operations
- HMI Machine maintenance and mechanical supervision
- Troubleshooting, welding, fabrication of parts for automatic machinery and robotic machinery in operations
- Equipment management for multiple lines of production
- Perform all mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance
- Work independently as well as with my team to minimize downtime and maximize production with strong time management and leadership
- Implement new working process
- Schedule and planned downtime for improvement projects
Area Team Leader
Precoat Metals
10.2021 - 03.2024
- Well known metal coating manufacturer, successfully applying custom coatings and films to metals to enhance appearance and performance. Applications of products created include roofing, wall panels, structural components, roofing, garage doors, soffits, appliance applications, and vehicles.
- Trained Exit crewman removing recoiled metal
- Packaging and palletizing coiled metal per customer specifications
- Coordinate with linesman and warehouse staff for storage and strategic planning
- Evaluate schedule provided and predict supply and storage needs.
- Observe plant activities and conditions.
- Train employees on forklift and crane operations.
- Communicate with multiple supervisors; ensure best work practices are followed
Working Area Lead Trainer
G&W Electric
04.2018 - 10.2021
- Communicate daily with all lead and managerial staff to reach maximum quality products
- Coordinate material requirements between buildings/operations such as Viper and Epox
- Quality and assurance program implementation, product testing, and material recuperation, “Blue Tag”
- Manage inventory through the JDE Inventory management system
- Electrical transformer wiring and assembly trained
- Results
- Doubled projected production performance
- High customer satisfaction rating
- A global supplier of electric power equipment company constructing state-of-the-art solutions in according to customer specifications since 1905. Manufacturing technology with world-class ISO system to create products such as distribution switches, Lazer Automatic solutions, reclosers, distribution and transmission cable accessories, and current limiting system protection devices.
- Trainer new hires on job training
- implemented new work process
Line Supervisor
Aristo Catalyst Technology
01.2009 - 04.2018
- Operation and maintenance of HMI machinery
- Apply precious metal slurry to ceramic and metallic substrates and Chemical Compounding/Processing
- Coordinate all projects to meet aggressive customer shipping requirements
- Results
- Large production orders (6000+ parts) are completed on time and with excellence
- Profitable division for several years in a row.
- A profitable and national manufacturing company utilizing state-of-the-art technology to create cost-effective catalysts to reduce emissions from mobile sources such as power generation, automotive, locomotive, and industrial machinery.
- Maintained inventory on parts for working machine also, ordered new parts for the machines.
- Scheduled and planned dow time for improvement projects
- Created new and updated on the job training
- trained new employees
- Scheduled work order for the for operations of the machine
- scheduled employees on their job assiments
Education
Associates - Applied Science
Ivy Tech Community College
Gary, INHigh School Diploma - General Education
Hobart High School
Skills
- Metal fabrication expertise
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Custom fabrication solutions
- Proficient in reading blueprints
- Inventory tracking expertise
- experienced trainer
- project planner
- Time management expertise
- Process documentation expert
- Equipment maintenance
- Procurement specialist
Timeline
End Welder
T&B Tube
06.2025 - Current
Shift Lead Maintenance Operator
Quality Pasta
10.2024 - 12.2024
Area Team Leader
Precoat Metals
10.2021 - 03.2024
Working Area Lead Trainer
G&W Electric
04.2018 - 10.2021
Line Supervisor
Aristo Catalyst Technology
01.2009 - 04.2018
High School Diploma - General Education
Hobart High School
Associates - Applied Science
Ivy Tech Community College