Problem Solver
Gary Gathen
Areas Gary Gathen is Knowledgeable in:
all kinds of manufacturing processes and tooling.
Techniques Gary Gathen Uses:
Lean thinking, theory of constraints, six sigma, TRIZ and many of my own creations: tricknology, manufracturing, solostorming, menschmarking, leanfrogging, waste addition method. I am also proficient in value stream mapping, pareto charting, cellular manufacturing and others.
Gary Gathen's Problem Solving Skills:
- productivity improvement
- transfer dies
- progressive dies
- material handling
- value stream mapping
- process mapping
- technical writing
- cryptanalysis
- discrete event simulation
- tool and die engineering
- sheet metal stamping
- plant layout
- lean manufacturing
- lean thinking
- process engineering
- plastic molds
- stamping
- machinist
- mechanical engineer
- industrial engineer
- tool and die designer
- tool and die maker
- theory of constraints
- six sigma
- leadtime reduction
- Gantt charting
- manufacturing process improvement
- Theory of Constraints
- Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
Gary Gathen's Problem Solving Experience:
- I give a variety of seminars and webinars on lean tool and die making and manufacturing processes..
- I have written several articles published in trade publications.
- I am a past service life member of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and have been involved in local chapter and national committees and was a member of the Detroit Chapter board of directors for 30 years.
- I am deeply involved in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and hold several titles in three technical communities and am a member of numerous tech groups.
- I have been involved in all aspects of tooling and manufacturing processes since 1952 on five continents, learning tricks of the trade from experts around the world.
- I can study a manufacturing process for a short period of time (several hours) and improve at least some aspects of the system, increasing yield.
- I have developed a Die Factory System which can reduce cost of tool and die making by up to 50% and lead time reduced by up to 75% employing lean manufacturing and a number of other methodologies. Tool and die includes stamping dies, plastic molds, fixtures, special machines, material handling equipment, prototypes, etc.
- I designed and supervised construction of a 27,000 sq ft tool and die plant in six months. It had central air conditiong, heavu cranes, and large tool and die machinery and tryout presses.
- I designed and build an observatory in my back yard for my telescope. It has a clam shell roof actuated by a DC powered winch with a block and tacle and a series of cables and pulleys..