Vinoth J

Press Tooling & Die Design Engineer with 12+ years in the automotive manufacturing industry, seeking a Senior Engineer / Assistant Manager role. Specializes in progressive press tools, die design, and jigs & fixtures development, currently managing a portfolio of 240+ press tools with zero in-house customer complaints for 4 consecutive years. Track record of leading cost reduction, Industry 4.0 digitalization, and SMED-based lean initiatives across Tier-1 automotive suppliers (Hanon, Fairway/Fengtay, Wendt, Ashok Leyland, Visteon).

Strong background in IATF 16949 quality systems, supplier development, and toolroom management.

Press Tooling & Press Shop Engineer - Hanon Automotive Systems (India) Pvt Ltd - Chennai

(2022-01)

• Support smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 transformation, including a tool PM monitoring application, a wireless process quality check-sheet app, and updates to the Industrial 4M Change Management system.
• Led installation, commissioning, and production launch of a new SIMPAC 400T press machine.
• Manage a lean-based press shop of 240+ progressive-type press tools and cold-forming operations, covering tool modification/engineering design change (60+ tools) and critical spares localization (90+ programs).
• Sustained zero in-house customer complaints on press parts for 4 consecutive years, with breakdowns cleared without customer line stoppage.
• Delivered a cost-reduction project eliminating side supports on condenser cores by redesigning and modifying an existing die, using in-house and local vendor support.
• Consolidated multiple models into a single die set using SMED (lever mechanism) principles, and partnered with the Product Manager and suppliers on new tooling design and development.
• Maintained zero safety incidents through effective EHS compliance.
• Received the KIA Customer 5-Star Award twice for excellence in Quality, Delivery, and Customer Satisfaction.
• Maintained zero non-conformities across four consecutive IATF 16949 certification audits.
• Represented the organization in external technical competitions and presentations.

Manager – Molding Department - Fairway Enterprises Company Ltd (Fengtay Group) - Krishnagiri

(2019-06 - 2021-12)

• Led polyurethane (PU) manufacturing operations, achieving production, quality, cost, and delivery targets while managing manpower, process control, and resource allocation.
• Directed toolroom operations covering preventive/breakdown maintenance of molds, dies, jigs, fixtures, and machinery, and coordinated tool refurbishment and new tool development.
• Achieved sustained zero downtime across operations through 100% sub-product availability.
• Drove continuous improvement, CAPA, and cross-functional coordination (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Toolroom) to improve OEE and resolve process issues.
• Led new product launches, process validation, and capacity expansion projects.

Executive – Quality Control - Wendt India Ltd - Hosur

(2017-05 - 2019-05)

• Performed pre-inspection, in-process, and final inspection of machined components and supplier products; conducted supplier audits for instruments, product, and process compliance.
• Applied CMM, profile projector, and roundness checking equipment; developed gauges and fixtures to improve inspection methods.
• Reduced rejection and rework through SPC techniques, MSA, APQP, PPAP, and PFMEA methodologies, and monitored supplier quality and delivery performance.

Toolroom & Design Engineer - Lead HR (deployed at Ashok Leyland, Unit-1) - Hosur

(2016-04 - 2017-03)

• Planned fixture conversions for engine components (cylinder block and head); designed, developed, and modified jigs & fixtures across 28 machines.
• Designed 20+ new inspection fixtures and modified 10+ existing fixtures; planned around 30 new machine layouts to improve productivity and reduce setup time via SMED concepts.
• Reduced conveyor line throughput time and implemented mistake-proofing to improve quality and reduce rejection PPM.

Employee Trainee – Tool Room & Press Tool Maintenance - Visteon Automotive Systems India Pvt Ltd

(2014-03 - 2016-03)

• Carried out tool modifications and breakdown maintenance, preventive maintenance scheduling, and press operation support.
• Gained hands-on experience in punch and die making, 5S, Kanban, and quality circle initiatives.

Diploma in Tool & Die Making — First Class with Distinction - Tool & Die Making - NTTF (Nettur Technical Training Foundation), Vellore (2014-03)