TAMAKI GASKIN
Lansing,MI
Summary
Directed operational strategies to enhance plant performance, throughput, quality, and culture in automotive manufacturing environments.
Directed operations as a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in automotive manufacturing.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder & Operational Lead
DreadBar & MTM Enterprises
Multi-State
01.2021 - Current
- Lead multi-location operations including staffing, workflow design, training, scheduling, quality control, and customer experience.
Owner – Operations, Asset Management & Real Estate Developer
TCI Properties
Lansing, MI
01.2021 - Current
- Oversee full property operations, renovations, leasing, budgeting, and long-term real estate development for multi-unit transitional housing and commercial projects.
Special Assignment - Leadership Development & Interim Operations Manager
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS / ADIENT
Lansing, MI
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Selected for the Plant Management Development Track for high-potential leadership.
- Served as Interim Operations Manager, overseeing manpower strategy, throughput, downtime reduction, quality performance, and AMS/BOS compliance.
- Directed JIT sequencing, trim operations, staffing, safety, and standardized work across multiple groups.
- Led stability and operational readiness for:- Cadillac CT4 (2019-2020 launch)- Cadillac CT5 (2019-2020 launch)
- Ensured alignment with the Adient Manufacturing System (AMS), BOS, and 5S during major production transitions.
- Elevated leadership capability by training supervisors and group leaders.
- Partnered with GM engineering, quality, and program teams to maintain flawless issue resolution and launch timing.
- Increased operator certification, reduced downtime, and improved throughput.
- (Adient Joint Venture Seating Supplier)
Production Superintendent & Launch Lead - Automotive Operations
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS / ADIENT
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Served as both Production Superintendent AND primary Launch Lead for all Cadillac and GM seating programs.
- Launched every Cadillac seating program (2013-2019):- Cadillac ATS (2013 support; variants through 2015)- Cadillac CTS (2014-2015 new-gen launch)- Cadillac V-Series & specialty trims (2015-2017)
- Led the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro (6th Gen) seating launch, delivering:- 0-0-100-90 / 0-0-100-30 scores- Zero spills, zero deviations, zero customer issues- Perfect SORP execution
- Directed JIT production, trim and sequencing, manpower planning, KPIs, quality control, and AMS/BOS compliance for 80+ employees.
- Managed PPAP, tooling validation, VP/PPT builds, pre-production, and full launch ramp-up.
- Improved first-time quality, reduced downtime, and drove cross-functional corrective actions.
- Led safety investigations, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Production Supervisor
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led daily production operations with responsibility for throughput, quality, and safety targets.
- Supported early launch phases for Cadillac ATS (2013) and Cadillac CTS (2014).
- Trained new hires, enforced standardized work, and corrected real-time quality issues.
- Improved first-time quality while consistently exceeding daily production expectations.
Master Builder / Team Leader
LEAR CORPORATION
Mason, MI
01.1999 - 01.2012
- Member of the Daily Transfer Group (DTG) – elite training & launch-support team.
- Trained operators, supported new model builds, and assisted supervisors with staffing and quality control.
- Provided line support, quality checks, and coaching during major transitions.
- Position ended due to plant closure.
Education
Business Management - 3+1 Program - undefined
Lansing Community College & Northwood University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix
01.2017
Skills
- Directed operations and production management initiatives to enhance overall productivity and operational effectiveness
- Optimized production schedules through just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing to reduce inventory costs
- Directed strategic launch of leadership programs to enhance organizational effectiveness
- Utilized Adient Manufacturing System (AMS) to streamline manufacturing processes and improve operational workflows
- Facilitated operational processes to support overall business objectives
- Executed 5S practices to streamline operations and maintain a clean work environment
- Implemented lean methodologies to optimize resource utilization and reduce waste
- Streamlined application management to optimize resource allocation and efficiency
- Facilitated sequencing operations to enhance project efficiency and accuracy
- Oversaw seat assembly processes to enhance production efficiency Coordinated with cross-functional teams to address assembly challenges Implemented best practices to improve overall assembly quality
- Led initiatives to optimize key performance indicators and throughput metrics across departments Oversaw the implementation of strategies that improved operational efficiency and team performance Championed continuous improvement efforts to drive organizational success
- Led training initiatives for supervisors to cultivate leadership capabilities Developed and implemented programs aimed at enhancing team performance and engagement Championed a culture of continuous improvement through targeted leadership development strategies
- Conducted thorough quality assurance assessments to uphold industry standards and enhance customer satisfaction
- Led internal audit initiatives to assess organizational compliance and operational efficiency Oversaw audit processes, ensuring thorough evaluations and adherence to regulatory standards Collaborated with stakeholders to implement corrective actions based on audit findings
- Conducted safety assessments and initiated corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure compliance
- Coordinated efforts among diverse teams to streamline processes and achieve common goals
- Facilitated high-performance team (HPT) development to drive project success and operational efficiency
Certification
- Lean Manufacturing (highly endorsed by Adient & JCI colleagues)
- 5S, BOS, & AMS Compliance
- Kaizen / Continuous Improvement
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- APQP / PPAP Understanding
- Manufacturing Engineering Practices
- ISO/TS 16949 Quality System Familiarity
- FMEA Problem-Prevention Methods
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Six Sigma Methodologies
- JIT & Sequencing Operations
- Operations Management (Automotive)
- Automotive Production Systems
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP
- UAW Women’s Committee Chair
- Developed employee morale & incentive programs
- Mentor to supervisors and emerging leaders
- Supported major GM platform launches for Cadillac & Chevrolet
Timeline
Founder & Operational Lead
DreadBar & MTM Enterprises
01.2021 - Current
Owner – Operations, Asset Management & Real Estate Developer
TCI Properties
01.2021 - Current
Special Assignment - Leadership Development & Interim Operations Manager
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS / ADIENT
01.2019 - 01.2021
Production Superintendent & Launch Lead - Automotive Operations
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS / ADIENT
01.2015 - 01.2019
Production Supervisor
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS
01.2013 - 01.2015
Master Builder / Team Leader
LEAR CORPORATION
01.1999 - 01.2012
Business Management - 3+1 Program - undefined
Lansing Community College & Northwood University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of Phoenix