Ronald E. Buford is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in operations, logistics, and industrial maintenance. Known for his loyalty, integrity, and dedication, Ronald has successfully transformed teams into high-performing units by fostering clear direction and consistency. His expertise spans lean manufacturing, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001 standards, and the reduction of product defects through the establishment of standards, controls, and continuous improvements.
Previously serving as Production Manager at Café Valley in Marion, IN, Ronald oversaw the installation of a new line configuration while exceeding production goals and maintaining over 100% attainment. His commitment to efficiency and collaboration enabled him to lead teams in reducing waste, enhancing line performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Prior to Café Valley, Ronald held leadership roles at companies like Ocean Spray, Gerdau, and Manchester Metals, where he demonstrated his ability to reduce operational costs, improve machine uptime, and enhance overall safety standards.
Ronald’s technical expertise includes 6 Sigma methodologies, cross-functional leadership, regulatory compliance, and asset management. His hands-on approach to problem-solving, coupled with his ability to implement sustainable cost-reduction strategies, has consistently delivered tangible results in complex manufacturing environments. His leadership in maintaining a zero OSHA recordable incident rate at Ocean Spray and improving machine uptime by over 35% at Gerdau are just two examples of his impactful career.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ronald is deeply involved in his community, serving as a Project Manager and Event Planner for Amvets, where he has organized successful events, leading to increased donations and community engagement. He is passionate about mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable operations.
Ronald holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Tech, a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, and a Computer Information System Certificate from the California Institute of Arts & Technology. His combination of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence makes him a distinguished leader in operations and manufacturing.
Character
Ronald E. Buford is a dedicated professional known for his loyalty and integrity, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing motivated teams. He emphasizes the importance of clear direction and consistency in fostering a positive workplace culture.
Knowledge
With over 30 years of experience in operations, logistics, and industrial maintenance, Ronald possesses deep expertise in lean manufacturing and regulatory compliance. He is skilled in implementing ISO standards and continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and reduce defects.
Strategic
Ronald’s strategic approach is evident in his ability to manage production configurations and enhance operational efficiencies, consistently exceeding performance targets. His leadership in cost reduction and asset management has led to significant improvements in machine uptime and safety standards across various organizations.
Communication
Ronald excels in fostering collaboration and open communication among cross-functional teams, ensuring that all departments work towards common goals. His experience in training and mentoring employees further enhances team dynamics and drives successful project outcomes.
