JOHN G. HOWE

393 Rodgers WayColumbus, MS 39702

662-242-7642tread13@aol.com

Experienced Leader / Quality Warrior / Project Manager / Problem Solver / Engineer

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Over thirty years of engineering, quality, product design & development, project management and practical problem solving experience in automotive systems and components, commercial / consumer mechanical & electro-mechanical products and components from concept development through production launch and post launch product support.

Twenty-three years of automotive experience including fourteen years working directly for or supporting OEM or Tier 1 companies such as Chrysler, Mercedes, Arvin Industries, Visteon, Nissan, Janesville Acoustics, Eaton, Ford, General Motors, TI Automotive, Borg-Warner Automotive and Grammer Inc.

Nineteen years of increasing management responsibility in both engineering and quality including over three years at the Director / VP level.

Sixteen years with injection molded product design, development and support.

Fifteen years of practical hands-on experience in quality management and product support in ISO 9001 / QS 9000 / TS 16949 manufacturing environments including involvement with and AIAG training in FMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, GD&T and QS9000 / TS 16949 requirements and procedures.

Eleven years of experience in steel fabrication, weldments, stamping, machining and other steel processing. Twelve years of experience in automotive interior trim systems and components.

Extensive involvement and experience working with customers and suppliers on a variety of projects including product containment, development, support; cost reduction, and quality issues, product documentation and packaging issues.

New product launch lead experience including launching into a brownfield operation.

Experience with developing and improving documentation control procedures and quality systems in conformance to ISO 9000 / QS 9000 / TS 16949 quality standards.

Knowledgeable and experience using 8D & PDCA / A3 problem solving methodology to better understand and prioritize problems, determine root causes and implement effective corrective actions and counter measures. Versed in working within a Lean organization.

Knowledge and understanding of composites, compression formed, extruded and vacuum formed plastics, and automotive non-woven carding, molding and water jet cutting of non-woven formed interior soft trim.

Experience and knowledge in mechanism design, DC motor control, DC motors, AC linear actuators, precision rollers, wood & laminated products, PVC belting, Rapid Prototyping methods such as SLA and rubber molds, electronic wiring, automotive interiors including IP, door trim and floor consoles, automotive exterior trim & lighting, and radiators.

Experience in transitioning operations to and from new facilities including the transfer and setup of new prototyping and testing facilities, and cost justification, analysis & quoting for the outsourcing of stamping, machining, and heat treat operations.

Budgetary responsibility up to $1.5 M.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Apr 2016 to Present – Grammer Inc. – Industrial Lead Engineer (ILE) / Project Launch Manager – Tupelo, MS

Currently serving dual roles as Industrial Lead Engineer & Quality Planner supporting serial production of this product.

Successfully launched the GM E2LB-N (2017 Buick LaCross) floor console project from a brownfield operation with 0 CPPM after 5 months.

Responsible for project management & APQP plant level Quality launch support for GM E2LB-N Floor Console assembly which is the first automotive program for the new plant. Primary interface between GM SQE and the Grammer, Tupelo plant.

Successfully drove down defects reaching GP12 from 13% to less than 1% within 2 weeks of implementing QRQC methodology on the console assembly line.

Managed major incoming supplier issue on armrests through incoming inspection, boundary sample creation, supplier communication, weekly defect categorization & reporting resulting in a 80% reduction in defects being received by the customer as well as a 90% reduction in defects impacting the assembly line.

Jun 2015 to Present – Grammer Inc. – Quality Planner – Tupelo, MS

Currently responsible for using GP12 & EOL defect reports to drive internally generated defects (IPPM’s) to zero PPM utilizing companies GPQ process which is based on PDCA & QRQC problem solving methodologies.

Primary responsibility for all production quality support and improvements for GM E2LB-N product.

Responsible for APQP plant level Quality launch support for GM E2LB-N Floor Console assembly which is the first automotive program for the new plant. Primary interface between GM SQE and the Grammer, Tupelo plant.

Develop & integrate quality procedures for E2LB that satisfy both GM QSB+ / BIQ-S quality criteria and Grammers’ corporate GPQ quality system including Verification Station setup, Fast Response problem solving integration with GPQ, PFMEA / Control Plan management and input into Poke Yoke / Error Proofing systems on assembly line development and implementation.

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Develop & implement LPA (Layered Process Audit) system to support E2LB-N product launch.

Develop & implement GP12 process to support E2LB product launch.

Responsible for managing GM GQTS APQP & PPAP process for E2LB-N program at plant level including management of plant level status reporting for Greenfield / Brownfield open issues & Quality Wall.

Oct 2014 to Jun 2015 – TI Automotive – Sr. Quality Engineer, Vance, AL

Provide Quality support to Vance, AL satellite facility which provides fuel delivery systems to Mercedes C-Class (W205) program.

Manage two Quality Techs in maintaining quality systems and addressing quality concerns from the line including product rework activities and problem resolutions.

Tear down / rework tanks and trouble shoot failures as required using various power tools and equipment.

Perform daily gage measurements on 3D check fixture, microtome weld evaluations using electronic microscope, and various quality validation tests as required.

Created a scrap & line defect capture and reporting process to measure the facilities performance level in these areas and to focus corrective action efforts on top 5 issues utilizing Pareto analysis and practical problem solving methodology. Progress was monitored with weekly team meetings and tracked on a Corrective Action Tracking Sheet. The result of these efforts has been a 40% reduction in defects found in the GP12 containment activities.

Identified root cause for HLT failures using both observational and experimental techniques to prove both correlation and causation of the root cause.

Provided contract Quality Engineering support for launch of Chrysler RU (minivan) program including creating Process Flow, PFMEA and Control Plan documentation for PPAP process.

Apr 2014 to Oct 2014 – Janesville Acoustics – Quality Manager, Columbus, MS

Responsible for a team of one Quality Engineer and three Quality Techs supporting a 3 shift 5 to 6 day per week operation.

After assuming responsibility for TS 16949 compliance and acting as both the Quality Manager and Quality Engineer for the plant, successfully implemented effective corrective actions to address 7 non-conformances (3 majors & 4 minors) within 90 days to remove our TS 16949 certificate from suspended status. This involved an additional 12 non-conformances that were previously not addressed from three previous quarterly internal audits.

Implemented a new reject review process that improved the accuracy of reported rejects from less than 70% to 98% within 30 days.

Lead the effort to initiate and implement PDCA / A3 focused problem solving methodology using cross functional teams to address the top CAPA issues within the plant.

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Drove internal containment costs from $18K per month to less than $4K per month while maintaining low external sorting costs and high customer satisfaction.

Currently responsible for launch management and PPAP activities for two new Chrysler programs, LX (300) and RU (Minivan) underbody systems as well as the new Nissan L42N (Maxima) program adding over $30M of new business.

Oct 2013 to Apr 2014 – Janesville Acoustics – Quality Engineer, Columbus, MS

While responsible for internal Safe Launch and containment efforts, monthly external sorting costs dropped from $8K to $10K down to zero for 7 straight months, and increasing to $1500 once in the following 4 months while customer satisfaction improved, as measured by our monthly scorecards, to the mid and upper 90% level for Ford, Nissan and Chrysler.

Using data from Safe Launch activities, we drove 1st pass defects down below 3% for the L42C program.

Managed the rework of over 5000 L42C Trunk Side parts while simultaneously protecting the customer with our Safe Launch efforts resulting in zero defective product reported by the customer of these parts. This effort was necessary until we were able to produce our own blank material which resolved the issue.

Successfully launched and PPAP’d the transfer of the Nissan L42C (Maxima) Trunk Sides and Wheel Liners to our plant.

Successfully launched and PPAP’d the new Tesla RHD Electric Vehicle Carpet Floor and Dash Insulator program.

Managed all PFMEA, Control Plan, Process Flow and Work Instruction documentation for Nissan L42L (Altima) & L42C (Maxima), Ford Fusion, and Chrysler Jeep programs produced in the plant.

2004 to Oct 2013– PSS & QRS - Owner / Project Manager / Customer Quality Engineer, Columbus, MS

Quality related support and containment services to the Automotive Industry.

As the owner of PSS, I successfully recognized the changing market conditions in the automotive industry in 2006, with slowing industry sales projection and slowing receivables and increasing rumors of bankruptcy from our customer base, I took decisive action to significantly reduce our exposure and eliminated over 80% of our product sorting and containment activity laying off all but a key group of employees. This team focused on providing customer liaison / customer quality engineering support for several key accounts (Tier 1 / Tier 2) with the ability to rapidly respond to stabilize a product quality issue on-site until a localized 3rd party containment provider could take over those activities for the longer term. After which I would continue to manage the containment activity on behalf of my client and serve as the liaison to the end customer often taking part in the corrective action activities. This change in strategy has allowed the company to survive to this day providing high quality rapid response containment services to key automotive suppliers in AL and MS.

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Maintain open and direct communication and dialogue with clients and end customers regarding quality defect levels on containments using various quality reports, tools, charts (Pareto, Histograms, SPC, Control Charts, DOE, 8D, 5Y, PFMEA, Process Flow, PDCA / A3) and methodology in accordance with APQP quality standards.

Responsible for managing multiple projects across various geographic locations which included managing up to 50 employees and providing product containment services and quality engineering support to various automotive suppliers located in AL and MS who serviced the Nissan plant in Canton, MS and the Mercedes plant in Vance, AL.

Assist in determining root cause for product quality issues and implementation and management of containment and corrective actions at the plant level utilizing SPC, FMEA, DOE, APQP, 8-D, and PPAP methodology and tools.

Responsible for sales and marketing efforts to build the business with various automotive suppliers in the regions of MS & AL for our product containment and engineering support services.

2003 to 2004 - The PIC Group – Project Manager, Canton, MS

2002 to 2003 – The PIC Group – Supplier Quality Engineer - Lextron / Visteon , Canton, MS

Quality related support and containment services to the Visteon VRAP facility at the Nisan Plant..

Coordinate and support incoming product quality issues to the plant from dozens of external parts suppliers.

Assist in determining root cause for product quality issues and implementation and management of containment and corrective actions at the plant level and supplier level utilizing SPC, FMEA, DOE, 8D, Control Plans and PPAP tools and methodology in accordance with the existing APQP system.

Maintain open and direct communication with suppliers regarding quality related issues on their product.

Support production lines with quality related issue to minimize impact to production.

Support VRAP Quality Dept. with product quality related issues.

2000 to 2002 - AETNA BEARING COMPANY, VP – Engineering & Quality, Chicago, IL

Leading manufacturer of automotive and agricultural bearing assemblies.

Lead the efforts of the Engineering, Quality, Production Control and Purchasing Departments. Managed thirteen people, an operating budget of $500K, and a capital budget of $250K. Supported $3M stamping operation & tool room which included 12 presses from 60T to 600T

and stock thickness from .040” to .280”. Performed complete engineering analysis and cost justification for outsourcing the heat treat,

screw machine and stamping departments totaling over $3M in outsourced business.

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Maintained the QS9000 Quality System to assure compliance with existing standards including rewriting and implementation of quality policies and procedures.

Revamped the engineering documentation system to improve ECN efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy.

Implemented and staffed a major project to review and revise all drawings, BOM’s, routings, and other documentation for accuracy and completeness.

Managed the successful launch of a redesigned clutch assembly for an agricultural seeding unit for improved performance.

Managed a critical project, for our largest customer, to provide twenty-five corn-head idler sprocket prototypes, of various designs, in less than 30 days. These sprocket designs included both plastic and steel alternatives.

Resolved a major warranty issue, on our highest volume clutch release bearing, by identifying the root causes and implementing manufacturing process changes as well as short and long term design modifications to improve the integrity, manufacturability and profitability of that product.

1999 to 2000 - SAFETY-KLEEN, INC. – Director – Product Engineering, Elk Grove Village, IL

Leading environmental services equipment and service provider.

Lead the efforts of a team of fourteen engineers, designers, and technicians towards the development of parts cleaning equipment, water processing equipment, and other types of environmental cleaning and processing equipment.

Spearheaded an effort to streamline the engineering release process to improve both the turnaround time and the information communicated during the documentation process.

Eliminated the practice of releasing products without adequate testing and development which was draining the company’s resources.

Stabilized the team’s manpower by quickly filling six (6) open positions and preventing two (2) pending resignations.

1998 to 1999 - UNIVERSAL FITNESS – Director – Research & Development, West Point, MS

Manufacturer of consumer fitness equipment.

Responsible for the development of both product and systems for this new division of Flexible Flyer Acquisition Corporation including oversight of the $1.5 million R&D budget, establishing a new 25,000 square foot test facility, supervising the prototype shop, and managing 11 designers, engineers, and technicians.

Implemented a product development process, drawing standards, ECN controls system, BOM system, P/N system, testing standards, and design philosophy which were all ISO 9000 compliant.

Successfully launched three treadmill models in a less than ideal environment, and initiated the development of two new treadmill platforms and an outside R&D project to develop a composite treadmill platform.

1997 to 1998 - CHAMBERLAIN GROUP – Senior Project Engineer, Elmhurst, IL

Leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial garage door openers.

Responsible for leading the development efforts on the tubular rail project for the new BDC product line of garage door openers.

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Directly involved with development of the roll-form process for the tubular rail as well as the design validation of a swaging process for a rectangular tube.

Coordinated all testing activities for the rail project as well as the build-up and installation of over 300 field units across the country.

1991 to 1997 – LIFEFITNESS – Franklin Park, IL

Leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial fitness equipment.

Project Manager - Treadmill Development (September 1993 to May 1997)

Responsible for new product development for both the commercial and consumer market. This included the successful launch of the TR3500/TR4500 consumer treadmill platform, the redesigned TR5500 consumer treadmill and the TR8500 commercial treadmill and initial concept development of the new TR9000 series commercial treadmill.

Responsible for the support of existing commercial treadmill products such as the TR9000 and TR9500.

Responsibilities involved project planning, scheduling, budgeting; directing the activities of a team of designers, engineers and technicians, and coordinating all testing activities for both field and in-house testing.

Maintained close interface with other departments such as Marketing, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Product Support, Sales, and Accounting to insure the technical excellence of the product and the success of the project.

Successfully developed strong working relationships with key vendors in the industry. These relationships led to jointly developed new products and provided early access to new technology and/or products developed by the vendors.

Duties included a significant amount of engineering and analysis work during the heavy design phases of the project.

Senior Mechanical Engineer / Project Leader - (1992 to 1993)

Instrumental in bringing the companies first consumer treadmill to production on time and under budget. The TR5500 was well received by the market and received high ratings in Consumer Reports. First year warranty claims were below 1%.

Engineering responsibilities included the design, development, and analysis of various mechanical components such as bearings, shafts, structural plastic components, steel weldments, drive & conveyor belts, pulleys, and hardware. Worked with injection molded and sheet molded plastics, steel tubing, sheet metal, and wood products, as well as various elastomers.

Developed test plans for field testing and lab testing and supported all testing activities.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (1991 to 1992)

Responsible for the development of feasibility models for a band-brake load device for bike and climber products.

Developed mathematical design models to determine performance characteristics and built actual working models to evaluate performance. These models were the foundation for the development of an eddy current load device which was used on the LS5600 stair climber and the LC3500 aerobic trainer.

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Developed a working model of a total body ski machine for preliminary product evaluation and review.

1990 to 1991 - ARVIN INDUSTRIES (Gabriel Ride Control) – Project Engineer, Carol Stream, IL

Leading manufacturer of automotive suspension components and systems.

Supported the development activities on the Adaptive Suspension system for the 1995 Ford Explorer in the prototype concept and production readiness phases.

Developed computerized project plans, project presentations, budgets and resource plans.

1988 to 1990 - BORG-WARNER AUTOMOTIVE – Product Engineer, Bellwood, IL

Leading manufacturer of automotive transmission components.

Responsible for supporting over $5 million worth of One Way Clutch business with Ford and General Motors..

Responsibilities included failure analysis, product development, and product support for Ford and General Motors product lines. Interfaced regularly with Engineering and Purchasing personnel to maintain open communications and to make sure the product and customer were supported adequately.

Developed strong working relationships with internal factory personnel to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

1987 to 1988 – HENDRICKSON INTERNATIONAL – Product Engineer, Burr Ridge, IL

Leading manufacturer of commercial truck suspensions.

Product development & testing of commercial vehicle air suspensions

1984 to 1987 - CHRYSLER CORPORATION – Detroit, MI

Automobile manufacturer.

Product Development Engineer

Held initial assignments with the Manual Transaxle Group, Engine Development Group, and the Vehicle Dynamics Group supporting their product development efforts.

All assignments involved the design, development, and testing of automotive components and systems. A majority of my time was spent with the Manual Transaxle Group developing a new 5-speed manual transmission system.

Developed a great working relationship with the design group, manufacturing personnel, lab technicians, management, suppliers and peers.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME), 1984University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, Illinois

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Master of Business Administration (MBA), 1992DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois

AIAG training in FMEA, DOE, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP, GD&T and QS9000, 2001. Nissan / M-Tek Supplier Training – PPAP / Problem Solving & Capacity Management measurement

& documentation requirement for new programs. Lean / Six Sigma Training, Current

Pyzdek Institute Introduction to Operations Management – May 2015

Coursera / University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School of Business I Heart Stats – June 2015

EdX / University of Notre Dame

AWARDS

Delta Mu Delta & Beta Gamma Sigma, National Honor SocietiesDePaul University, 1992

Received appointment to US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 1979

SKILLS

Currently pursing my Six Sigma Black Belt Certification with targeted certification within six months. Project Management

Self taught on Lean concepts, principals and methodology

Skilled in PDCA / A3 problem solving methodology utilizing 5Y root cause analysis, Ishikawa-Fishbone diagrams cause analysis and A3 reporting.

Highly proficient with most Windows based software applications including Word, Excel, Project, Power Point and Access.

Understand GD&T

Excellent problem solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

TS 16949

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