Bart Kohel

Experience

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  Conwed Plastics

  Jan 2001 - Jul 2006

  Manager, Research & Development

  Spearheaded group management (2 engineers and 4 technicians), operating budget ($1M), opportunity prioritization (resource allocation and stage gates), product development portfolio, and intellectual property (trademarks and patents).

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  3M

  Jul 2006 - Jul 2023

  Provided technical leadership to expand 3M’s film production processes and product capabilities. Served as technical leader for multiple corporate priority growth and yield improvement projects to maximize short-term profitability. Implemented process improvements and new technologies to enhance manufacturing productivity and product quality.• Provided $1M/year purchased film savings opportunity by reducing unscheduled down time and increasing production rates on a wide, high-speed biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film line; ensured equipment was properly cleaned, maintained, and assembled during preventative maintenance activities.• Enhanced microreplication clean room air quality by developing modified room pressure controls and ensuring HEPA filters were working correctly to reduce product quality defect rates for consumer electronic display films. Show less Implemented product and process learnings worldwide to enhance product quality, productivity, and yield while reducing costs and increasing overall production capacity for silicone coated liners.• Increased tape product yield from 30% to 70% by developing new silicone liner specifications and modifying UV curing operating parameters, enabling $100M in first year sales for a critical new customer.• Enabled 40% capacity improvement and $1.6M/year labor and energy savings by modifying existing UV curing equipment on a production line, enabling an additional $25M in product sales growth opportunity. Show less Developed and commercialized new products and process technologies to improve product quality and enhance profitability for Home Care products.• Conceptualized, budgeted, and led modifications for 2 continuous cellulose sponge laminate processes, resulting in $900K/year savings with a 1.5-year return on investment while increasing product quality. • Reduced plant Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) wastewater emissions 30%, while exceeding 20% reduction commitment to the Ohio EPA and saving $350K/year in raw material. Show less Identified and led yield and productivity improvement projects to increase profitability for Home Care.• Reduced lint roller manufacturing costs $465K/year by implementing slitting improvements in extrusion, tramming extrusion line to eliminate web camber, and implementing bowed rollers at adhesive coating.• Improved cellulose sponge product yield 8% through installation of enhanced manufacturing processes, resulting in $1M/year savings while reducing electrical energy consumption an additional $240K/year. Show less

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technology Specialist - Film & Material Resource Division

    Jan 2018 - Jul 2023

  • Manufacturing Engineering Specialist - Adhesive Liner Manufacturing (IATD)

    May 2014 - Jan 2018

  • Manufacturing Technology Engineering Specialist - Home Care Division

    Apr 2010 - Apr 2014

  • Senior Manufacturing Technology Engineer - Home Care Division

    Jul 2006 - Sept 2011
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  KFI Engineers

  Aug 2023 - Jun 2024

  Senior Process Engineer
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  Andersen Corporation

  Jul 2024 - now

  Process Development Engineer - Coatings

  Process engineering for interior and exterior door coatings processes.