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2008 Highlights 2007 Highlights 2006 Highlights 2005 Highlights About IW Best Plants 
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Conference
Program -- Best Plants Winners Interviews Track
Who can speak more expertly on manufacturing best practices and continuous improvement than our 2007 IndustryWeek Best Plants winners? Their selection for this top honor is a result of effectively identifying processes and programs to help their facilities improve, and engaging the entire workforce in making those improvements happen. Come hear the 2007 winners share their stories via 10 sessions conducted in interview-style settings. That means, for example, a representative or two from Cargill Corn Milling Team Wahpeton will sit down in front of an audience and field questions from an interviewer, sharing insights on topics such as achieving team-based excellence, proactively addressing maintenance in a 24/7 operation, or the benefits of cross-training. The nine other winning facilities also will sit down for one-on-one interviewers. Topics sure to be discussed include:
Conducting the interview sessions with the 2007 IW Best Plants winners will be David Blanchard, IndustryWeek editor-in-chief; Jill Jusko, IndustryWeek Best Plants program coordinator; and David Drickhamer, IndustryWeek editor-at-large. Wednesday, April 2 Rieter Automotive Canadian Carpet 10:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
Tim Quinlan, Manufacturing Manager, Rieter Automotive Canada Carpet Medrad Inc., Heilman Center Plant 11:15 a.m. -- 12:15 p.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 Mike Kochis, Plant Manager, Medrad
Inc., Heilman Center Plant
Mike Kochis is the plant manager for the Heilman Center Electro-Mechanical Manufacturing Operations. Kochis has been with MEDRAD since 1977 and has over 31 years of experience in the medical equipment field and has held several senior management level positions at MEDRAD. Prior to joining MEDRAD's manufacturing operation team in 2002, Kochis was the executive director of MEDRAD's worldwide service operation.  Craig Dean, EM Production Manager,
Medrad Inc., Heilman Center Plant
Craig Dean joined MEDRAD in 2005. He has spent 2 years in his current role of EM production manager and 1 year in the role of IT business partner for ops. Prior to joining MEDRAD, Craig held numerous IT consulting and operations positions with manufacturing companies such as HJ Heinz, Corning Glass, Milliken, Nortel Networks and US Steel. He holds a bachelor's in chemical engineering from West Virginia University and a master's in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando 2:00 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m.  Topics
of discussion include:
 Pat Sunderlin, Director of
Manufacturing Operations, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
Patrick Sunderlin has more than 25 years of production operations and leadership experience. His competencies include manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and the business sector. Sunderlin is a graduate of State University of New York with a bachelor's in industrial engineering and a graduate of State University New York with an associate's of applied science in electronics. He is a graduate of the Lockheed Martin Senior Leadership Development Institute. Sunderlin is currently the director of production operations. He is directly responsible for 1,600 employees in the Fire Control Factory, Machine Operating Center, Microelectronics Center, Engineering Prototype Lab, and Optical Components Center in Orlando, as well as for the Production Operations of three other stand alone sites -- Ocala, Santa Barbara, and Troy. Sunderlin has accomplished in excess of $500 million in sales. He directly interfaces with the UAW officers, and is responsible for the strategic planning, capital investment strategy, technology road map, strategic make/buy decisions, employee development, program interface, and benchmarking. In the year 2007 alone, two of the plants under Sunderlin's management received IndustryWeek Best Plants awards. Throughout his career, Sunderlin has managed numerous facilities as well as developed charters for implementing capital plan management and Lean Six Sigma. He has been accountable for divestiture and consolidation initiatives, capital budget approval, and LM21 coordination. He managed the SI Corporate Energy Program, chaired of the ESBA Operations Executive Council, and was director of the ESBA Operations Leadership Development Program steering committee. In addition, he has been responsible for the approval and disposition of all ESBA real estate and property, consisting of over 22 million square feet of manufacturing/office space at over 200 locations. Sunderlin has worked with subcontracts, quality engineering, and the procurement of highly complex, multimillion dollar equipment while he managed contract negotiation, schedule, and technical performance. In addition, he has been responsible for the advanced quality initiatives for the entire Electronics Sector. He has been in charge of ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 registrations, Single Process Initiatives, Cost of Quality Metrics, Purchased Material Quality, the Certified Supplier Program, and the Corporate Star Program. During his tenure at Lockheed Martin, Sunderlin has received numerous awards. Some of the most recent have been the IndustryWeek Best Plants award and the Honors Night Award.  Mel
Shubert, Fire Control Factory Sr. Manager, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control in Orlando
Mel Schubert has more than 30 years of production operations and leadership experience. His competencies include aircraft detail fabrication, assembly and integration, missile fabrication assembly and test, radar fire control systems, and electro optical fire control systems. Schubert is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's of science in electrical engineering and a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering. He also holds a Masters of Science in Business Administration from Mount St. Mary's College and is a graduate of the Sourcing Leadership Institute as well as the Lockheed Martin Senior Leadership Development Institute. Schubert is currently the fire control factory senior manager. He is directly responsible for the production of the Arrowhead, TADS, Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod, and GMS-2. He has been the driving force behind the manufacturing success of the Sniper ATP program in reducing cost to make it an affordable option. In addition, Schubert has accomplished a 100% on time delivery schedule while almost doubling production and decreasing Hours Per Unit on every program. He is constantly striving for improvement in his factory, and is dedicated to the Lean Six Sigma process of eliminating waste and reducing cost. He is currently responsible for the Production Operations of 240 employees. Throughout his career, Schubert has been responsible for all phases of production operations during the development and production of various programs. He has successfully managed the Nite Hawk Electro Optical Targeting Systems and was responsible for operations in Orlando and Ocala, FL for the U.S. Navy. He has been the production operations manager for Arrowhead, TADS/PNVS, GMS-2, Sniper/ATP, Fire Control Radar, Final Assembly and Test, the Composites Center, Patriot, and Launcher. In addition, He was responsible for the planning and implementation of the PAC-1 to PAC-2 conversion, delivering the 1st PAC-2 patriot missiles that were used in Operation Desert Storm. Also, he has been the Planning and Control Manager of the Machine Shop, Electrical Center, Bonding and Ablative Center, Optics Center, and Transportation in support of numerous programs, including Pershing, Patriot, Copperhead, F-14 LST, PavePenny, TADS, and the Hellfire missile as well as Production Manager for the Fabrication Center, Machine Shop, Sheet Metal, Heat and Age Plating, Chemical Mill, and Composites Center. Lastly, Schubert has been responsible for the design and maintenance of all electrical systems in a 1.5M sq. ft. aircraft manufacturing facility for the A-10, F-14, B-747, and B-757 programs. During his tenure at Lockheed Martin, Schubert has received numerous awards. Some of the most recent have been the Customer Award given by Colonel Fee of the U.S. Army, the IndustryWeek Best Plants award, the Diversity Leadership Award, the Quality Excellence Award, and the APEX Award. General Cable Indianapolis Compounds 3:15 p.m. -- 4:15 p.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 Buck Wright, Plant Manager, General
Cable - Indianapolis Compounds
William (Buck) Wright has been plant manager, Indianapolis Compounds for General Cable since January 2006. He is responsible for all Indianapolis Compounds Operations. Indianapolis Compounds produces high purity compounds for use in 15 KV to 345 KV Medium and High Voltage wire and cable products used by Electric Utilities, Electric Cooperatives, and Industrial manufacturing facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Spain, and Israel. Since joining General Cable in September 1987, he has served as engineering manager for nineteen years and plant manager for the past 2 years. Prior to General Cable, Wright was the engineering manager for compounds for RCA Selecta Vision. The RCA Rockville road facility manufactured video disc compound at the Indianapolis Plant. The Indianapolis Compound Facility was built in 1982. Wright was the installation engineer for the conveying equipment used in the plant. At that time he worked for AZO out of Memphis, Tennessee. Wright holds a bachelor's degree in construction technology from Indiana State University. He is also a certified LeanSigma Blackbelt.  Reed
Elkins, Engineering Manager, General Cable Indianapolis Compounds
Reed Elkins has been engineering manager of Indianapolis Compounds since December 2006. Prior to that he was manufacturing manager, process engineer, and safety & environmental engineer. Elkins began his career as a safety/environmental mananger with EH Baare Corporation in 1995. Elkins holds a bachelor's degree in safety management from Indiana State University and is a Certified LeanSigma Blackbelt. Thursday, April 3 Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control at Ocala 8:45 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 John Landi, Senior Manager of
Manufacturing Operations and Production Control, Lockheed Martin Missiles and
Fire Control at Ocala
John Landi is senior manager of manufacturing operations and production control of 2007 IW Best Plants Winner, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control at Ocala. With Lockheed Martin for 21 years, he has held positions in industrial engineering, program management and manufacturing. Landi's accomplishments include Black Belt Lockheed Martin Lean Certification and manager of the year for Fire Control and Missiles Sector. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. Brian O'Connor, General Manager, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control at Ocala Blue Bird North Georgia 8:45 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m. 
Topics of discussion will include:
 Kevin Wood, General Manager, Blue Bird
North Georgia
Kevin Wood is plant manager of Blue Bird North Georgia operations. He has 35 years of general management experience with companies including Trinity Industries, Thrall Car Manufacturing Company and Flxible Corporation before joining Blue Bird in 2003. 
Bill Cooper, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Blue Bird Body Company
Bill Cooper is senior vice-president and general manager of the Blue Bird Corporation. Prior to joining Blue Bird in 2007, Cooper spent 30 years with Ford Motor Company/Visteon Corporation in roles including manufacturing operations director, plant manager, and director of quality. He holds a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. Batesville Casket Co. Vicksburg Operations 10:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 Richard King, Plant Manager,
Batesville Casket Co. Vicksburg Operations
Richard King is the plant manager of 2007 IW Best Plants Winner, Batesville Casket Company-Vicksburg, MS Operations. He has been with Batesville since 2005 and is described as a person drives change and improvement. King has a strong lean manufacturing background and a relentless pursuit of 5S and visual management. He believes to be successful in today's competitive market year over year improvement must be achieved. He has served in various positions with companies such as Haworth and Armstrong. King holds a bachelor's and master's from Arkansas State University and is also a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Dale Ulbrich, HR Manager,
Batesville Casket Co. Vicksburg Operations
Dale Ulbrich has thirty five years experience in Human Resources and Labor Relations. He has been the manager of human resources at Batesville Casket Company since July 2005 when he joined the Vicksburg Operations of Batesville. Previous employers include Gould Inc, and The Babcock & Wilcox Company. Ulbrich has also taught personnel management at Texas Christian University and served as an Executive in Residence at Mississippi State University, teaching Labor Relations and Management Policies in their MBA program. Ulbrich earned his bachelor's from Valparaiso University and his master's in business administration from the University of Alabama. Cargill Corn Milling-Team Wahpeton 10:00 a.m. -- 11:00 a.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
Ron Fiala, Total Quality Manager, Cargill Corn Milling-Team Wahpeton Red Geurts, General Manager/Assistant Vice President, Cargill Corn Milling-Team Wahpeton DST Output of California LLC 11:15 a.m. -- 12:15 p.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 Gary Abitz, Director of Operations,
DST Output of California LLC
Gary Abitz is director of operations for DST Output of California, LLC, a subsidiary of DST Systems Inc., which provides integrated print and electronic statement and billing output solutions to some of the largest companies in the world. In this capacity, Gary oversees the production scheduling, inserting, and mailing operations for a 365-day, around the clock operation that produces 95.6 million statements each month, while maintaining a 99.975 accuracy rate. Abitz started his career with DST Output as an entry-level material handler in 1994 and worked his way up through the company ranks to become Director of Operations, a position he's held since 2001. Abitz has been one of the leaders in DST Outpu's quest to reengineer the factory floor using the principles of Lean Manufacturing. Of the many accomplishments in his career, one of things he is most proud of is the examples of continuous flow processing, visual management systems, and pull delivery systems you see when you walk the factory floor today. Abitz has a bachelor's in communications studies from Sacramento State University. 
Scott Shelton, Sr. VP of Operations, DST Output of California LLC
Scott Shelton is senior vice president of operations for DST Output of California LLC, a subsidiary of DST Systems, Inc. DST Output provides print and electronic statement and billing output solutions to many of the country's largest financial services, communications, insurance, healthcare, and utilities providers. Shelton began his career with DST Output in 1979 at an entry level mailing position and gained experience while holding various positions. During his 28 years with DST Output, he has seen the company grow from 60 million images a year to over 12 billion in 2007. Shelton feels great pride in being a part of the team that made several major transformations in technology, taking the business to a new level of efficiency and expertise. Autoliv North America Tremonton Initiator Facility 11:15 a.m. -- 12:15 p.m.  Topics
of discussion will include:
 Mark Newton, Plant Manager, Autoliv
North America Tremonton Micro Gas Generator and Airbag Initiator Facility
Autoliv has been actively engaged in lean manufacturing using the Autoliv Production System (APS) based on the Toyota Production System for thirteen years. Mark Newton has been plant manager at the Tremonton Facility since January 2006. He has been with Autoliv for 19 years serving in various manager and engineering positions, the last eleven years as plant manager in three facilities. This is the second Autoliv plant that has been recognized for this award. Previous was in 2003 where Newton was plant manager of the Autoliv Steering Wheel and Airbag Module Plant in Columbia City, Indiana. Newton's other Autoliv experience includes manager of advanced quality engineering, supplier quality, quality assurance and quality engineer. His background also includes engineering experience with Purolator Products and US Steel. Newton is an ASQ certified quality engineer and quality manager. He holds a bachelor's in Materials Science & Engineering and a master's in engineering administration both from the University of Utah.  Kevin Fox, Operations Manager, Autoliv
North America Tremonton Micro Gas Generator and Airbag Initiator Facility
Autoliv is a world leader in the manufacture of automobile airbags and occupant restraint systems through focusing on continuous improvement and Kaizen. Kevin Fox has served as either engineering or operations manager at the Tremonton Autoliv facility since 2002. He has been with Autoliv for 12 years with management positions in engineering, customer program launch, technical support, and operations. Fox's other Autoliv experience includes controls system development, process engineering, "Lean" machine design, and new business development. His background also includes engineering and process development experience with ATK Propulsion Systems. He holds a bachelor's in manufacturing engineering from Oregon State University and a master's in business administration from Utah State University. Actual Conference speakers, topics, and sessions may have differed slightly from this listing. Last Updated March 13, 2008. |
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