“Input facts. Find patterns. Output fixes.”
Robert “Bob” Kniss is a seasoned manufacturing executive, engineer, and turnaround specialist whose career spans more than five decades of leadership across the automotive, plastics, coatings, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Renowned for his practical leadership style and relentless focus on operational excellence, Bob has built a reputation as a problem solver capable of transforming underperforming organizations into profitable, high-performing enterprises. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated that thoughtful strategy, technical expertise, and hands-on leadership can deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Bob’s professional journey began on the manufacturing floor, where he quickly distinguished himself through his deep curiosity about processes, materials, and operational systems. His early roles in engineering and plant operations allowed him to develop a rare combination of technical insight and business acumen. Over time, he assumed increasing responsibility across operations, engineering, and management functions, eventually leading entire facilities and multi-site organizations. These formative experiences shaped Bob’s belief that the best leaders understand operations at every level and remain closely connected to the teams executing the work.
Over the course of his career, Bob has held senior leadership roles with major automotive and industrial manufacturers including United Technologies Automotive, ITT Automotive, and Dott Manufacturing. In these positions, he managed large-scale production environments involving injection molding, extrusion, painting systems, assembly operations, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His leadership consistently delivered improvements in production efficiency, quality performance, and cost control. Under his direction, several facilities achieved industry-leading operational metrics while strengthening relationships with global automotive manufacturers.
Bob’s leadership impact is perhaps most visible in his success as a turnaround executive. At Plastic Research Corporation, where he served as Chief Operating Officer, he orchestrated one of the most dramatic growth transformations in the company’s history. By redesigning product development strategies, strengthening supply chain systems, and implementing disciplined operational processes, Bob helped scale revenue from approximately $5 million to more than $100 million in less than four years. The company rapidly became the largest manufacturer of plastic lattice worldwide and a leading global structural foam molder.
Throughout his career, Bob has also demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit. As founder and owner of Plasti-Paint, Inc., he designed and built a state-of-the-art Class-A painting operation serving major OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers. His leadership helped establish the company as the leading painting supplier for John Deere while also serving prominent brands such as General Motors, Ford, Bombardier, and Arctic Cat. This experience reinforced his ability to combine engineering innovation with business development and operational leadership.
Later, Bob founded Aqua Graphics, a full-service manufacturing company specializing in hydrographics and advanced coating systems for automotive and consumer products. As Owner and General Manager, he oversaw all aspects of the business including engineering, operations, quality, sales, and financial management. Under his leadership, the company developed innovative finishing technologies used by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers worldwide. This venture further strengthened Bob’s reputation as both a technical innovator and a strategic business builder.
In 2002, Bob established BK & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm focused on interim leadership, engineering management, and manufacturing turnarounds. Through this firm, he has supported organizations across North America and internationally, assisting companies in resolving operational challenges, improving production systems, and restoring profitability. His clients have included globally recognized manufacturers such as Magna, Grupo Antolin, Summit Polymers, and Revere Plastics. In each engagement, Bob’s disciplined approach to problem-solving has helped companies stabilize operations and position themselves for long-term growth.
Bob’s expertise extends far beyond traditional manufacturing operations. Over the years he has developed deep knowledge in lean manufacturing, financial analysis, product development, logistics systems, and supply chain management. He has also been instrumental in the design and engineering of automated paint systems used across the automotive industry. His innovations have been recognized through industry publications and technical contributions that helped establish new standards for efficiency and environmental performance in coating systems.
Internationally, Bob has worked extensively with global manufacturing organizations, collaborating with teams in Germany, France, China, Mexico, Hungary, England, and South Korea. These experiences have strengthened his understanding of global supply chains, cross-cultural leadership, and international manufacturing strategies. His ability to align diverse teams around operational goals has allowed him to successfully lead projects and manufacturing initiatives across multiple continents.
Beyond his operational accomplishments, Bob is deeply committed to mentoring teams and building organizations grounded in trust, accountability, and shared purpose. He believes that great companies succeed by inspiring motivated individuals rather than attempting to create motivation through pressure. This philosophy has helped him build strong teams capable of solving complex problems and sustaining performance improvements long after major transformations have been completed.
Bob’s leadership excellence has been widely recognized throughout the industry. During his career, he was personally honored twice as the “Best Plant Manager” within the automotive divisions of two different Fortune 100 companies. His peers, financial partners, and industry colleagues frequently describe him as one of the most effective turnaround executives in manufacturing. These accolades reflect not only his technical and strategic abilities but also the integrity and work ethic that define his leadership approach.
Today, Bob seeks to apply his decades of experience to board and advisory roles where he can help organizations navigate growth, operational challenges, and strategic transformation. Having spent a lifetime solving complex manufacturing problems, he is motivated by the opportunity to share his knowledge with the next generation of leaders. For Bob, board service represents a natural extension of his career—a chance to continue contributing to businesses while helping them achieve sustainable success and profitability.
At his core, Bob Kniss is a builder of organizations, a champion of operational excellence, and a leader who believes that the most effective solutions are often found by combining data-driven analysis with practical experience on the factory floor. His legacy is defined not only by the companies he has helped transform but by the teams he has empowered to achieve lasting success.
Character:
Bob demonstrates unwavering integrity and accountability in every leadership role he undertakes. He believes that strong character is the foundation of trust, which is essential for building high-performing teams and successful organizations. His commitment to fairness, transparency, and responsibility has earned him respect from employees, executives, and partners across the manufacturing industry.
Knowledge:
With more than five decades of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and operational leadership, Bob possesses an extraordinary depth of technical and business knowledge. He understands the complex relationships between production systems, financial performance, and organizational culture. This knowledge allows him to diagnose operational challenges quickly and design practical, results-oriented solutions.
Strategic:
Bob approaches business challenges with a strategic mindset that balances long-term vision with immediate operational improvements. He has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to transform struggling operations into profitable enterprises by aligning engineering innovation, operational discipline, and market opportunity. His strategic thinking enables organizations to move beyond short-term fixes and achieve sustainable growth.
Communication:
Throughout his career, Bob has excelled at communicating complex operational and strategic concepts in ways that resonate with teams at every level of an organization. He believes effective communication begins with listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and building consensus around shared goals. His ability to articulate clear direction and inspire confidence has made him a trusted leader in both corporate and consulting environments.
