Walter Wilson
Johns Island,SC
Summary
Versatile business leader bringing 44 years of experience as accomplished strategic problem-solver, change manager and visionary executive with success implementing plans to meet current and future needs. Key expertise in laser machine tools and manufacturing process.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
President -Owner
PRC Laser Corporation
04.2018 - 06.2023
- Acquired PRC Laser Corp. and two related companies PRC Laser Europe NV (Belgium) WB-PRC Gmbh (Germany) from Coherent Inc (COHR) in a MBO with two partners. Negotiated SPA with seller.
- Secured 90 % financing and working capital through direct negotiations with multiple lenders in t US and Belgium. Term Debt, Subordinated loans and asset based revolving lines totaling $7million.
- Setup Belgium holding company PRC Laser Group Nv. Negotiated Shareholder agreement with partners
- Developed business strategy, hired experienced R&D team in China to develop new products including Laser Cutting Machines and propriety Machine Control Software G.L.A.S.S (Graphical Laser Application Software System). Successfully introduced the Machine at Fabtech in November 2019.
- Managed Accounting, Compliance , International Tax and Legal.
- Restructured US operation. Outsourced Accounting and some manufacturing reducing HC by 50% to improve profitability.
- Sourced vendors Internationally to control product cost.
President
PRC Laser Corporation- Rofin-Sinar RSTI
09.2003 - 04.2018
- Developed and implemented new strategies and policies in collaboration with Corporate Level Strategy to achieve long-term business objectives, including restructuring, product consolidation and outsourcing to remain profitable with a CO2 Laser product line losing market share globally to fiber lasers.
- Made Division and C-Level presentations for market strategy. Evaluated target companies and technologies consistent with Corporate Growth Strategy.
- Heavily involved in support role for integration of Rofin-Sinar operating companies into Coherent following merger of two companies in 2016.
Director of Engineering
PRC Laser Corporation _Dover Corp (DOV)
01.1996 - 09.2003
- Built strong teams through selective recruitment and post-hire mentorship of Engineer Staff.
- Developed and led department-wide projects, presenting updates to senior leadership on progress and status.
- Worked with senior management to identify emerging laser technologies, new laser application areas.
- Met with target business owners to establish pre-acquisition relationship and lead technical evaluation of company and technology
- Participated on Due Diligence Teams on successful Acquisition of Lee Laser by PRC.
- Led Negotiations with second company making CO2 laser that had multiple owning partners. DEOS was ultimately acquired by Coherent
- Led legal defense of PRC Laser in $90 million dollar patent infringement lawsuit by Rofin-Sinar. Case was won by successfully narrowing scope of Patent Claims to reduce potential exposure to minimum number of products. Claim interpretation was affirmed in Federal Appellate Court and suit was abandoned.
Engineering Manager
PRC Laser Corporation -Private Ownership
04.1989 - 01.1996
- Restructured company Manufacturing, Engineering, and Material logistics to transition from small company building emerging technology one laser at time to becoming number two global supplier of CO2 Lasers
- Redesigned product to utilize common components, improve reliability.
- Streamlined assembly and test methods reducing production time from 16 weeks to 3 weeks.
- Managed transition from manual paper methods to computer, implementing AutoCad for Engineering Drawings and Syteline ERP.
Process Engineer
Ames Rubber Corporation
08.1988 - 04.1989
- Reviewed processes, identifying areas that required improvement.
- Performed statistical analysis to identify root causes of product manufacturing defects.
Design Engineer
Balcrank Products
04.1985 - 07.1988
- Created CAD drawings using AutoCAD to convey manufacturing and production configurations.
- Supported engineering design development through analysis and simulation of prototypes and 3D computer models.
- Created parts for machining, sheet metal fabrication casting, and injection molding.
Plant Engineer
Schlegel Corporation
07.1979 - 04.1985
- Complied with applicable mechanical and electrical regulatory standards for manufacturing plant operation.
Education
MBA - Masters of Business Administration
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SCBachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Southern Polytechnic State University
Marietta, GA06.1979
Skills
- Program Management
- Business Administration
- Industry Partnership Development
- Account Management
- Financial Planning
- Stakeholder Relations
Timeline
President -Owner
PRC Laser Corporation
04.2018 - 06.2023
President
PRC Laser Corporation- Rofin-Sinar RSTI
09.2003 - 04.2018
Director of Engineering
PRC Laser Corporation _Dover Corp (DOV)
01.1996 - 09.2003
Engineering Manager
PRC Laser Corporation -Private Ownership
04.1989 - 01.1996
Process Engineer
Ames Rubber Corporation
08.1988 - 04.1989
Design Engineer
Balcrank Products
04.1985 - 07.1988
Plant Engineer
Schlegel Corporation
07.1979 - 04.1985
MBA - Masters of Business Administration
Winthrop University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Southern Polytechnic State University
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