Bios - Key Management Staff
Empire Precision's employees' broad backgrounds bring a wide perspective to our company
Neal P. Elli
President
After developing a strong track record in Industrial Sales, Project Management and General Management with technically oriented engineered projects, Neal started Empire Precision with Rick Wilson in 1992. Staff includes direct reports in manufacturing, finance, engineering, quality assurance and materials management. As an optimistic active manager in a team-driven environment, the company President must be the catalyst for process and quality improvements in our fast paced environment and customer oriented company.
Education: B.S.in Biology from St. John Fisher College (1980). Neal has made technical presentations for SPE & AG Research Technical Conferences on Micro Molding and is a member of the SPE.
Rick Wilson
Vice President Engineering / Advance Project Team
After completion of his Journeyman certification in mold making in 1984, Rick continued his career as a mold maker at Erdle manufacturing, a small mold making shop in Rochester, NY. He advanced his position to foreman, then general manager. In 1992 Rick started Empire Precision Plastics with partner Neal Elli. Rick maintained his position as general manager at Erdle manufacturing until 1998 when Empire and Erdle merged and moved into a common facility.
As Vice President of Engineering Rick helps create a team-driven environment in which Empire’s management is empowered to make decisions that will help carry Empire to a prosperous future.
Rick’s day to day responsibilities include cost estimating for tooling and parts, and acting as a technical resource for the management team. Rick also leads the Advance Project Team in supporting our new and existing customers with sales and engineering resources.
Mark Trudeau
Director of Operations
Mark has enjoyed over 20 years in equipment manufacturing that included Eastman Kodak (Injection Molding, Stampings, Springs, Sheet Metal, Painting and Finishing, Powdered Metals, NC Machining, and Assembly) and Empire Precision. As a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Mark has utilized, presented, and trained many topics including Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Design of Experiments, Scientific Molding Principles, Process Monitoring and Control, Statistics, DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ, APQP, and Process Optimization. Some of his most notable accomplishments have included Research and Development of Medical Devices, Development and registration of entire Quality Systems (ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and TS 16949), Co-development of the Six Sigma Black Belt Philosophy (Motorola, 1991), Injection Molding Process Control/Monitoring development and utilization (Hunkar, RJG, WonderWare, Shotscope, Plantstar), and numerous process-product optimizations. International experience includes Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
Education: BS in Mathematics from Michigan Technological University (1986); MS in Statistics from Michigan State University (1988); Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Motorola University (1992); Certified Internal Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and TS16949; ASQ Certification in several areas.
Diane Lannon
Customer Service, Production Coordinator
Di has 18 years experience in Injection Molding, the last 12 years as a Production Coordinator and Customer Service Representative. Di manages Empire's Customer Service, Scheduling, and Purchasing, and responsibilities include one-on-one communication with Customers and Suppliers, part quoting, planning, forecasting, and expediting orders. Both current and prospective customers are encouraged to call DI with any questions, as Customer Satisfaction is Di's highest priority.
Education: Formal instruction in Multiple ERP systems, Customer EDI systems, Performance Management, and Quality Management Systems. Certified Internal ISO Auditor.
Markus Lettau
Applications Specialist / Sales Engineer / Project Management Team
Markus has spent over 15 years in the injection molding industry. He started his plastics and manufacturing experience working in his father’s custom injection molding facility in Ohio. After the sale of his father’s company he started an apprenticeship at Engel Machinery. He later accepted a position as a Technology Center Manager and worked with leading technology companies in implementing advanced injection molding applications and manufacturing techniques. Working with foremost equipment and application companies such as Engel and Arburg he developed a strong technical background for process technology and specialized applications in the plastic industry. During his time at Arburg as a Regional Sales Manager he achieved recognition as a valuable resource in helping injection molders to provide value for their customers through intelligent application of technology.
As an Application Specialist and Sales Engineer Markus works as the initial customer contact for the Project Management Team and begins the process of achieving customer goals for their product.
Bill Nash
Applications Specialist / Sales Engineer / Project Management Team
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As an Application Specialist and Sales Engineer Bill works as the initial customer contact for the Project Management Team and begins the process of achieving customer goals for their product.
Matt Schiavi
Senior Project Manager
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As a Senior Project Manager, Matt works within the Project Management Team and facilitates all steps of the project until the project is complete.
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Paul Carney
Senior Project Manager
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As a Senior Project Manager, Paul works within the Project Management Team and facilitates all steps of the project until the project is complete.
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Chris Judd
Director of Quality
Chris has 25 years experience in Quality Management and Quality Systems. Chris's responsibilities include managing Empire's Quality Management System (ISO registrations), and directing the Quality Department in driving Quality, ON-Time Delivery, and Customer Satisfaction. Chris is instrumental in New Product Development, Statistics, Engineering Inspection, IQ/OQ/PQ, APQP, and Manufacturing Quality support.
Education: Advanced Avionics and Ground Support Systems on F-15 fighter jets (United States Air Force); Certified Internal ISO Auditor; ASQ Certifications include CQM, CQE, and CMI. Quality Management Coursework at Rochester Institute of Technology and Monroe Community College.
Kathleen S. Elli
Controller
Kathy had worked for both Fortune 500 and privately-held manufacturing companies before joining Empire Precision in August 1999. Her primary focus at Empire has been to oversee the implementation and maintenance of the company’s ERP system, cost accounting and profit reporting processes, human resource management, and office administration. Kathy is an active participant of Empire’s Senior Management Team and enjoys working with her peers to drive process and quality improvement projects. Her staff includes accounting, information technology, and administrative resources.
Education: B.S. in Accounting from St. John Fisher College. Kathy is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New York.
Gary Oliver
Senior Process Engineer
Gary has over 27 years of processing experience in injection molding, which included Eastman Kodak Company and Fisher Price. Gary's responsibility includes Scientific Molding, Root Cause Analysis, Review of Tool Design, selection of materials for new products, Mold Flow Analysis, and on-site training for all these applications. Experience also includes multi-shot technology (rotating platens, lift & turn plates, and robotic placing of parts), Clean room applications, automatic rejection systems, valve gating, and process documentation. International experience includes Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
Education: Gary is also an Assistant Professor at Erie Community College, teaching some courses in Injection Molding Processing and Scientific Molding Principles. Other coursework included Polymer Science, Troubleshooting Hydraulic Equipment, RJG Processing, and some coursework at Penn State University.