It's hard to be a manufacturer today. You're trying to optimize and squeeze every bit of value out of your operations while empowering and creating an engaging workforce! Join Mark Whitten, the Director of Operations for Martinrea International, as he dives into his key actionable steps for engaging unlocking your manufacturing workforce
Presenter
Mark Whitten
Director of Operations, USA
Mark started his career in class 8 heavy trucks with Freightliner in 1992 at their St Thomas, Ontario truck plant. After 4 years, he joined CAMI Automotive, a joint venture automotive assembly plant with General Motors and Suzuki. In 2000, he joined Magna International’s metal forming group, Cosma International. His career with Magna spawn 15 years and included assignments in Canada, USA and Mexico. Over that time Mark held multiple positions including continuous improvement leader, quality manager, assistant general manager and general manager.
In 2016, Mark joined Martinrea International, a Tier 1 automotive supplier as general manager in their Shelbyville Kentucky facility. In 2018 he moved to Director of Operations for the US facilities. In his current role, he supports multiple sites in different states, including union and non-union facilities, with a total employee headcount of more than 2500.
Mark is a very passionate leader, who believes in, and subscribes to a servitude leadership approach. In 2017 he started sharing his message on leadership, employee engagement and culture through conferences and contributing articles to IndustryWeek magazine. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the power of an engaged workforce, and the resulting correlation to overall business results.