Bill Knable

As CEO of Grand Traverse Plastics, I am commanding a growing organization through a volatile automotive landscape. By focusing on VA/VE initiatives and strategic supply partnerships, we have secured strong financial performance, industry recognition, and resiliency.

A leading global manufacturer of electrical interconnect systems for a wide variety of applications across all major market sectors. • Full P&L and management responsibility for all functional activities within the Americas region • Member of the ERNI global leadership team • Successfully managed the turnaround activities for a significantly underperforming division • Managed the construction of the new greenfield production and headquarters facilities • Developed and executed new strategies, increasing sales and sales funnel significantly • Managed North American quality control and maintained industry certifications • Implemented a comprehensive CRM system with full ERP integration and Power BI interfaces • Developed local R&D team enabling product development and customer support regionally • Added new distribution channels for improved market penetration and increased digital footprint • Implemented a local marketing team to support regional sales, customers, and distributors • Modernized IT services to support new manufacturing operations, utilized cloud-based systems for improved performance, safety, and cost

A global automotive tier I and II manufacturer of electrical wire harnesses, battery management, electrical and electronic components, interior trim, injection molding, cut and sew technologies, full concept development, design, and engineering services. • Responsible for commercial business units • Managed staff in South Carolina, Michigan, California, and Mexico • Led new business units focused on electric car manufacturers in the United States and China • Exceeded financial targets year over year

• Relocated to China to manage the start-up of a new business unit • President and Executive Board Member for Dräxlmaier Automotive Components, China • Founded Customer Service and Engineering Center Anting, China, including site selections and construction activities to acquire new automotive business in the region • Recruited staff for a new business unit • Managed sales and business development activities for Asia and North America, to include strategic acquisitions, financial planning for the business units focusing on the Volkswagen Group and the US electric vehicle market

An automotive manufacturer of hydraulic, air conditioning, and brake lines, wholly owned by Yokohama Rubber • Responsible for sales and marketing, cost planning, program management, customer service, production scheduling, and Japanese expatriate sales staff • Developed sales plans, monitored market shares, and directed sales department • Coordinated all sales and marketing activities with global divisions to produce synergies in approach to common customers, including commercial, strategic planning, and project launches with other divisions in Japan, China, Thailand, and partnerships in Europe • Reorganized the sales and marketing department to accommodate transition from Japanese to American management

A manufacturer of acoustical, thermo-management, and interior trim components for the automotive industry • Responsible to investigate and implement new technologies to broaden product lines for the organization • Worked closely with vehicle design teams to increase profitability • Managed customer relationships for Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Aisin, Subaru, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Mercedes, BMW; and several Tier 1 and 2 customer accounts • Continually achieved specific profit levels throughout the project’s life cycle • Led cross function team to re-open a facility to support increased demand from existing customers

A Johnson Controls Joint Venture tier I and II supplier of automotive interior trim, seats, and door panels to the automotive industry

A manufacturer of products for the automotive industry