Plant Manager

Lacks Forgeline, LLC designs and manufactures premium forged aluminum custom racing and performance wheels for demanding motorsports applications and discerning enthusiasts. For over 30 years, the company has applied deep racing experience to building wheels that meet extreme performance, strength, and safety requirements. In-house engineering and manufacturing in Dayton, OH enable highly flexible vehicle fitments, wheel sizing, and custom finishes, including one-off designs for prototypes and show cars. The company’s reputation is built on consistent quality, performance, and responsive customer service supported by a dedicated, hands-on team.

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across our production facility.

Position Summary

This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in Dayton, Ohio. Reporting directly to the President, Lacks Forgeline, LLC, the Plant Manager is responsible for leading all day-to-day operations of the manufacturing facility. This position oversees CNC machining, grinding, powder coating, assembly, quality, maintenance, and shipping/receiving functions while ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong technical knowledge of CNC machining and precision manufacturing who can effectively lead teams, improve processes, and maintain the exceptional quality standards that define the Forgeline brand.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead all plant operations including CNC machining, grinding, powder coating, assembly, quality, maintenance, and shipping/receiving.
• Execute production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Update and manage production schedules daily.
• Ensure optimal utilization of equipment, tooling, fixtures, materials, and labor resources.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement actions to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Coordinate new product introductions, wheel programs, and custom orders with engineering and sales teams.

 Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organization.

 Quality Management

• Maintain strict quality standards for cosmetic and dimensional requirements of premium forged wheels.
• Oversee inspection processes including CMM, SPC, visual inspections, runout testing, balance verification, and finish quality evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with customer, internal, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead corrective actions, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 Equipment and Maintenance

• Ensure preventative maintenance programs are executed and maintained for CNC equipment, powder coating systems, and facility support equipment.
• Minimize downtime through proactive maintenance planning and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades as needed.

 Continuous Improvement

• Improve throughput, reduce scrap, and increase overall operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Implement best practices and process improvements throughout the facility.

 Leadership and Team Development

• Provide strong leadership and hands-on shop-floor presence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively across departments to align priorities and achieve business objectives.
• Manage staffing levels based on production requirements.
• Interview, hire, train, and develop team members.
• Administer attendance and performance management programs.
• Conduct performance reviews and address performance concerns when necessary.