HDPE pipe plant manager

 Experienced HDPE Pipe Plant Manager

Preston Hess

Accomplished manufacturing and operations executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience directing HDPE pipe extrusion manufacturing operations for industry-leading plastics manufacturers. Proven success leading greenfield plant startups, converting existing facilities into fully operational manufacturing plants, improving operational efficiency, developing high-performing production teams, and consistently achieving profitability while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.  Recognized for building manufacturing organizations from the ground up, implementing world-class safety and preventive maintenance programs, optimizing production throughput, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Extensive expertise includes plant operations, capital equipment installation, process optimization, inventory management, employee development, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, SOPs, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), ISO systems, and regulatory compliance.
 
CORE COMPETENCIES
  • Plant Operations Leadership
  • Greenfield Manufacturing Startups
  • HDPE Pipe Extrusion
  • Operational Excellence
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Safety Management Systems
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Capital Equipment Installation
  • Production Planning & Scheduling
  • Quality Assurance
  • Inventory Management
  • Employee Development
  • Team Leadership
  • Process Optimization
  • Cost Reduction
  • Manufacturing Profitability
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Professional Experience

Plant Manager
Elite Polymer Solutions / Atkore International
Lovelady, Texas
2019 – Present
Selected to lead the conversion of an existing building into a fully operational HDPE pipe manufacturing facility. Directed all aspects of plant startup including equipment installation, operational readiness, staffing, production systems, and safety program implementation.
  • Successfully converted an empty industrial building into a complete HDPE pipe manufacturing facility.
  • Directed installation of production lines, material handling systems, cooling systems, filtration systems, and plant infrastructure with minimal reliance on outside contractors.
  • Achieved profitability during the plant's first year of operation.
  • Implemented comprehensive plant safety, environmental, and quality management programs.
  • Established preventive maintenance systems that improved equipment reliability and production uptime.
  • Led hiring, training, coaching, and development of production personnel.
  • Managed production scheduling, inventory control, customer delivery coordination, and operational performance.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and Federal, State, and Local regulatory requirements.
 
Plant Manager
WL Plastics Inc.
Statesboro, Georgia
2016 – 2019
Directed all operations for a greenfield HDPE pipe manufacturing facility from startup through commercial production.
  • Led successful greenfield plant startup.
  • Achieved profitability during the facility's first year of operation.
  • Built and developed production, maintenance, and supervisory teams.
  • Implemented plant-wide safety, environmental, quality, and operational systems.
  • Improved production efficiency while maintaining customer quality requirements.
  • Directed inventory management, maintenance planning, and production scheduling.
 
Plant Manager
WL Plastics Inc.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
2012 – 2016
Provided operational leadership during startup and expansion of a new manufacturing facility.
  • Assisted with a successful Greenfield facility startup.
  • Helped achieve first-year profitability.
  • Directed daily manufacturing operations while maximizing productivity and quality.
  • Implemented preventive maintenance, safety, SOP, and JSA programs.
  • Supervised hiring, employee development, and workforce performance.
 
Production Manager / Safety Coordinator
WL Plastics Inc.
2008 – 2011
Managed daily production activities while overseeing company safety initiatives and employee development.
  • Coordinated manufacturing schedules and production performance.
  • Trained supervisors in extrusion operations, equipment setup, and employee leadership.
  • Managed plant safety training and regulatory compliance.
  • Coordinated maintenance activities to maximize equipment uptime.
  • Maintained production reporting and inventory accuracy.
 
Plant Manager
PolyPipe Inc.
Kimball, Nebraska
2004 – 2008
Directed all manufacturing operations for HDPE pipe production while leading plant safety, quality, maintenance, and workforce development initiatives.

  • Managed complete plant operations including production, maintenance, inventory, and staffing.
  • Implemented comprehensive safety and environmental compliance programs.
  • Improved manufacturing efficiency through preventive maintenance and operational planning.
  • Developed production teams while maintaining high product quality standards.
 
 
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 Sacred Heart High School
Muenster, Texas
High School Diploma
 
Professional Development
  • Over 20 years of manufacturing leadership experience managing teams of 20–50+ employees.
  • Extensive training in:
    • Lean Manufacturing
    • 5S Methodology
    • Safety Management Systems
    • Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
    • Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
    • Preventive Maintenance
    • Manufacturing Operations Leadership