Tony Cothren
Alma,GA
Summary
Dedicated Production Supervisor ready to offer exceptional leadership talents and Poultry Rendering experience gained during 9-year career to pursue growth-oriented River Valley Ingredients position. Able to complete inspections to spot and correct problems. Positive and upbeat leader with strong organizational, decision-making and communication skills. Experienced production leader knowledgeable about Poultry rendering practices and regulatory requirements. Capable of directing and motivating employees to accomplish challenging performance and quality objectives. Successful at keeping costs under control and employee job satisfaction high while promoting safety and compliance. Performance-oriented manufacturing professional with demonstrated skills in enhancing workflows and resource utilization to achieve demanding Poultry Rendering targets. Hardworking leader and analytical problem-solver with conscientious approach to tackling operations issues. Decisive leader and collaborative team-builder with good planning and multitasking abilities. History of effectively overseeing Production workers in high-volume production settings as successful Production Supervisor. Offering 9 years of experience and solid focus on performance optimization. Safety-knowledgeable and adaptable to dynamic operational conditions. Versatile Production Supervisor knowledgeable about equipment operation, quality standards and safety hazards. Able to step into any production position and work hands-on with team members in need of improvement. Versed in documentation, compliance and scheduling. Enthusiastic Production Supervisor with 9 years of experience in Poultry Rendering production environment. Consistently works mornings, nights, weekends and holidays. Highly-qualified Production Supervisor offering 9 years of experience in Alma GA. Proficient in coordinating manufacturing operations with quality team and other departments to optimize procedures and safety.
Overview
2016
2016
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Manager
Renewable Energy Animal Proteins (REAP)
Alma, GA
2024 - 2026
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Implemented process improvements, enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
- Managed cross-functional teams to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Developed training programs for staff, fostering skill development and safety awareness.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules, reducing equipment downtime and operational disruptions.
- Analyzed production data, identifying trends to inform strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated with supply chain partners to streamline inventory management processes.
- Led initiatives for sustainability practices, aligning operations with renewable energy goals.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Maximized plant safety through proactive strategies and well-structured training.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Collaborated with sales team to align plant capabilities with customer demands, fostering long-term business relationships.
- Beef Rendering.
Production Supervisor
River Vally Ingredients Tyson Farms
Alma, GA
10.2015 - 2024
- Evaluated team member performance weekly to identify and resolve productivity concerns.
- Minimized resource and time losses by addressing any employee or production issue directly and implementing timely solutions.
- Monitored materials use to identify concerns and keep costs low.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Conducted routine inspections of incoming materials to check quality and compliance with established product specifications.
- Prepared, calibrated and monitored production machinery to maintain optimal production levels and consistently achieve daily targets.
- Evaluated employee behaviors, skills and knowledge on regular bases and provided hands-on training and mentoring to individuals with lagging skills.
- Accomplished targets and met demand by assessing equipment efficiency, reviewing materials supplies and organizing manpower.
- Oversaw equipment modifications and upgrades.
- Kept work environments safe and efficient at all times.
- Established clear priorities and production quality standards.
Control Room Operator
Amercian Proteins
Alma, GA
12.2014 - 10.2015
- Tracked and recorded status of operational systems using applicable journals, time logs and control system tools.
- Inspected all plant activities on screens and computers to identify and troubleshoot any issues.
- Provided variance reports to field staff to assist with task prioritization.
- Extended life of equipment and maintained consistent performance with regular cleaning, lubrication and basic maintenance.
- Documented daily activities in internal system and submitted timely shift reports.
- Monitored operations to spot and report on issues for quick resolution.
- Tended equipment during operation and monitored readouts to determine areas of concern and quickly correct problems.
- Tested water and condensate to check safety and compliance with regulations.
- Supported management decision-making by compiling operational and production data into daily logs.
- Aligned boiler pressure and steam system operations with optimal levels.
- Kept plant areas clean and ready for inspections to maintain high audit and compliance scores.
- Observed equipment in operation, system activities and control readouts on continuous basis.
Control Room Operator
Appling Couty Pellets
Baxley, GA
03.2010 - 12.2014
- Inspected all plant activities on screens and computers to identify and troubleshoot any issues.
- Changed pump and delivery schedules to maintain product quality, safe operating conditions and cost-efficient operations.
- Provided variance reports to field staff to assist with task prioritization.
- Initiated pump and delivery schedule changes, monitored tank inventories, meter counts, line pressures and temperatures to ensure equipment was working at full capacity.
- Tracked and recorded status of operational systems using applicable journals, time logs and control system tools.
- Prevented personnel injuries during plant maintenance by practicing diligent lockout-tagout processes.
- Tended equipment during operation and monitored readouts to determine areas of concern and quickly correct problems.
- Aligned furnace pressure and steam system operations with optimal levels.
- Documented daily activities in internal system and submitted timely shift reports.
- Supported management decision-making by compiling operational and production data into daily logs.
- Observed equipment in operation, system activities and control readouts on continuous basis.
Control Room Operator
American Proteins
Alma, GA
02.2006 - 06.2009
- Inspected all plant activities on screens and computers to identify and troubleshoot any issues.
- Provided variance reports to field staff to assist with task prioritization.
- Tracked and recorded status of operational systems using applicable journals, time logs and control system tools.
- Supported management decision-making by compiling operational and production data into daily logs.
- Prevented personnel injuries during plant maintenance by practicing diligent lockout-tagout processes.
- Documented daily activities in internal system and submitted timely shift reports.
- Aligned boiler pressure and steam system operations with optimal levels.
- Observed equipment in operation, system activities and control readouts on continuous basis.
- Tested water and condensate to check safety and compliance with regulations.
- Kept plant areas clean and ready for inspections to maintain high audit and compliance scores.
- Monitored operations to spot and report on issues for quick resolution.
- Extended life of equipment and maintained consistent performance with regular cleaning, lubrication and basic maintenance.
- Assigned tasks to team members based upon individual strengths and experience, realizing productivity and workflow improvements.
- Tended equipment during operation and monitored readouts to determine areas of concern and quickly correct problems.
Machine Operator
Richmond Baking Co
Alma, GA
08.2003 - 01.2006
- Set appropriate stops and guides to specified lengths as indicated by scale, rule or template.
- Followed technical documentation, including tooling instructions and product specifications to determine and implement operational sequences.
- Tended operating machinery to identify equipment malfunctions and locate sources of product defects.
- Set accurate feed rates and trimming protocols to maintain efficient production and meet schedule demands.
- Maintained equipment performance by completing routine maintenance actions such as lubricating and cleaning components.
- Dismantled machinery to access, remove and replace worn components and keep production within optimal tolerances.
- Identified malfunctions or failures to troubleshoot issues by routinely monitoring and analyzing equipment operations.
- Updated daily production logs with timely and accurate information, regularly informing management of special incidents or non-conformance issues.
- Maintained good housekeeping practices on machines and within work area, complying with all company and safety rules and regulations.
- Reviewed work instructions and schedules to coordinate machine operation and production schedules.
- Used work instructions and measuring tools to check specifications of finished items.
- Set machine stops and guides to proper alignment and adjusted when needed to maintain consistent production time and quality.
- Arranged and secured materials in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms.
- Supervised and adjusted machinery when necessary, reducing downtime.
- Monitored machine settings and adjusted to correct malfunctions or errors.
Machinery Operator
Milliken & Company
Alma, GA
02.2000 - 04.2003
- Cleaned, lubricated and calibrated machinery components to maintain peak operating performance.
- Determined sources of problems resulting in machinery malfunction, utilizing evaluation instruments and visual and auditory observation to troubleshoot defective equipment.
- Maintained operability and safety of machinery and equipment by performing inspections and preventative maintenance.
- Diagnosed equipment issues by analyzing error messages and testing results.
Education
GED - undefined
Bacon County High School
Alma, GA2009
Skills
- Process improvement
- Logistics
- Assembly and production
- Production targets
- Inventory management
- Materials management
- Maintenance and repair
- Compliance understanding
- Operations Management
- Staff management
- Quality assurance
- Project Management
- Equipment operation
- Safety and compliance
- Purchasing and procurement
- Data collection and analysis
- Plant and warehouse operations
- Operations management
- Safety management
- Production scheduling
- Facility management
- Training programs
- Work delegation
- Production equipment maintenance
- Operational auditing
- Team development
- Plant maintenance
- Staff training
- Forklift operation
- Employee hiring
- Maintenance planning
- Staff scheduling
- Stick welding
- Torch cutting
- Shaping and cutting
- Flat welding
- MIG welding
- Tool repair and maintenance
- Wire feed machines
Timeline
Production Supervisor
River Vally Ingredients Tyson Farms
10.2015 - 2024
Control Room Operator
Amercian Proteins
12.2014 - 10.2015
Control Room Operator
Appling Couty Pellets
03.2010 - 12.2014
Control Room Operator
American Proteins
02.2006 - 06.2009
Machine Operator
Richmond Baking Co
08.2003 - 01.2006
Machinery Operator
Milliken & Company
02.2000 - 04.2003
GED - undefined
Bacon County High School
Plant Manager
Renewable Energy Animal Proteins (REAP)
2024 - 2026