Thomas Ku

Director of Operations

Goodyear, Arizona, United States

About

Seasoned executive with 30 years of manufacturing experience in multiple industries.... rigid food packaging, flexible packaging, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. Experienced in LEAN by ways of implementing continuous improvement projects with a proven track record of rapid results and EBITDA improvement. Highly effective in developing sustainable strategies to improve operational efficiencies. Fluent in the development of strong accountability management TEAMS. Recognized as an effective leader who leads by example and fosters employee engagement.

Experience

  • Director of Operations at Schoeller Allibert North America
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • Sr. Operations Manager at AMCOR RIGID PACKAGING
    Feb 2022 - Jan 2024 · 2 yrs

  • Plant Manager at Berry Global, Inc.
    Jul 2017 - Jan 2022 · 4 yrs 7 mos

    • Re-aligned employee talent utilization and accountabilities to drive World Class Performance • Developed multiple Kaizen Teams to improve equipment and mold efficiencies along with Kaizen Scrap Reduction Team and Kaizen Cycle Time Reduction Team • Re-ignited Safety and Quality Programs • Renegotiated resin purchase agreements in driving a 7% cost reduction initiative • Enhanced employee engagement and empowerment to further improve facility Culture • Introduced 6S program to drive safety, organization and housekeeping • Enhanced customer satisfaction via developing close communication and business relationships • Developed 2018 Budget and CapX along with Cost Reduction Initiatives to improve by EBITDA by 20% • Full P&L responsibility to exceed budgeted EBITDA (Mutual separation)

  • Plant Manager at Inteplast Group
    Sep 2012 - Jun 2017 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    Through three divisions—AmTopp, Integrated Bagging Systems (IBS), and World-Pak— Inteplast manufactures a synergistic and diverse product line that includes stretch films, BOPP films, plastic bags, PVC sheets, and virgin pellets. Inteplast is recognized as the top 3 North American Film Manufacture with +$2B in annual revenue. Responsibilities include the establishment and start-up of their first West Coast facility.

  • Director of Operations at Precision Science
    Aug 2010 - Sep 2012 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Precision Science is a leader in the manufacturing of FDA regulated PHARMACEUTICALS as well as EPA products in the animal healthcare industry with an annual sales of $20MM. Responsibilities are as follows; Ensuring FDA/EPA compliant manufacturing, Developing and leading the manufacturing operation including manufacturing, supply chain/materials, shipping/receiving and facilities departments as well as ensuring cGMP compliance of the roles, activities and proceedings of all assigned manufacturing personnel. Majority of orders are custom made to order. Managed 4 direct reports and 25 indirects.