Stephan Vollmer

Job Rotation Program with STIHL Inc. International liaison between R&D and production, ensuring implementation of DFMA principles to new product designs. Evaluation of new design concepts including functional capability, manufacturability and assembly cost. Technical value and cost benefit analysis of new development projects.

Responsible for new product introductions and product lifecycle management of various outdoor power tools including trimmers, chain saws, blowers and combination tools. Management of continuous improvement projects utilising lean manufacturing techniques. Development of new manufacturing technologies in the fields of assembly (collaborative automation) as well as process, machining and tooling concepts. Creating strategic planning and budgeting input for short, medium, and long-term capital projects.

Responsible for the planning and design of new manufacturing plants as well as the design, optimization and installation of new equipment in North American and European factories. Scheduled and tracked projects from initial capital planning phase start-up phase. Provided on-site supervision and start-up assistance to confirm equipment was installed safely, on-time, and within pre-determined budgets.

Researched and developed high performance exterior clear coat systems. Responsible for the design, execution and statistical analysis of experiments. Facilitated the completion of factory planning courses as teaching assistant. Consulted students in the definition of manufacturing processes, selection of equipment, design of factory layouts and improvement of material flows.

Analyzed the material handling processes of the company’s warehouse. Optimized workflows and decreased handling times by developing and connecting a new inventory management system with state-of-the-art material handling and identification equipment.

Assisted with the planning of a new kitchen factory under lean management principles. Defined manufacturing processes, determined staff and machine requirements, designed plant layouts and optimized product and material flows.

Research and development of high performance exterior clear coat systems.