Jimmy Kesters

Plant Manager at Ecolab Tessenderlo

Limburg, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

Plant Manager with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Louisville. Experienced in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, I lead operations with a strong focus on data, discipline, and continuous improvement. Certified Lean Six Sigma Green & Black Belt, I drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles. I lead by example, coach high-performing teams, and mentor talent—because people are the key to sustainable success. Currently managing plant operations in Tessenderlo, I aim to further grow in strategic leadership roles where I can shape culture, optimize performance, and develop future leaders.

Experience

  • Plant Manager at Ecolab
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Datwyler Group (13 yrs 1 mo)
    • Vice President of Operations US Healthcare Solutions
      Jul 2021 - Sep 2024 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      - Full P&L responsibility for Datwyler Pharma Packaging USA Inc. - Oversaw 2 manufacturing plants (FirstLine plant in Middletown, DE & Advanced plant in Pennsauken, NJ) - Number of direct/indirect reports is 7/400.

    • Vice President Global Systems & Processes
      Feb 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      - Responsible to support the business with centralized services, which consist of global Q-Systems & Processes, EHS System, Datwyler Production System (Operational Excellence), Knowledge Management, Project & Investment Management.

    • Operations Manager & Plant DPS Manager
      Oct 2015 - Jan 2019 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      - Designed and implemented departmental strategies in line with the site mission. - Created an overall results oriented environment based on Lean and Gemba practices, enabling and supporting employees and teams in reaching their business and personal objectives. - Responsible for the development and implementation of the Datwyler Production System (DPS) in the plant through implementation of global standards based on current condition, corporate mission, values and strategy. - Number of direct/indirect reports is 5/240.

  • Monsanto (Antwerp Area, Belgium)
    • Project Manager
      Feb 2009 - Aug 2011 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      - Led and implemented capital projects up to 3M$ for the different Monsanto Agriculture Sites in the Europe-Africa region. - Worked abroad in Romania and Turkey. - Led European technology team to track operational performance, monitor KPI’s, improve efficiency and effectiveness and share cross country information on best practices.

    • Process & Project Engineer
      Aug 2004 - Jan 2009 · 4 yrs 6 mos

      - Led Six Sigma projects to improve and control processes, meeting customer requirements and delivering productivity gains in operations.