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Sutton DeCrane
Materials Manager at Altec
Professional Background
Sutton DeCrane is a highly skilled engineering supervisor at Altec Industries, where he plays a pivotal role in leading a talented team of engineers. With a focus on facilitating process re-engineering, Sutton employs innovative tools such as value stream mapping, Kaizen, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to optimize operations and improve efficiency. His extensive experience spans across various sectors, including aerospace and industrial truck manufacturing, establishing him as a versatile and knowledgeable professional in the engineering landscape.
Sutton's commitment to excellence is demonstrated in his previous roles, where he has consistently leaned towards enhancing operational performance. As the Materials Manager at Altec, he directed efforts in streamlining materials management, ensuring that project workflows align with production needs while adhering to rigorous quality standards.
His journey at Altec began with a strong foundation in engineering principles as a Manufacturing Engineer, which honed his technical expertise and provided him with insights into the intricate workings of manufacturing processes. This experience paved the way for his advancement to the position of Production Supervisor, where he managed teams and effectively coordinated production schedules, demonstrating his strong leadership capabilities.
In his current role as an Engineering Supervisor, Sutton's leadership not only encompasses team management but also involves strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that engineering and production teams work in harmony to achieve organizational goals. His keen understanding of engineering processes and passion for continuous improvement has made him an integral part of Altec's operational success.
Education and Achievements
Sutton DeCrane holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial and Systems Engineering, obtained from Virginia Tech, a prestigious institution known for its comprehensive engineering programs. This educational background has equipped Sutton with a robust understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies, giving him the tools to tackle complex engineering challenges in various industries.
His dedication to professional growth is reflected in his certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), which showcases his commitment to mastering best practices in production and supply chain management. This certification not only enhances his skill set but also solidifies his role as a knowledgeable leader in operations management.
Throughout his career, Sutton has actively contributed to projects that emphasize operational excellence and efficiency. His adept use of tools like value stream mapping and SPC demonstrates his strategic approach to engineering, allowing him to identify bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies effectively. These methodologies are crucial for organizations aiming to reduce waste and optimize resource allocation, making Sutton a valuable asset in today's competitive manufacturing landscape.
Achievements
Sutton's career is marked by notable achievements that illustrate his impact within the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Under his leadership, teams have successfully implemented various process improvements that resulted in enhanced operational efficiency and reduced lead times.
One of Sutton's key achievements involves the successful execution of a Kaizen event that resulted in significant cost savings and process optimization for Altec. By applying his expertise in value stream mapping, Sutton identified critical areas for improvement and facilitated solutions that involved cross-department collaboration, ultimately leading to a smoother workflow and improved product delivery.
His role as a mentor to junior engineers further highlights his dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the organization. Sutton's commitment to professional development not only enhances his team's capabilities but also contributes to the overall success of Altec's operational goals.
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