James was the Director of Lean Six Sigma for Omnex and a senior consultant implementing Lean Manufacturing and Quality Improvement Technologies. He has led many quality management system implementations including Kavlico and Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas. He was a certified Federal Mogul APQP and FMEA trainer. He has led Lean and Six Sigma implementations in Thailand and India. He was the Lean Champion with Merck Industries and co-developed a company-wide Lean Tools web-based training program.

James has conducted benchmark assessments of Chinese manufacturers which supply products to fast growing Chinese automakers. The scope of these projects included world class development of 110 manufacturers throughout China. His team is also re-engineering the entire quality, operating, and logistics system of a large Chinese mainland automaker, which includes seven vehicle assembly plants.

James led a corporate-wide ISO/TS16949 development project for a major semiconductor company, including Asian headquarters in Singapore. He also led a corporate ISO/TS 16949 implementation for North America’s largest commercial truck and van equipment and installation manufacturer, with nine North American facilities.

At Ford Motor Company, James held various quality and production management positions at both the Wixom Assembly Plant (Home of Lincoln automobiles) and the Chicago Assembly Plant (Ford 500). At Wixom, he held various management positions in manufacturing and quality. As a Manufacturing Planning Specialist, James was primarily responsible for implementing the Area’s Value Stream Map; improving the capabilities of the UAW Continuous Improvement Work Groups (CIWG); successfully launching both minor and major vehicle model changeovers; rebalancing direct labor costs associated with model mix, volume changes, and cost objectives; and continuously driving out waste.

With actual production management experience in driving Lean Manufacturing, his shop floor experience is a major advantage in dealing with real issues in the plant. James successfully led the first Synchronous Manufacturing cell at General Motors (currently Delphi Plant 6 - Steering Columns and Controls), as well as, implemented the first pull system in the plant’s steering shroud paint department. He has worked in departments that include broaching, reaming, drilling, welding, punching, injection molding, semi-automatic and automatic assemblies, and water-based paint booths.

James is an ISO/TS 16949:2002 Supplier Auditor, as well as, a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. He received his training from Purdue University, Eastern Michigan University, General Motors Corporation, Packaging Corporation of America, and Ford Motor Company. He holds his Bachelor Degree in Organizational Leadership & Supervision from Purdue University, and is a Masters of Science Degree candidate in Quality from Eastern Michigan University.

Our associates have the experience and industry knowledge to effectively train your staff and consult on how to improve your quality system. If you have any questions about their qualifications, please call us at 770-517-7944 or by e-mail to Larry@WhittingtonAssociates.com.