Reducing Operational Costs in Composites Manufacturing

Reducing Operational Costs in Composites Manufacturing provides organization-specific principles for managers working in the composites industry. It utilizes a "how to" format for reducing operational costs and provides examples for each principle. In the first two sections, readers learn how to evaluate the existing environment to determine the best course of action when developing a plan to achieve goals. This is followed by a deeper understanding of why character strengths are important, and how to effectively manage employees in section three. Section four helps the new manager to think outside the box by bringing in other managers to evaluate and offer suggestions. Finally, section five teaches the reader how to sustain and continually enhance what they have put in place. Uniquely aimed at the composites industry, this book helps professionals and managers implement process change, gain control of struggling facilities, enhance the strengths of more efficient organizations, and consider manufacturing costs of in a new light.

Author Biography: Karen S. Travis has earned an Executive MBA, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, from the University of South Florida. She has earned certifications in ABYC, NMMA, CCT, ISO 9001, and is a licensed Realtor and published author. Mrs. Travis has worked in and managed several areas in the composite marine manufacturing industry including Quality Assurance, Production Control, Upholstery, Lamination, and as a Plant Manager. She previously worked with a composite consultant on a two-year project for starting a boat manufacturing facility in Russia, and has compiled and written seven manuals to support this. In the past 13 years she has worked for Saint-Gobain Corporation and currently holds a position as an Account Manager for the abrasive segment (Norton, Carborundum, Merit) calling on the marine & composite customers, and works closely with them to solve problems, and reduce operational costs. She has spoken on several occasions as a presenter at industry trade shows including IBEX and CAMX concerning Best Practices for using Abrasives in the Repair of Gelcoat, and Reducing Operational Costs in Composite Manufacturing, and is currently working on a seminar topic titled: Implementing an Effective Quality Assurance Department for Composites.

Section One: Understanding Your Weaknesses. The Basics of Composite Manufacturing. Document the Baseline. Evaluate the Data. People, Processes, & Materials. Section Two: Getting Organized. Know Where You Want to Be. Developing the Plan to Achieve Your Goals. Clean it Up. Work the Plan. Section Three: Hiring & Keeping the Best Employees. Character Skills vs. Experience. Motivation. Choosing & Empowering Leaders. Support the team. Section Four: Utilizing Free Support. Inside Influence. Co-Managers. Outside Influence. Section Five: Sustain. Measure. Accountability. Reward. Change Management. Section Six: Forward-Thinking. Preventing Major Issues. Glossary. References. Index.