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Art has held numerous senior positions during his more than 22 plus years of experience. He has been instrumental in domestic and international plant launches, implementation of accountability reporting in manufacturing operations, and facilitation of quality improvements on numerous operational levels. Art is an experienced executive with expertise in manufacturing, international operations, product development, and program management. At BBK, he has been helping OEMs relocate business from Tier 1 suppliers without interruptions. He evaluates manufacturing operations against world class manufacturing standards, develops launch readiness programs and offers recommendations that improve operations for increased profitability. Professional Experience Tier Partners is a private manufacturing consulting company for Tier I and II automotive suppliers. As Principal, Art recommended improvements in large injection molding operations that resulted in savings of more than $10 million per year; he helped obtain full PPAP approval for a key program launch and was called in to rescue the high profile launch of a major Tier I supplier. As Vice President of International Operations for Pilot Industries (supplier of fluid handling systems to the auto industry), Art was responsible for facilities in Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Brazil. He led engineering functions for Advanced Product Development, Product Engineering, Program Management, the Central Test Laboratory and Prototype Shop. His achievements included successfully launching a new plant in Brazil and doubling output in a Mexican plant (from $20 million to $40 million sales per year using only 20% more floor space). Art achieved nearly $2.0 million in product cost savings through engineering lead changes and doubled international plant profit performance from 3% to 7%. Prior to becoming VP, Art served as Director of Manufacturing for Pilot Industries. He guided the Michigan facility from a loss of $4 million the previous year to break-even within one year. (This facility is currently contributing 15% operating profit at the plant level.) He led manufacturing/engineering efforts and was responsible for two plants in Michigan, as well as facilities in Mexico and Argentina. He directed a neglected Mexican plant from a 6% operating profit level to an 18% level. Prior to Pilot Industries, Art spent 15 years with United Technologies Automotive (now part of Lear). UTA was a major Tier I supplier of electrical and interior systems. While serving as Director of Manufacturing, Art helped turn around the struggling Interiors Group, introduced large tonnage molding in the Mexican facility, set up 3000 ton presses for the PT Cruiser program and planned the successful launch of the largest interior program ever awarded to the company. As Director of Manufacturing for Electrical Systems, he reorganized operations and reduced manufacturing expenses by $15 million per year. In Mexico, Art freed up floor space to increase production by 30% and decreased production costs by 25%. As a Plant Manager in Illinois he improved manufacturing costs by 20% and expanded plant output by 200%. | 