ROBERT D.

CHEATHAM
134 Palmer Drive 812-592-3683
Clayton NC. 27527 rcbfa7ea@westpost.net

PROFILE

ACCOMPLISHED PROFESSIONAL with a results charged career in the growth and profit
able leadership of dynamic enterprises doing business in domestic and internatio
nal markets. Offer high caliber management qualifications, instincts, experienc
e-backed judgment, and excellent timing. Strong orientation in technology and e
xcellent problem-solving skills. Understands the challenges of the marketplace
and maximizes corporate potential through innovative business process changes, c
ost containment, quality control, and outstanding customer care. Lead and motiv
ate individuals and teams to perform in any environment.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SKYWARE GLOBAL, Smithfield, NC
Company manufactures satellite communication dishes, and sells products to servi
ce providers world-wide. Annual Sales of $60M.
Operations Manager Feb 2010 to Sept 2010
Plant Management position with full responsibility for Compression Molding, Meta
l Forming, Stamping, Powder Coat, Liquid Paint, and Assembly. Responsibilities
include but are not limited to:
Full fiscal responsibility.
Determining process capabilities
Scrap reduction through root cause analysis utilizing Six Sigma PDCA.
Capital budgeting.
Managing salary personnel including Supervisor, Process Engineering, Team leade
rs and Production Associates totaling approximately 300.
Ensure quality standards are developed according to customer requirements. Ide
ntify and implement continuous improvement measures that contribute to the profi
tability of the organization.
Implement start-up of production at the Smithfield facility.
Selected accomplishments include
Successful move of Plant Operations from Aurora IL to Smithfield NC.
Start-up of new product lines in specified times to meet customer requirements.

GECOM Corporation, Greensburg, IN

Company manufactures automotive latches, and sells products to OEM customers.
Annual sales are over $225M.
Sr. Manufacturing Manager 2004 - 2010
Operations management position with full responsibility for Injection-Molding, M
etal Stamping, and Rod Bending /Assembly Operations. Responsibilities include b
ut are not limited to:
Fiscal Responsibility with an Operating Budget of $20 Million.
Determining capabilities through OEE methodology.
 Scrap reduction through root cause analysis utilizing Six Sigma PDCA.
Capital budgeting.
Managing salary personnel including Supervisors, Foreman, Process Engineering,
and Quality Engineering. Department personnel include tool and press maintenance
, Process Technicians, Team leaders and Production Associates for Metal Stamping
, Injection Molding and Rod Bending totaling approximately 200.
Ensure quality standards are developed according to customer requirements. Ide
ntify and implement continuous improvement measures that contribute to the profi
tability of the organization.
Selected accomplishments include:
Undertake the responsibility for a Cultural changes within the organization tha
t will ensure Quality First for our customers.
Implemented daily Quick Response Meetings.
Assisted in developing quality standards for product in
accordance with customer requirements and the company philosophy of Quality Firs
t.
Improve company profitability by improving existing processes and reduction of
waste.
Developed 5S strategy.
Developed Aggressive Improvement Management Teams with cross-functional members
hip.
Implement Certification program to ensure continuous growth of associates.

Valeo Sylvania, Seymour, IN

Company manufactures exterior lighting, and sells products to OEM customers.
Annual sales are over $200M.
Sr. Manufacturing Supervisor
1994 - 2004
Promoted to position with full responsibility for operations management, develop
ment, and strategic planning. Scope of accountabilities encompasses management
of all manufacturing processes, quality assurance, purchasing, and warehouse saf
ety. Monitor over 50 staff members including training, team leadership and deve
lopment. Identify and implement continuous improvement measures contributing th
e profitability of organization.
Selected accomplishments include:

Managed start up line for production of Chrysler Minivan Headlamp. Projected s

ales goals were $50M. Increased production from 200 pieces per day to 2400 dail
y. Quality levels improved to l6ppm, the lowest in the company history. Staffi
ng needs simultaneously decreased by 2 positions.
Set benchmark for RS Assembly line.
Developed and implemented method of covering one of the most critical areas of
aluminized housing with poly film sheet reducing scrap costs by 70%.
Developed and implemented process for repairing seal-leaker lamps reducing scra
p by 90% resulting in a savings of $2100 weekly.

Coating Process Technician

1988 a" 1994
Determined and maintained coating processes for automotive headlamp components b
ased on customer need. Ensured compliance of Indiana Clean Air Act for Coating
Usage. Supervised and trained staff of 12. Maximized productivity of coating o
perations utilizing continuous improvement techniques while complying with QS 90
00 standards.

Selected accomplishments include:

Developed and implemented quality assurance steps reducing scrap for painting p
rocesses by 30%.
As member of production team, reduced down time for weekly preventive maintenan
ce for Aero coating operation from 12 hours to 4 hours saving company $4000 in l
ost production and $1200 in reduced overtime costs.
One of three people in entire company hired to perform robotics programming

CREDENTIALS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Education
Master of Science, Business Administration, Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Indiana Wesleyan University
Certificate Injection Molding Processing, Ivy Tech State College
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, American Society of Quality.

Professional Licenses and Associations

NADA Series 6, NADA Series 63, Health/Life
 BAMA - Bluegrass Automotive Manufactures Association
Honda Lean Network
Professional Development
GECOM Boot Camp
LSSD Leadership
QS 9000 Certification,
TS 16949 Certification,
ISO 14001
Zenger Miller Leadership
Valeo 5-Core School
OSHA 10 Hr. Safety and Health Training
GTE Quality Leadership
Marks SPC
ASI Robot Programming,
Paulson Injection Molding Processes.
Osram Sylvania Hazmat Training
Honda 5P Problem Solving
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Lotus Notes, Access