FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Contact: Robynn Albert, Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
VMEC News Release – VMEC Hires Three Advisors to its staff
Randolph Center, Vermont – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) is pleased to announce the addition of Louis Prue, Brett Ference and Keri Bullivant to its staff.
Louis Prue began his role of Professional Manufacturing & Business Growth Advisor at VMEC in April 2022 after a variety of work experiences at Vermont manufacturers. He’s held operational roles including Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Quality Manager and Director of Operations. He has been on a Lean journey for over 20 years. His work experience ranges from a small start-up to a large aerospace manufacturer. As a collaborative leader, Louis enjoys identifying challenges and improving processes with functional teams.
Originally from northeastern Vermont, Louis moved to Burlington for college and stayed. He studied business management and earned degrees from both Champlain and Trinity Colleges. As a lifelong learner he immerses himself in Lean philosophies, advancing that knowledge with every position he has held. Louis can be reached at [email protected] or (802) 363-7229.
Brett Ference, Director of Business Development and Business Advisor, joined VMEC in May 2022 bringing with him over 20 years of experience developing and managing product lines across a wide range of categories and business sectors. He has implemented new products and manufacturing techniques around the globe in regulated industries including the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and healthcare. Brett applies a systems-driven approach to understanding processes and interdependencies allowing him to work successfully across supply chains with both large and small companies He has contributed to business growth at VT companies and other familiar brands including The Orvis Company, Duluth, DR Power, and Century Arms.
Brett is a graduate of the University of Montana and resides in Bristol, Vermont. He can be reached at [email protected] or (802) 779-2709.
Keri Bullivant joined VMEC as a part-time Professional Manufacturing & Business Growth Advisor in January 2022. She has over 20 years experience working for numerous manufacturers across Vermont with leadership roles in both manufacturing and front office areas. Starting as an applications engineer, she experienced a complete Lean transformation early in her career with Husky Injection Molding. That experience coupled with her drive to always be improving her own work processes and those around her spurred her career onto the path of continuous improvement.
Keri maintained a relationship with VMEC throughout her career, becoming proficient in Lean concepts, value stream mapping, TWI, set-up reduction, 5S, Kata and more. Originally from Vermont, Keri earned her bachelor degree in electro-mechanical engineering from VTC in 1998. She can be reached at [email protected] or (802) 777-8597.
About VMEC: Part of the nationwide MEP National Network™ and hosted by Vermont Technical College since 1995, VMEC operates as a not-for-profit with a primary mission “To strengthen and empower Vermont manufacturers.” A local resource and trusted adviser to enterprises of all sizes, the VMEC team brings world-class expertise in consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation support, training and education for leaders and workers. Through the VMEC PSG business unit, on a selected basis, VMEC also brings its process, strategy and innovation expertise to non-manufacturing businesses, non-profits, healthcare, higher education, and government sectors in Vermont. VMEC provides proven systems and solutions focused on strategies, processes, products, technologies and people.
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