CHAMBER ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR THE 2019 MANUFACTURING DAY AWARDS

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR THE 2019 MANUFACTURING DAY AWARDS
 
The McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the recipients of the 2019 Manufacturing Day Awards at Bridgestone Learning Center on October 1, 2019.  The 2019 Manufacturing Day Awards recognize the important contributions the recipients have made to their employers, customers, and communities.
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“We are honored to recognize the 2019 Manufacturing Day Awards recipients.” said Paige Chastain, Vice President of Operations and Workforce Development of the McMinnville-Warren Chamber of Commerce “These awards were created to bring attention to the important contributions manufacturing employees make to their employers, customers, and communities. The recipients of these awards are invaluable assets to their company, and their teamwork, innovation, and community service are signs of true leadership.”

AWARD WINNERS:

Support Category
Medium Employer:

1. Newell Brands Maintenance Team

Tony Smedley – Lead Maintenance
Henry King – Maintenance Engineer
Thomas Colvard – Maintenance Technician
Sanford McBride – Maintenance Technician
Crockett McPeak – Maintenance Technician
Rex Aclipen – Maintenance Helper

2. Newell Brands Engineering Team

Mark Hedgecough – Manufacturing Engineer

3. Newell Brands Tool & Die Team

Wayne Nunley – Tool & Die Journeyman
Rickey Dean – Tool & Die Journeyman
Ethan Farmer – Tool & Die Journeyman
Brad Bolding – Tool & Die Journeyman
Thomas Harper – Tool & Die Journeyman
Darrell Morris - Machinist

Large Employer: Matt Bodnar, Project Engineer, Bridgestone
 
Production Category
Large Employer: Cody Wise, Operating Technician, Bridgestone
 
Enabling Category
Large Employer: Chris David, Business Support Specialist, Bridgestone
 
Photos of the reception and awards ceremony are posted at www.facebook.com/mwcchamber.
 
Full citations for the winners below:

Medium Employer Support: Newell Brands Maintenance, Engineering, and Tool & Die teams are working to utilize Mechatronics training and are embracing change and innovation. Newell has recently purchased tow ABB robots, and these teams are in the process of completing the work cells along with training in Mechatronics and robotics with an ABB specialist. They’ve made Newell Brands proud in how they’ve embraced change and opportunity and consistently worked together as a team. 

Large Employer Support:  Matt Bodnar is always looking for ways to improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of processes. In the past year, he has been a key resource in developing a new system for the tread tubers that eliminated a lot of operator frustration as well as eliminated as an aesthetic abnormality that resulted in rework. This new system has improved the plant’s processes, as well as helped the morale of teammates.

Additionally, Mr. Bodnar supports others on key projects not assigned in his area, oversees the power systems and maintenance upgrades, and works on issues with large warehouse, inventory systems, as well as other special projects. He is currently working closely with corporate headquarters’ in Japan on developing an electrical design for a new tire assembly machine to be installed in 2020 at the Warren plant.

Mr. Bodnar works to optimize flow throughout the plant and improve IT system reliability by focusing on how the curing AGVs function.  He’s also involved in long-term planning and serves as a resource for many other Bridgestone locations.

As a leader, he mentors the electrical engineering co-ops and junior electrical engineers.
Mr. Bodnar also consistently donates blood and has participated in several St. Jude marathons.
 
Large Employer Production: Cody Wise joined the Warren County truck and bus radial manufacturing facility team in 2002. He has consistently been an asset to the team and continues to prove himself a valuable contributor to the success of Bridgestone Warren. 

Mr. Wise has been a catalyst for improvements related to a project with the potential to improve efficiency and effectiveness. He has been instrumental in driving the project to completion. On this and other efforts, he has been a spokesperson, leading change among his peers. Mr. Wise is not reluctant to try new ideas and seek additional resources to ensure success.

Mr. Wise is also very active in the community.  He currently serves as vice-mayor of his local community in Grundy County, TN. In addition to his commitment to local government, he also enjoys supporting local youth sports and has a passion for vintage automobiles.
 
Large Employer Enabling: Bridgestone Warren had three different departments maintaining office supplies in different locations prior to Chris David sharing her ideas for improvement. The existing procedures often resulted in high inventory levels of the same items. Mrs. David’s project combined supplies in three departments to a single location, sharing space and cost. This resulted in a 60% reduction in space and a 50% reduction in stock held.

Mrs. David helps projects stay on track through her role as administrator of the plant's online job status board that a cross-functional team uses to manage priority and details of the work in each department. 
Mrs. David consistently assists and works with fellow teammates in groups or projects, such as Phase I Expansion Communications and budget support across functional areas. She is available to come in after-hours or on weekends, is always positive with a can-do attitude, helps new staff members get acclimated, and leads engineering team recognition efforts.

Mrs. David also volunteers time to give back to the community in the BEECH program and, coordinates the “Souper Bowl Party” at Bridgestone to raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank. She is secretary of the Board for Bratcher’s Crossroads Free Methodist Church, treasurer for the Warren County FFA Alumni, Warren County A&L Fair Board Member, and volunteers with Kids of the Community. 
 
For additional information about the 2019 Manufacturing Day Awards, contact Paige Chastain at pchastain@warrentn.com or 931-473-6611.