963 Nicklaus Drive Newport News, VA 23602

(803) 730-5820 cell (757) 875-1952 home hippet@bellsouth.net

THOMAS L. HIPPE EDUCATION

OBJECTIVE

A position with a dynamic organization, providing the opportunity to contribute, by utilizing experience, training and capabilities, in Production Management/Supervision.

QUALIFICATION PROFILE

• Multi-faceted, management-level background, with competencies in numerous functions related to the production of various products.

• Experience with administrative functions, inclusive of: production scheduling, training, human resource management, inventory management and equipment maintenance.

• Coordinating purchasing of raw materials, as well as the management of inventories.

• Experience with QS 9000 and TS 16949 internal audits.

• Experience with FMEA, PPAP, APQP, and DOEs, as well as a solid background with many computer-related programs.

KEY STRENGTHS •

• Able to facilitate efficiency through strong teamwork, communications and management skill.

• Visionary leader, with the ability to act decisively and independently.

• Capable of implementing procedures to maximize production, while reducing manpower.

• Able to improve processes while maintaining quality control and customer satisfaction.

• Able to work toward building strong teamwork, working with or without union representation.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Continental Automotive Newport News, VA. Supplier Quality Engineer 2010 --- 2016

Responsible for all incoming product to our facility from suppliers, making sure our customer was always protected and received material to their specifications.

Helped to develop suppliers with non-conforming product, to meet specifications and also managed production flow issues in their facilities. Conducted VDA audits at our suppliers.

Solved complex problems, using root cause analysis, driving issues to a final fix…not using a band aid approach. Trained as a 6.3 lead VDA auditor.

Siemens VDO Blythewood, SC.

Supplier Quality Engineer

2007 --- 2010

Responsible for all incoming product to our facility from suppliers, making sure our customer was always protected and received material to their specifications.

Helped to develop suppliers with non-conforming product, to meet specifications and also managed production flow issues in their facilities. Conducted VDA audits at our suppliers.

3iii Continuous Improvement Coordinator

2005 --- 2007

Responsible for setting up an idea program to foster continuous improvements. Took a failing program and turned it into a successful program by incorporating the Award of Excellent Program, through Bill Sims Company. Was able to take the program from 300 ideas per year to over 1,800 in less than ten months, exceeding our goal for the year.

Manufacturing Coach

2002 --- 2005

Experience with administrative functions, inclusive of: safety, production scheduling, training, human resource management, inventory management and equipment maintenance. Managed the start-up of the facility by building strong teams and increasing production from 150 injectors per day, to over 13,500 per day, in 14 months. Helped with hiring over 300 associates and technicians.

HR functions inclusive of the interviewing/hiring of supervisors, and corrective and disciplinary actions of employees. Facilitating constant improvements in safety, efficiency and quality. Involved with getting our 5s program implemented.

Dana Corporation Whitsett, NC

Production Coordinator

2000 --- 2002

Directing operations in a department with over $50 million in yearly sales. Coordinating a team of 9 supervisors who manage more than 100 employees, working on 6 manufacturing/assembly lines, in FMU90. Conducting QS 9000 training. HR functions inclusive of the interviewing/hiring of supervisors and corrective and disciplinary actions of employees. Facilitating constant improvements in efficiency, safety and quality.

• Set productivity records for 50 model knuckles, allowing Dana Whitsett to bring 60 model knuckles inhouse.

2nd Shift Superintendent

1997 --- 2000

Coordinating operations at Dana Corporation’s Whitsett plant, second shift. Training and directing 10 supervisors and 128 employees with annual sales of over $190 million. Coordinating scheduling and sales forecasting. Facilitating constant improvements in efficiency, safety and quality.

• Gained new productivity, sales and safety records, during each year of service, as the plant superintendent.

Dana Corporation Fort Wayne, IN

2nd Shift Supervisor for Shipping/Receiving and Stores

1991 --- 1997

Coordinating the scheduling of shipments, both flights and trucks. Maintaining the shipping and receiving dock. Directing the sequencing of axles for Daimler Chrysler. Initiating air shipments in order to keep production operational. Supervising 48 employees. Worked closely with UAW representation

Dana Corporation Syracuse, IN

Productions and Assembly Supervisor

1983 --- 1991

Managing a team of over 40 employees in welding and assembly operations. Maintaining lathes, mills, drills, CNC machines, Tocco’s, heat treatment and general assembly line functionality. Worked closely with UAW representation.

TRAINING/CERTIFICATION Certified Supervisor, Dana University

• Certificate for Lean Manufacturing; Trained in CPR and first aid, Problem Solving, Cost Control, Management Styles, Theory of Constraints, Inventory Control and Asset Management.

EDUCATION 40 plus years working in the automotive industry