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About the Consultants
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| James (Jim) L. Oswald |
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Career Summary
Extensive, diversified and successful experience in automotive industry powertrain operations.
Expert knowledge of program planning, casting manufacturing processes, and product design for manufacture.
Strong record in leading cross-functional specialists in the analysis of all available processes and in
establishing new strategic direction.
Demonstrated ability to build trust relationships and lead a team in accomplishing common program objectives.
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Selected Leadership Accomplishments
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Directed a benchmarking study of two independent grey iron automotive
component foundries which produce identical products. This resulted in
significant quality, cost, and production improvements in the client's
casting and machining facility in Mexico.
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Led a cross-functional team of 30 engineers and scientists
in order to find the assignable causes and cures to prevent catastrophic engine failures. This action
led to a patented casting production process to improve the strength of all Ford aluminum cylinder blocks.
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Managed an insourcing action with a dedicated team of engineers
and production supervisors to design, launch, and operate a new ductile iron casting production facility
which enhanced Ford's position in the automotive casting industry in Europe.
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Led a dedicated team of casting specialists that improved the
casting prototype processes, improved plant safety, and reduced cost and timing at Ford's Windsor Aluminum
Casting Process Development Center.
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Led an engineering team that developed the aluminum V8 and V6 engine
block castings product design for manufacturability for Ford and Yamaha. These actions led to a best-in-class
launch with the lowest casting machine scrap and leak rates in the history of Ford Powertrain Operations.
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Directed a benchmarking study of Ford transmission case casting
suppliers and their processes. Recommended changes, developed new industry cornerstones, and implemented
change in the casting supply base to Ford Motor Company's Transmission Operations.
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Trained and developed the engineering and production resources for
3 separate Ford gray iron and ductile iron casting plants. These efforts resulted in improved safety, quality,
cost, productivity, and human resources expertise at each location.
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Patents and Awards
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United States Patent #5,584,334; Methods for increasing strength of cast aluminum components;
Granted in 1996, Production implementation at Ford in 1999.
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Ford Powertrain Technical Achievement Award, 1997 |
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Ford Powertrain Plant Safety Award, 1996. |
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Ford Powertrain Quality Award, 1995. |
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4 unique Ford Casting Operations Excellence Awards related to aluminum cylinder block design and manufacture, 1994. |
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Ford Powertrain Customer Driven Quality Award, 1993. |
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Career Progression
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J. L. Oswald & Associates, Detroit, MI |
1999 - Present |
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Independent Consultant to the Automotive Casting Industry
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Ford Motor Company, Powertrain Operations, Dearborn, MI |
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Casting Liaison, Pre-program and Production Engineering
Automatic Transmission Operations, Livonia, MI
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1996 - 1999
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Engineering/Facility Manager
Casting Process Development Center, Windsor, Ontario
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1994 - 1996 |
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Team Leader V8 and V6 Aluminum Engine Blocks
Casting Operations, Dearborn, MI
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1992 - 1994 |
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Technical / Program Manager, Nodular Iron Insourcing Program
Leamington Plant, England
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1989 - 1992 |
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Senior Metallurgical Process Engineer
Casting Operations, Dearborn, MI
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1988 - 1989 |
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Business Planner
Casting Operations, Dearborn, MI
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1985 - 1988 |
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Forging Process and Quality Engineer
Vulcan Forge, Dearborn, MI
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1984 - 1985 |
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Melting and Casting Process Engineer
Windsor Casting Plant, Windsor, Ontario
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1983 - 1984 |
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SKW Alloys, Detroit Regional Office, Detroit, MI |
1981 - 1983 |
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Automotive Regional Sales and U.S. Foundry Technical Liaison Manager
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Ford Motor Company, Casting Division, Dearborn, MI |
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Melt and Finish Senior Process Engineer
Michigan Casting Center, Flat Rock, MI
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1978 - 1981 |
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Process, Materials and Quality Engineer
Casting Division, Dearborn, MI
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1976 - 1978 |
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Northfield Manufacturing, Livonia, MI |
1975 - 1976 |
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Owner / Partner of prototype casting facility
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Ford Motor Company, Casting Division, Dearborn, MI |
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Laboratory Supervisor; Melt, Mold and Core Areas
Michigan Casting Center, Flat Rock, MI
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1973 - 1975 |
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Laboratory Engineer
Michigan Casting Center, Flat Rock, MI
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1972 - 1973 |
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General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI |
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Metallurgical Laboratory Technician
Detroit Diesel Allison, Redford, MI
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1969 - 1972 |
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Education
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M.B.A. |
Executive MBA Program - Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI |
1988 |
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B.S. |
Technical Education - Wayne State University, Detroit, MI |
1974 |
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A.S. |
Material Science - Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MI |
1970 |
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Cast-Tech.com : The Source for Casting Technology Consulting Services
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