Biography
Tom Putnam has more than 30 years of professional experience. His work assignments have been in many diverse areas including tooling design, process engineering, business economics, maintenance systems, quality systems, quality planning, supplier quality and continuous improvement, incorporating Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. He also has participated in two manufacturing plant closures that included shifting production to other facilities, as well as establishing two additional "greenfield" manufacturing sites. Over the past 10 years, Putnam has served as the thought and training leader, and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt for The Timken Company, and most recently, The TimkenSteel Corporation. He has trained nearly 500 people in Lean Six Sigma methodology, including yellow belt, green belt and black belt levels while successfully leading or mentoring in excess of 75 projects. In addition, he has significant experience in customer warranty and claims investigations, and has taught other topics such as 5 Why analysis and problem solving techniques.
Putnam received an associate's degree in mechanical technology from Kent State University and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Akron. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.