Eric Negaard
Watertown
Summary
Results-driven Plant Manager with expertise in operations management, continuous improvement, and lean manufacturing processes. Proven track record in optimizing production efficiency and driving cost reductions.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
Watertown, SD
08.2018 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements, increasing production efficiency and reducing waste.
- Managed workforce scheduling, optimizing labor resources to meet production demands.
- Trained and mentored staff on operational best practices and safety protocols.
- Analyzed production metrics, identifying trends to drive performance enhancements.
- Collaborated with engineering teams on new product development initiatives.
- Developed maintenance schedules for equipment, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
- Led cross-functional meetings to align operational goals with business objectives.
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
- Directed employees and related programs to maximize team productivity and facility output.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
Die Cast Engineer
Twin City Die Castings Co.
Watertown, SD
10.2014 - 08.2018
- Developed and executed process improvements to enhance production efficiency.
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing new manufacturing technologies.
- Managed project timelines, ensuring on-time delivery of engineering solutions.
- Reviewed technical drawings developed by CAD technicians and drafters.
Program Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
Watertown, SD
11.2011 - 10.2014
- Coordinated resource allocation across multiple projects, optimizing workflow and minimizing bottlenecks.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team.
- Managed new product introduction.
- Managed customer base.
Project Manager/ECR Coordinator
Twin City Die Castings Co
Watertown, SD
05.2004 - 11.2011
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
Quality Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
Watertown, SD
05.2010 - 10.2010
- Led quality assurance initiatives to enhance product reliability and compliance with industry standards.
- Developed and implemented quality control processes to reduce defects and improve operational efficiency.
- Conducted root cause analyses to identify issues, driving corrective actions across manufacturing operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish quality metrics and performance benchmarks.
Die Repair/Tool Room Technician
Twin Cit Die Castings Co
Watertown, SD
04.1999 - 05.2004
- Operated and maintained precision machining tools to ensure optimal production efficiency.
- Conducted routine inspections of tool room equipment to uphold safety and compliance standards.
- Collaborated with engineering team to troubleshoot and resolve tooling issues, enhancing operational workflows.
- Trained junior technicians on tool maintenance procedures, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
Education
Precision Machining - Tool Making & Manufacturing
Lake Area Technical Institute
Watertown, SD05-2001
Skills
- Plant and warehouse operations
- Project management
- Operations management
- Production planning
- Continuous improvement
- Production scheduling
- Lean manufacturing processes
- Cost control
- Cost reporting
- ISO standards
- Team development
- Troubleshooting skills
- Forklift operation
- GibbsCAM
- SolidWorks CAD
- Design of Experiment
- Vision Systems
- PLC Programming
- Robot programming
- P&L responsible
- ISO/IATF internal auditor training
- AIAG Control Plan, PMFEA, PPAP training
- Various Die Casting courses
Accomplishments
- Achieved Productivity results by introducing a real time OEE system for all manufacturing equipment in plant.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Total Productive Maintenance
- LEAN Manufacturing
- AIAG APQP Process
Timeline
Plant Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
08.2018 - Current
Die Cast Engineer
Twin City Die Castings Co.
10.2014 - 08.2018
Program Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
11.2011 - 10.2014
Quality Manager
Twin City Die Castings Co.
05.2010 - 10.2010
Project Manager/ECR Coordinator
Twin City Die Castings Co
05.2004 - 11.2011
Die Repair/Tool Room Technician
Twin Cit Die Castings Co
04.1999 - 05.2004
Precision Machining - Tool Making & Manufacturing
Lake Area Technical Institute
Douglas D Harmon Award
The Douglas D. Harmon award is a Twin City Die Castings Company award given annually to an employee who shows ownership type qualities by going above and beyond. Peers nominate individuals and senior leadership chooses the winner. I was nominated by several people within the plant include my leadership team as well as others.