DENVER, N.C. — Darlene Gardner has joined the team at Leonard Automatics as purchasing manager, the company reports.
Her duties will include building strong relationships with the company’s suppliers to reduce cost and inventory as well as to continue to streamline the ordering process, the firm writes.
Scott Abernathy, general manager, says that, “Darlene’s talent and wealth of experience will make a significant impact in Leonard’s supply chain management.”
Darlene gained experience in the manufacturing industry at companies including IBM and Solectron in the capacities of production supervisor, manufacturing manager and materials project manager, the company notes.
“I hope to be instrumental in broadening supplier partnerships,” says Gardner. “Also, I applaud the team that makes up this well-established company I represent with pride. It is a great and talented group of people working for Leonard Automatics,” she adds.
Her 27 years of experience in the industry gives her a vast knowledge of the supply chain, it further relates. In her former roles, “Darlene developed customer focus teams to get in touch with their specific needs.”
She recently worked with the company’s Steering Committee, it writes, to implement a KANBAN program. This system is a scheduling tool that is, “used in ‘lean processes’ and Just-In-Time inventory material replenishment to help improve production and reduce overall inventory.”
Gardner has certifications in Lean Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing. This, the company explains, “along with her experience in manufacturing, makes her a great fit for the role as purchasing manager.”
She is also part of the team that is preparing Leonard for ISO 9001 certification.
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