Robert Ferraraccio

Independent consultant with experience in manufacturing, R&D, new product development, material & equipment sourcing, laboratory management, process improvement (Kaizen & Six-Sigma), documentation (ISO 9001) and training. Worked in sanitaryware, brick, tableware, tile and electronics in the US and overseas. Consultant works with owners, engineers, potters and marketing departments to understand and solve issues. Consultant is willing to get dirty. BS in Ceramic Engineering, minor Art History MBA, cum laude. A detailed CV and references are available upon request.

Services include: Raw material optimization, mold making, body formulation, glaze formulation, forming (pressing, extrusion, slip casting, etc), drying, glaze application (bell, disc, spray, etc.), kiln design, kiln processes and improvement (fast and "slow" fire), Kaizen, TPM, TQM, ISO 9001 documentation and implementation, QC setup and control, R&D, SPC, and FMEA. Collection and analysis of data, creating and presenting recommendations that generate positive cash flow, training of associates in lean manufacturing and business practices, product design, process design, equipment and raw material sourcing, integrating new products into production, database and report design.

Over 25 years of ceramic manufacturing experience and over 15 years of consulting experience working with domestic and international ceramic manufacturers such as: Kohler, Lenox China, Ceramic Antique/Walker Zanger, Pratt & Larson, Red Rock Tileworks, Heath Ceramics, Encore Ceramics, Wizard Enterprise, Arto Brick & California Pavers, and others. I am knowledgeable in working with almost all of the raw materials available today and an expert in various forming (slip, RAM press, dry press, extruding), glaze application (bell, spray, dip, pour) and firing processes (fast, slow, gas, electric).