Zach Nelson

Sr Packaging Equipment Engineer @Schwan's Company

Chicago, IL, US

I use my equipment design expertise to turn packaging line nightmares into smooth, high‑uptime operations.What that looks like:• Lead automation trials: Scout, evaluate, and implement new automation equipment to increase uptime and throughput while reducing demands on labor.• Solve downtime mysteries: Identify root causes of downtime through data analysis and develop targeted interventions, leading to a 25% increase in OEE on critical lines.• Design new production lines: Collaborate with OEMs and plant teams to develop efficient, high-capacity production lines from concept to execution.• Evaluate OEM solutions: Vet and compare equipment manufacturers based on performance, durability, and ROI to find the best solutions for our production goals and quality standards.• Prove out new packaging formats: Test novel and eco-friendly packaging solutions that drive down conversion costs and increase the quality of our products for our customers, our factories, and the planet.• Lead innovation teams: Lead product development teams during all-company innovation challenges, leading to back-to-back awards for the best overall concept.

Illinois Institute of Technology

Bachelor's Degree