Ashwin Kakde

Mechanical Engineering graduate with hands-on industrial experience in packaging design and development, returnable packaging systems, packaging cost reduction, pallet and warehouse space optimization, and 5S implementation. Experienced in developing packaging solutions for 200+ parts, supporting NPI and NSI packaging projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams and suppliers, and managing returnable container operations for UK plant supply chains. Skilled in packaging cost analysis, Power BI reporting, packaging approval, passthrough cost tracking, supplier coordination, and process improvement.

Packaging Engineer at Caterpillar Inc. (2026-07 – Present)

• Support the UK plant as a Packaging Engineer by designing and implementing packaging solutions aligned with plant requirements.
• Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Supplier Introduction (NSI) packaging projects from concept through implementation.
• Drive safety improvement initiatives focused on reducing manual handling and ergonomic risk in packaging and material handling processes.
• Implemented a lean packaging solution for the buyback process to improve efficiency and reduce packaging waste.
• Implemented cost-saving packaging solutions for the UK plant, supporting packaging cost reduction targets.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams (CFT) to develop packaging specifications, standards, and implementation plans.
• Lead weekly meetings with the UK team to review packaging status and identify direct passthrough cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage returnable container operations, ensuring container availability and turnaround for continuous supply.
• Partner with suppliers to develop new returnable packaging solutions and support packaging implementation.
• Maintain and update trackers for passthrough cost opportunities, savings, packaging status, and approvals.

Proprietor at Om Consultancy Services, Yavatmal (2021-06 – 2026-07)

• Created packaging solutions for 200+ parts and managed the packaging approval process end-to-end.
• Prepared cost-saving analyses and project documentation, including Power BI dashboards and PowerPoint presentations for stakeholder review.
• Implemented returnable pallet and rack solutions for 60 parts covering inbound logistics, including 5S implementation for the RCM yard.
• Achieved 80% cost optimization through redesigned packaging solutions.
• Delivered a 90% space-saving improvement project across the warehouse through layout and packaging optimization.
• Improved pallet utilization for 200+ parts packaging to maximize load efficiency.
• Developed company packaging guidelines and implemented nailless packaging standards to improve safety and sustainability.

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering – Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering & Technology (JDIET), Yavatmal – Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Government Polytechnic, Yavatmal

SSC (10th Standard) – Kendriya Vidyalaya, Yavatmal