Tony Takayama
Smyrna,TN
Summary
Innovative and results-oriented Process Engineer with extensive experience in optimizing manufacturing processes and reducing waste at Bridgestone Firestone. Expertise in cross-functional team leadership and implementing continuous improvement strategies to enhance productivity and product quality. Proven track record in driving process innovation, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiency.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Technical Services Process Engineer
Bridgestone Firestone, LLC
LaVergne, TN
08.2004 - Current
- Led cross-functional team in extrusion department to reduce waste generation by 50% and cut waste inventory significantly.
- Established control points and refined working standards.
- Collaborated with IT to create tools enabling production departments to track uniformity levels.
- Played a key role in the Tire Room CFT, achieving a substantial reduction in scrap.
- Drove a 60% reduction in uniformity scrap, enhancing OE yield and reducing field returns.
- Facilitated the startup of new quality inspection equipment, improving accuracy and process standards.
- Collaborated with Corporate team to assess plant readiness for OE business.
- Conducted in-depth root cause investigations to address and resolve uniformity scrap issues.
- Developed and launched efficient scrap detection protocols at the production source.
- Oversaw startup processes for new extrusion line.
- Implemented new specification system and conducted training and mentoring for new users.
Process Engineer
Calsonic Kansei
Shelbyville, TN
07.2001 - 07.2004
- Drafted comprehensive technical specifications for equipment.
- Supervised new equipment functionality checks.
- Optimized equipment setup by revising CAD line layouts.
- Created new tooling solutions for product development.
- Managed trials to establish processes for new product.
- Spearheaded efforts to cut down waste and scrap levels.
- Directed continuous improvement efforts for processes.
- Engaged in three-day continuous improvement initiatives with diverse teams.
Technical Services Process Engineer
Bridgestone Firestone, LLC
LaVergne, TN
04.1993 - 05.2001
- Process Engineering experience in Tire Development, Tire Room, Stock Preparation, Final Inspection and Extrusion.
- Updated existing extrusion methods by implementing new technologies.
- Analyzed results for continuous improvement in production efficiency.
- Provided technical support to operations personnel throughout the plant.
- Optimized workflow for increased efficiency and lower expenses.
- Guided new product development through insights into process capabilities.
Junior Product Engineer
Douglas Battery
Winston-Salem, NC
08.1991 - 03.1993
- Conducted performance tests on prototype products and analyzed results.
- Generated CAD drawing of components and tooling.
- Coordinated trial builds.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State U.
Blacksburg, VASkills
- Operational Efficiency
- Lean Manufacturing Techniques
- Operational Efficiency
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Performance improvement tracking
- Process development
Accomplishments
- Plant Manager Award - Bridgestone
- President's Award - Bridgestone
- CEO Award - Bridgestone
Timeline
Principal Technical Services Process Engineer
Bridgestone Firestone, LLC
08.2004 - Current
Process Engineer
Calsonic Kansei
07.2001 - 07.2004
Technical Services Process Engineer
Bridgestone Firestone, LLC
04.1993 - 05.2001
Junior Product Engineer
Douglas Battery
08.1991 - 03.1993
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State U.