Franc Wiedmer

About Franc Wiedmer

I keep critical systems running in environments where maintenance, quality, and safety aren\'t separate functions—they\'re all part of the same system.Over 20+ years in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturing, I\'ve learned that the best maintenance programs don\'t just fix equipment. They prevent downtime, maintain compliance, and keep people safe—all at the same time. In GMP-regulated environments, you can\'t think about one without considering the others.What I bring to the table:My background spans the full spectrum of regulated manufacturing. I\'ve managed facilities and maintenance teams at Edwards Lifesciences supporting medical device production, ran a sq ft multi-lab research facility at Virginia Tech, and led cleanroom operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing at Perkin Elmer. Each role reinforced the same truth: when maintenance, quality, and safety work together as one integrated system, everything runs better and costs less.I\'m the person who can look at a preventative maintenance schedule and already be thinking about audit documentation, lockout/tagout procedures, and how to minimize production impact. I speak operations, quality, and EHS fluently, which means I can translate between departments, make decisions that don\'t create new problems while solving old ones, and help leadership understand trade-offs across all three areas.The work that energizes me- Building preventative maintenance programs that actually prevent problems- Troubleshooting complex HVAC and environmental control systems- Managing projects where getting it right means keeping operations running, staying compliant, and maintaining safety- Working with cross-functional teams to solve problems that don\'t fit neatly into one department- Designing systems and processes that make everyone\'s job easierMy approach:I believe maintenance is ultimately about enabling operations. Whether that\'s coordinating a facility relocation without disrupting 22 research labs, qualifying a Class cleanroom, or implementing environmental monitoring systems, the goal is the same: keep critical work happening safely and within regulatory requirements.I hold a Master\'s in Biotechnology from Northwestern and a Bachelor\'s in Chemistry from Colby College. I\'m trained in First Aid/CPR/AED, Mental Health First Aid, ICS 100, and Hazardous Waste Management. Fluent in English and French.Let\'s connect if you\'re working in regulated manufacturing and believe, like I do, that maintenance, quality, and safety are really all part of the same conversation.

Experience

1. Senior Facilities Manager

   Kraft Heinz

   Mar 2026 — Present

Education

• Northwestern University

  M.S., Biotechnology

• Colby College

  B.A., Chemistry, ACS certified

• Colby College

  Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry