John Drake

Senior manufacturing and process engineering professional with 30+ years of experience leading production, automation, process optimization, and continuous improvement across medical devices, automotive, textiles, coatings, and packaging industries. Proven ability to reduce scrap, downtime, operating risks through Lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and disciplined execution in ISO-, FDA-, and OSHA-regulated environments. Deep technical expertise in polymer extrusion, injection/compression molding, lamination, coatings, converting operations, and the application of industrial robotics for packaging, material handling, and component assembly.

AutoCAD-2D drafting experience to aid in developing manufacturing layouts, equipment installations, and process flow improvements. Recognized for hands-on production leadership, capital project execution, and cross-functional collaboration that translates operational needs into practical, performance-driven solutions. Managing and supervising teams from 25 to 85 in number, as well as providing oversight for support personnel

Packaging Engineer (Hybrid, Part-Time) - Abbott Laboratories (Contract via Mindlance) - Winston-Salem, NC

(2024-01 - 2025-06)

• Coordinated suppliers supporting extrusion, lamination, slitting, and converting of medical device packaging substrates
• Led cross-functional corrective actions addressing process deviations, raw material issues, and order validation
• Supported TPM feedback loops and change implementations improving material performance and assembly readiness
• Ensured compliance with FDA, ISO 13485, and internal quality standards

Production Supervisor – Lamination Operations - MasterBrand Cabinets - Lexington, NC

(2024-02 - 2025-07)

• Supervised lamination/wrapping operations, driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and scrap reduction
• Reduced recurring downtime through RCA, equipment trials, and implementation of countermeasures
• Supported Kaizen events and CI projects improving throughput and process stability
• Trained operators on standard work, setups, and startup readiness, improving shift performance
• Tracked OEE, downtime, and order completion; supported equipment layout updates using AutoCAD

Production Supervisor - AkzoNobel – Wood Coatings Technologies - High Point, NC

(2022-03 - 2023-08)

Led production teams (25 associates) in batch manufacturing, filling, and coating operations within OSHA-regulated environments

• Improved 5S compliance and process flow, reducing safety hazards and material handling issues
• Conducted RCA on quality defects and customer complaints, implementing corrective actions to reduce rework
• Supported equipment trials and process modifications to improve reliability and compliance
• Reinforced PPE usage and safe handling of raw and finished chemical products

Production / Converting Supervisor - DNP Image COMM America - Concord, NC

(2017-11 - 2022-03)

Supervised 20–45 operators in photo film converting, slitting, and packaging operations

• Improved machine uptime and scrap reduction through troubleshooting, Lean initiatives
• Coordinated daily schedules with Production Planning to optimize machine utilization
• Supported new equipment installations/trials to improve converting process capability
• Tracked KPIs for downtime, quality, and output using EPICOR

Manufacturing Supervisor / Team Leader - HP Pelzer Automotive

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

Supervisor - Injection Molding, Compression Molding, Assembly

Area Administrator (Supervisor) - Gilbarco Veeder Root

(2014-01 - 2015-12)

Supplying parts for Gasoline Pumps OEM through oversight of machine shop activities (metal cutting, turning, finishing)

Quality Manager/Supervisor - Carolina Narrow Fabric

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

Training, Coaching Techs - Corrective Actions

Lean Lead/Supervisor - Steelcase

(2013-01 - 2013-12)

Daily Coaching, Planning, RCA, problem solving, Lean Mfg, CI

Shift Supervisor - Lydall Thermal/Acoustical

(2010-01 - 2012-12)

Molding - Lamination - Assembly, Automotive OEM

Project Engineer/Manager; Process Engineer, Production Department Manager - Glen Raven Technical Fabrics

(2006-01 - 2010-12)

Production Supervisor - Guthy Rinkler Fulfillment

(2004-01 - 2006-12)

Digital Media Fulfillment - Packaging Oversight

Supervisor - Amcor Flexible Packaging

(2003-01 - 2004-12)

Medical Pouches, Extrusion/Adhesive lamination (projects)

Process Engineer/Material Manager - Thantex Specialties

(2002-01 - 2003-12)

Monitor process flow, create procedures, specs

Manufacturing Coordinator - Product Development Manager; Technical Representative - Freudenberg Performance Materials

(1990-01 - 2002-12)

Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering Technology - Alabama A&M University

Textile Technology, Yarn Manufacturing, and Business Administration - Aiken Technical College