GARY MERLIHAN

2601 LANSDOWNE DRIVE * ADA, MI 49301 * H: (616) 676-3070 * C: (616) 648-648-3128

* gmb1645a@westpost.net

SUPPLY CHAIN & OPERATIONS MANAGER

OPERATIONS and DISTRIBUTION professional with a verifiable track record of progr
essive growth and experience in a broad range of disciplines in manufacturing, l
ogistics, and warehouse management. Demonstrated expertise in developing and imp
lementing measurable and actionable operational strategies that drive productivi
ty, cost, delivery, and revenue goals. Hands-on leadership experience with prove
n success in the development of sound policies and practices that ensure that th
e company's financial, business and customer service objectives are achieved. Re
sourceful team leader with the capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment
, manage competing priorities with ease while achieving organizational and custo
mer objectives.
Proven ability to leverage deep knowledge and understanding Lean and Kaizen prin
ciples with expertise in driving operational strategies that produce measurable
results.
Energetic and inventive self-starter known for my innate ability to apply my dee
p understanding of manufacturing and production operations and facility manageme
nt to providing solutions vital to cost reduction and bottom-line profit improve
ment.
Strong analysis, planning, and organizational and team-building abilities with e
ffective problem resolution and relationship management skills that produce posi
tive results.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT * LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION * WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS * FO

RECASTING PRODUCTION & INVENTORY CONTROL * 5S * LEAN PRINCIPLES * KAIZEN * UNION
IZED ENVIRONMENTS
STRATEGIC PLANNING * ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY COMPLIANCE * QUALITY ASSURAN
CE

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Project management skills in leading and implementing multiple continuous improv
ement initiatives including SAP implementation, lean production and manufacturin
g principles, and leading four major Kaizen events.
Spearheaded the redesign of final assembly operations, leading a cross-functiona
l team of hourly and salaried employees through the replacement of a long-standi
ng two-station build operation to a progressive build assembly line.
Reduced work-in-process inventory by nearly 100% and improved quality, ergonomic
s, safety, and production capacity with the implementation of streamlined manufa
cturing processes and through continuous improvement initiatives.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Business Unit Supervisor | GERBER PRODUCTS, Fremont, MI | 2008-Present
Gerber Products Company offers food products for babies, toddlers, and infants;
and baby care, wellness, and life insurance products.
Coordinated and supervised inventory control functions including the receipt of
raw materials and packaging and outbound shipments with managerial responsibilit
y for 2nd and 3rd shift operations and staff. Responsible for all warehouse sani
tation and 5S in a food-manufacturing environment.
Served as a member of the Safety, Health, and Environmental Leadership Teams.
Improved inventory control and efficiency with the implementation of a warehouse
management system for finished goods and SAP for raw materials and packaging do
cumentation and tracking.
Warehouse Manager | YOUNGBLOOD AIR SYSTEMS, Grand Rapids, MI | 2005-2008
Youngblood Automation is the premier provider of automation components in the Mi
dwest. Founded in 1977 Youngblood Automation celebrates over 30 years of providi
ng the highest quality pneumatic, electronic and motion control components to ou
r customers.
Provided operational direction and defined the strategic plan for the company's
warehouse operations with direct responsibility for defining the standard of wor
k practices for the receipt, storage, and control of inventory, the design and o
rganization of warehouse operations, and for leading the assembly and order fulf
illment functions.

STEELCASE, INC., | 1979-2005

Steelcase is a global, publicly traded company leading our industry in providing
innovative office furniture with fiscal 2010 revenue of approximately $2.3 bill
ion and nearly 13,000 employees around the world.
Logistics Manager, Grand Rapids, MI | 2003-2005
Direct oversight and accountability for managing the logistics operations with r
esponsibility for the efficient execution of contract loading services, claims,
corrective action, and training functions for the department. Maintained vendor
relationships while negotiating favorable contract terms and conditions.
Saved $12,000 per year with the successful renegotiation of vendor contracts. Re
duced splits by 95% with the design and implementation of a vendor report card s
ystem of evaluating vendor performance.
Led four major Kaizen events that drove positive continuous improvement initiati
ves with the following results:
Established standardized procedures for job rotation and flow of work.
Improved throughput by 20%.
Implemented a process to perform 5S in all areas providing for accountability an
d weekly inspections.
Superintendent - Chair Plant, Grand Rapids, MI | 2002-2003
Directed the Criterion and Sensor chair line manufacturing operations focused fr
om coil to carton with full responsibility for controlling labor costs, quality
assurance, meeting customer schedule deadlines, and for achieving overall budget
requirements.
Ensured workplace safety and cleanliness with the utilization of 5S in the machi
ne and final assembly areas.
Launched a cost reduction program involving all hourly and salaried employees in
an incentive program focused on implementing and achieving cost control initiat
ives.
Implemented progressive build assembly lines improving throughput, ergonomics, a
nd schedule completion.
Superintendent - Panel Machine, Grand Rapids, MI | 1999-2002
Managed all aspects of a two-shift panel machine operation including all mechani
cal and hydraulic brakes, CNC's, tube mill, roll forms, automatic presses, speci
al fabrication, laser, and welding functions. Responsible for employee supervisi
on, development, and training.
Realized an $8 million reduction in savings after accepting additional leadershi
p responsibilities within the core steel operations in the context and computer
furniture plants.
Re-engineered work-in-process procedures by transforming current processes with
the introduction of more streamlined operations including a visual Kan-Ban syste
m.
Repositioned the division from a long established individual piecework incentive
system to a group incentive program that supported a team environment in achiev
ing divisional and plant goals.
Superintendent, Final Assembly, Athens, AL | 1997-1999
Led and managed final assembly operations including trim set up, fabric cutting,
upholstery, final assembly, packaging, and distribution functions.
Improved product quality, throughput, and achieved a 20% improvement in schedule
completions with the complete redesign of the final assembly processes from a t
wo-person station build to a progressive build assembly line operation.
Established a corporate benchmark with the redesign of the upholstery shop opera
tion by streamline operations to remove one day of in-process inventory, reducin
g the number of material handlers and related equipment required to support the
final assembly line.
Significantly improved ergonomics with the reduction in the amount of bending, p
ulling, and twisting of upholstery.
Distribution Manager, Athens, AL | 1979-1997
Established the purchased part warehouse, inbound supply chain and all outbound
loading and delivery, shipment planning, and billing for the Athens Distribution
Center. Negotiated carrier contracts and rate, and performed carrier quality a
nalysis and selections, and claims prevention/corrective action.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Supply Chain Management Certification * Michigan State University
Lean Manufacturing Certification * University of Tennessee
Traffic and Transportation Management Certification * Calhoun Community College
Athens State University & Oakland Hills Community College
Undergraduate Studies in Business Administration