John M. Witmer
Senior Consultant
Manufacturing Engineer
John Witmer specifically brings twenty-five years of manufacturing and engineering experience to the table, from plants that ranged from basic machine shops to lights out, computerized workflows for the world's largest machine tool manufacturer. He's been responsible for the buildout and startup of six manufacturing facilities, including offshore and multi-plant operations. He has what it takes to set up and maintain profitable operations, or turnaround failing operations into profitable operations with low turnover and high quality output.
Often called in to resolve difficult situations, he has worked with companies in bankruptcy to keep operations afloat and worked extensively with vendors and customers to turn around difficult situations into profitable ongoing operations. He has presented successful proposals for customers to financial institutions to substantiate otherwise-unobtainable loans to finance turnarounds.
Experienced in nonunion as well as union environments. Contract negotiations, Grievance handling, and firm but fair resolution of labor issues up through arbitration.
Worked in Japan, learned KAN-BAN, JIT, TQM, and other aspects of lean & agile manufacturing philosophy. Experienced in setting up and working with Asian suppliers.
Responsible for building the most advanced manufacturing facility in the U.S. as Vice President of Operations for the largest Japanese machine tool builder in the world. A true CIM facility with a virtual unmanned machine shop and fabrication facility that makes a wide variety of different precision parts in high or low volume on an as needed basis.
Directed entire Engineering departments, including all design and manufacturing engineering functions, Mechanical, Electrical, R & D, prototyping, etc. Much facility engineering and design experience {6 Plants}, Capital justification & amp; Acquisition experience as well.
His past roles have included those of Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering, Vice President of Manufacturing, Vice President of Operations, and other responsible positions that require results.