Natarajan Lokesh

A dynamic and results-driven manufacturing professional with 19 years and 3 months of progressive experience spanning Automobile Sheet Metal Manufacturing and Networking Drive Box Manufacturing — encompassing NCT Shearing, Blanking, Bending, Stamping Press Shop, Injection Molding, Bumper Painting, Bumper Assembly, and Trim Chassis Production Operations. Currently associated with Renault Group India (RNAIPL), a globally renowned French automotive manufacturer with a €58 Billion global turnover, operating a wholly-owned Chennai manufacturing plant with an annual production capacity of 4,00,000+ vehicles, catering to both Domestic and Export markets across 100+ countries. Delivered a high-impact 1.5-year Expat Assignment at Texon Semiconductor Technologies, Vietnam, leading end-to-end production operations and new project planning.

A Corporate Expert in managing multi-plant manufacturing operations across 5 plants, including full P&L accountability, with a proven track record of launching Greenfield projects, onboarding new customers with added profitability, and driving strategic business growth. A Reckoned Leader who has successfully managed cross-functional teams of 200 to 600 personnel (Direct & Indirect) and led multiple department heads across HR, Manufacturing, PPC, Purchase, NPD, Quality, Maintenance, Sales, Dispatch, Logistics, and Marketing.

Holds Certified Supply Chain

Specialist (CSCS, CPD – IMC) and SCM Leadership & Digital Specialist (IMC) credentials.

Senior Engineer – Production & Manufacturing Operations - Renault Group India (RNAIPL) - Chennai, India

(2024-11)

Operations Manager - Texon Semiconductor Technologies - Vietnam

(2023-08 - 2024-10)

Delivered a high-impact 1.5-year Expat Assignment at Texon Semiconductor Technologies, Vietnam, leading end-to-end production operations and new project planning — covering NCT Shearing, Press Shop, Bending, Final Assembly, and Dispatch — alongside new line layout planning, capacity improvement, and safety compliance, while successfully launching 12 NPI projects for global clients Arista Networking and Lam Research, driving seamless HVM ramp-ups and achieving all quality, cost, and delivery targets.

• Successfully delivered 1.5-year Expat Assignment at Texon Semiconductor Technologies, Vietnam — led new model launches for global clients Arista Networking and Lam Research, driving seamless HVM ramp-ups meeting all quality, cost, and delivery targets
• Made the plant profitable in the first year of operation, achieving an EBIT of 12% through strategic cost control and operational efficiency

Senior Engineer - Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. - India

(2009-08 - 2023-08)

• Pioneered the implementation of a Press Ladies Line at Renault Nissan — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Indian automobile industry — receiving appreciation from the Global RNAIPL Team and Chennai Management
• Transformed the Bumper Assembly Layout from a conventional table-based setup to an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) concept, integrating a structured kitting process that significantly improved workflow efficiency, reduced operator movement, and enhanced line-side material availability
• Led end-to-end New Model Launch (Renault & Nissan P1324) — managing RFI/RFQ preparation, technical discussions, E-decision, SB review, PO release, DAP discussion, material & supplier follow-up, project installation, and SOP — including installation of conveyor floor, route map, body transfer conveyor, and other facility items
• Executed Bumper Sub-Assembly Facility Installation for Renault & Nissan P1324 — including IPMS system installation and bumper sub-assembly process optimization
• Proven expertise in team building, people motivation, and effective negotiation — consistently driving high-performance teams toward organizational goals

Team Leader - Caparo Engineering India Pvt. Ltd. - India

(2007-03 - 2009-08)

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical and Automation Engineering - IIIIER University (2021)

Diploma - Mechanical Engineering (DME) - RVD University (2010)

Certificate - Fitter - GOVT Industrial Training Institute (2000)