2012 Leader Under 40: Cody Rhodes-Dawson, 31
Assistant Plant Manager, Waupaca Foundry Inc. (Plant 5), Tell City, Ind.
Plant Engineering
Cody Rhodes-Dawson, 31
Assistant Plant Manager, Waupaca Foundry Inc. (Plant 5), Tell City, Ind.
Years at Waupaca Foundry Inc.: 8
Education: BS Metallurgical Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology; MBA, University of Tennessee
Cody’s contributions
“Due to advanced education, and stellar analytical and organizational skills, it was quickly recognized that Cody had an advanced capability and she was promoted to quality manager for the Etowah Plant,” said Bruce Tesch, plant manager at the Waupaca Foundry plant in Tell City, Ind. (Plant 5). “Her leadership skill was very apparent upon arrival at the Tell City plant and she has fast-tracked through the managerial ranks since—holding positions of increasing influence as quality manager, production manager of ductile operations, manager of gray ductile operations, and assistant plant manager. Cody has been a key component in reducing quality costs by half and helping lead a 30% increase in overall productivity. Cody has proven capable of further advancements in the near future.”
Why a career in manufacturing?
“I chose a career in manufacturing because there are many opportunities to develop into multiple paths with an engineering background. Starting with an engineering degree, I was able to get my foot in the door to Waupaca Foundry as a metallurgical engineer, but was then transferred into production roles and now to management. Manufacturing provides an environment where you are able to work with a diverse group of people and actually try out your ideas on the floor in real time, versus imagining and not being able to see the outcome. I hope to continue down the manufacturing path!”
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2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.